Injured Veteran Receives Award from Denver Options

Denver Options recently honored Operation TBI Freedom (OTF) program graduate Jose Olivero with the Jack Morgan Compass Award. Jose, who is a veteran with traumatic brain injury (TBI), has been a strong advocate for Denver Options' Operation TBI Freedom program and his fellow veterans with TBI.

"We wanted to recognize Jose's continued willingness to help OTF and his peers and his willingness to fight for himself," explained OTF Program Manager Jennifer Anderson. "When I first met him three years ago, he was not nearly as outspoken as he is now. He has been a loyal advocate for our program, and I've seen his skills grow as an advocate for himself and his friends. He's never turned down an opportunity to speak on behalf of Operation TBI Freedom, and he does so in spite of his own physical challenges, as well as obstacles of time and distance."

In addition to Jose's advocacy for OTF, he also cofounded a support group for veterans with TBI with fellow OTF program graduate Patrick Kertson. The group helps veterans regain a sense of community after leaving the military and provides an outlet for working through issues related to their TBI.

Learn more about Operation TBI Freedom, a privately funded statewide program of Denver Options.

Read about Jose's journey to recovery through the Operation TBI Freedom program.

About the Jack Morgan Compass Award

The Jack Morgan Compass Award was developed by a cross-functional team of Denver Options’ employees to recognize truly outstanding performance by our service providers and community partners. This award is meant to honor and show our appreciation for the exemplary actions and guiding example of these individuals.

The award was inspired by Jack Morgan, a respected friend and colleague of the employees at Denver Options. Jack lost a brave fight with lung cancer in the winter of 2010. Jack was the rare person to embody true altruism: not only did he think of others, he continually put them first. He met the duties of his job without complaint and always volunteered to help those around him, often before they even thought to ask. Yet Jack’s compassion carried far beyond our professional borders; from his own limited income he sponsored several children in need and donated extensively to charity. He did this without an audience or any desire for acknowledgement. It is this spirit of exceptional service and dedication that we wish to recognize with this award.

Read about another recipient of the Jack Morgan Compass Award.