Background

    In 1988, a group of Korean War veterans in the Colorado Springs region gathered at the invitation of retired U.S. Army LTC Ellsworth "Dutch" Nelsen. Their primary purpose was friendship and camaraderie based on their experiences during the Korean War. Whereas World War II and Vietnam had numerous fraternal organizations, there were none for those who served in Korea. From these initial informal meetings, it was agreed that an organization should be formed, and it was named the Colorado Chapter, Korean War Veterans Association. It was, at that time, the only organization of Korean War veterans in the state of Colorado.

    In 1992, the membership voted unanimously to rename the chapter in honor of its founder, Dutch Nelsen. LTC (Ret.) Nelsen fought the first six campaigns of the Korean War and later retired at Fort Carson, CO as the Chief of Staff, 4th Infantry Division (M). He currently resides in Colorado Springs. 

    The Chapter's monthly newsletter, Chingu (Korean for 'friend'), is mailed to all paid members.

    The Dutch Nelsen Chapter meets the third Saturday of each month at the BPOE #309, 3400 North Nevada Avenue in Colorado Springs. For more information, contact our Chapter president or write:

   Dutch Nelsen Chapter, KWVA
1593 Cragin Road
Colorado Springs, CO 80920