When the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) made plans to build a columbarium burial site in a location that veterans and religious communities adamantly opposed, Cogent rallied critical voices and relevant stakeholders to make sure the VA knew that the proposed site was a misguided way to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Cogent facilitated a town hall to activate the community to participate in the official comment period. Our team secured press to elevate community comments and showcase veteran opposition to locating a columbarium next to a retired landfill. Further, we educated and recruited congressional delegation members and those on the committees with jurisdiction over the VA to send formal inquiries to the National Cemetery Administration (NCA). Following nearly two years of steady pressure from the city, constituents, media and congressional members, the NCA abandoned its efforts and selected an alternate site.