By Tori Ganahl | Rocky Mountain Voice
In a move to honor America’s fallen service members and their families, Colorado Congressman Gabe Evans has introduced the Benefits that Endure for Lifetimes of Service (BELOS) Act, a bipartisan bill that would provide free lifetime National Park passes to families of veterans who passed away due to service-related illness or injury.
The bill is named in honor of First Sergeant Marc Belo, a decorated U.S. Army soldier who dedicated 30 years of his life to serving his country.
Belo was a first responder at the Pentagon on 9/11 and deployed three times—to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kosovo. He passed away in 2024 due to cancer linked to his military service.
Rep. Evans, a fellow veteran who served alongside Belo, emphasized the significance of ensuring Gold Star families and those who lost loved ones due to service-related causes are never forgotten.
“Marc was a giant—a true leader, role model, and the godfather of flying in our unit. When Marc passed away last year, he left a hole in the hearts of all who knew him. I’m proud to honor him by ensuring families of fallen heroes are never forgotten,” Evans stated.
Currently, Gold Star families and disabled veterans qualify for free lifetime passes to U.S. National Parks. The BELOS Act would extend this benefit to the families of service members who passed away from service-connected illnesses or non-combat-related incidents, such as training accidents or occupational hazards.
While the National Park Service and the Department of the Interior already offer reduced access fees for some groups, the BELOS Act ensures that military families who sacrifice so much will have a permanent and recognized benefit.
The legislation, co-sponsored by Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), has been referred to both the House Natural Resources Committee and the House Agriculture Committee.
This initiative underscores a broader push to strengthen how the nation supports its veterans and their families. It comes at a time when Congress is considering multiple measures aimed at improving resources for service members, from better healthcare access to expanded survivor benefits.
With strong bipartisan backing, the BELOS Act has the potential to move quickly through Congress. As discussions progress, the BELOS Act remains a key piece of legislation with implications for how the nation acknowledges the sacrifices of military families. Beyond granting free National Park access, the bill highlights an ongoing effort to ensure that families of fallen service members receive lasting recognition for their loved ones’ dedication and service.