About Us

 Duan served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1985 to 2007, holding posts across the globe—from embassies in East Africa to the training grounds of 29 Palms, California. His leadership, discipline, and love for his fellow servicemembers followed him into civilian life, where he built a successful career in real estate. Licensed in Missouri, Nebraska, Minnesota, and Colorado, Duan has served in numerous leadership roles across the industry. Yet, his heart never strayed far from the veteran community.

What began as a modest breakfast gathering in 2016 to honor local veterans has grown into something far more powerful. From fewer than 100 attendees in its early days to nearly 700 participants in 2024—over half of whom are veterans—our annual Veterans Breakfast has become a cornerstone event in Northern Colorado. With this growth came a new mission: to create a sustainable, impactful, and community-driven nonprofit that uplifts and honors those who served.

To foster community support for veterans by providing financial resources to events that honor their service and by supporting other organizations dedicated to enhancing veterans' lives and well-being through non-medical programs and services.

• Honoring Service and Sacrifice: We recognize the enduring contributions of those who served and strive to ensure their sacrifices are never forgotten.
   
• Community Engagement: We believe in the power of connection and are committed to bringing veterans and civilians together in meaningful ways.
   
• Transparency and Accountability: We hold ourselves to the highest standards in managing donor contributions and reporting our impact.
   
• Collaboration and Partnership: We support and amplify other veteran-serving organizations through strategic funding and shared purpose.
   
• Financial Stewardship: We are dedicated to maximizing the impact of every dollar raised to support veterans and their families.
   

Veterans Community Network is working toward official 501(c)(3) status and will serve the Fort Collins, Loveland, and Windsor areas, with a vision to expand. We provide:

• Veterans Events – With the Veterans Breakfast as our flagship annual event, we bring the community together to celebrate and thank those who served.
   
• Grant Support – We offer funding to other veteran-focused nonprofits that align with our mission and demonstrate measurable impact.
   
• Community Outreach & Education – Through local engagement, partnerships, and storytelling, we promote veteran awareness and bridge the gap between service and civilian life.
   

As the veteran population changes and funding becomes more competitive, there is a growing need for consistent, community-based support. Veterans Community Network is designed to meet that need—with a strong foundation built on military leadership, deep community ties, and a record of successful event coordination.

We’ve already been honored on the floor of the Colorado House of Representatives. We’ve been nominated for the National Association of REALTORS® Good Neighbor Award. And most importantly—we’ve sat with heroes. We’ve served coffee to WWII veterans who are no longer with us. We’ve listened to stories, built friendships, and reminded veterans that their service still matters.

Whether you're a veteran, a family member, a community member, or a business that wants to make a difference—we invite you to be part of something meaningful. Together, we can honor the past, support the present, and build a better future for those who served.