Editor’s Note: Tony DuMosch passed away December 5, 2024. Read his obituary here.

Ensuring service members are never forgotten

The table, set for one, is draped with a white tablecloth. On top is a candle, an inverted glass and a single red rose in a vase tied with a yellow ribbon. Set at the table is a plate, a slice of lemon and a salt vial. Next to the table sits an empty chair.

The table is reserved to honor our prisoners of war (POW) and missing in action (MIA) service members. Each feature displayed has unique significance, symbolizing an aspect of the POW/MIA’s life or fate, or of those whom they left behind. It is displayed to signify those who are missing but are not forgotten.

Tony DuMosch, facilities supervisor at UCHealth Poudre Valley Hospital (PVH), played a pivotal role in implementing the POW/MIA “Missing Man” table at PVH in 2020. Shortly after, under his guidance, this tradition was implemented system-wide.

The POW/MIA “Missing Man” table is displayed at UCHealth cafeterias the weeks of Memorial Day and Veterans Day.

As a veteran who served 22 years in the U.S. Navy, DuMosch spearhead the initiative for a simple reason.

“I felt it needed to be more recognized. I wanted to symbolize those who are not with us,” he said.

The POW/MIA “Missing Man” table tradition is an important way to commemorate and remember those individuals.

Although he no longer wears a Navy uniform, DuMosch continues to serve his country by helping veterans in his community and within UCHealth.

DuMosch credits his involvement with UCHealth’s Military Friendly Committee (MFC) to successfully expand the POW/MIA “Missing Man” table initiative system-wide.

As an active member of the MFC, DuMosch serves as the membership chair. In that role, DuMosch welcomes and orients new committee members to the MFC and identifies and develops programs to support members at large.

DuMosch is also actively involved in veterans-related initiatives in his community in the City of Loveland.

“I do what I can for the community,” said DuMosch, who has been involved in more than 10 committees and events since his retirement from the Navy in 2000.

His biggest community project, the Veterans Honor Monument, is a $1.2 million project in Loveland. Formerly known as Loveland Veterans Plaza, it is anticipated to open Memorial Day 2025. The monument and outdoor venue will honor veterans from every war since World War I, including the Cold War.

“It will recognize all war eras in the City of Loveland,” said DuMosch.

DuMosch encourages others to get involved in some capacity and consider joining the UCHealth veterans community.

“It takes involvement to make things happen,” said DuMosch. “I invite anyone who is a veteran or a spouse of a veteran, who wishes to support veterans in their community and within UCHealth, to get involved.”

The UCHealth Military Friendly Committee and Military Spouse and Significant Others Network offer opportunities to connect with programs and colleagues. To learn about veterans-related events and announcements across UCHealth, enroll in the Veterans and Allies Network, or visit the Veterans and Allies Resource Page on The Source.