OPINION
My Independence Day hero

As we prepare for the fellowship, fun, food and fireworks shows (the legal ones, that is!!) my thoughts usually turn toward previous Independence day celebrations- togetherness with family members, some who are no longer with us, others who may have moved away…
My thoughts also turn to the many military families who grasp the real costs of freedom in ways some of us can only imagine. My father served in the Navy, but by the time I came along my family was civilian. My first memories of soldiers, military service and the like came from times spent with my dear Uncle Jimmy, my mother’s brother. It was impossible for me, as a child, to fully grasp what he must have gone through in Vietnam, and how it changed his life beyond the obvious- he came one wearing an eye patch, after losing an eye from an explosion.
I remember him telling stories of trying to wade through swamps filled with leeches, watching some of his fellow soldiers or buddies being injured or killed. It all seemed so far away to the child that I was. The rest of Uncle Jimmy’s days were affected by the horrors he had survived there, and as an adult, I really didn’t get a chance to know him on an adult level, before he died.
When I remember Uncle Jim I remember a proud veteran, a proud family man, a friend of nature, and how he loved parades. Sadly, he was returning from participating in a parade in Cripple Creek, when his car went off a mountain road. He was found many hours later in an unconscious state. He remained in that coma for a few years before slipping away.
Being born and raised in a military town, I was always aware of the military’s presence here, and my mother worked for 20++ years in civil service at Peterson Field (now known as Peterson Air Force base) so I was able to enjoy some of the “perks” of her job- going to air shows and other activities there. And I had friends who were in military families- who moved away when their Dad was stationed elsewhere.
During my years here at the paper I’ve been blessed to get to know many, many local veterans and service people- who can never, ever get enough credit for their service to our country and toward the cause of a peaceful world, and for all they do – still- to make our community a better place.
And, lastly, there’s a very special veteran whom I consider to be a true American hero- my father-in-law, Ron St. Louis. “Dad” as I call him, not only survived the frigid, unimaginable elements as part of the “Frozen Chosin” during the Korean War. He went on to serve in Vietnam, too. Much of his life was spent in service to his country- when duty called, he was there. He ventured to many far-away places during his service, sometimes the family joining him, other times, they stayed behind.
My husband Ray has told me stories of watching the limited TV news coverage of the Vietnam war- wondering if his Dad was safe, or had made it “out of there.”
Ron’s courage and bravery didn’t end when he retired from the military. It has continued to sustain him throughout one medical obstacle after another. Despite all that he has been through and literally – survived – he continues to face each day with a smile, a few good jokes and laughs, and what I consider to be a most amazing and inspirational attitude and fortitude. Wow, talk about a hero walking among us- that he is- and so much more…. And despite all of his present physical limitations, he continues to be involved with the Korean War Veterans Association- Dutch Nelsen Chapter, attends memorial and veterans day services, and does all he can for his family and friends. He is a true American hero in my book, and as far as the rest of the family is concerned, too!
That is why, today, I’m so proud to have this opportunity to say, “Happy Fourth of July, Dad- we cherish and love you so much!! to my Independence Day hero, Ron St. Louis!

Next week: Remembering Ed Bryant, a cornerstone of the city of Fountain.

CONTACT THE WRITER • PATRICIA@FTNVALLEYNEWS.COM

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