Celebrating Rio Blanco County veterans

Every year on Nov. 11, to honor Veterans Day, the Tolley family hosts a barbecue lunch at Rangely’s Elks Lodge to give back to those who have served our country. The event is filled with gratitude, camaraderie, families and love for the U.S.A. Sam Tolley toasted the lunch by sharing his family’s service history, including his father, who served in WWII, and his uncle who was a German prisoner-of-war for three years. The family hopes to let the veterans of Rangely know they won’t forget them. Veterans sign up to serve the country and write a blank check with their lives to ensure that we have the freedoms we do.

Among the guests were “Corky” Powell and his father, Cecil Powell Sr. The elder Powell enlisted in the Army in 1964 as the Vietnam War was heating up. A lifetime Rangely resident, he was inspired by local legends Bill Rector, Bill Steele and others to enlist instead of going to college. They were a direct inspiration for Powell’s choice to join the infantry. After serving in Germany while Vietnam began, he took an extension to serve in the 101st Infantry in Vietnam. In that era, those were the choices that young men faced as they transitioned into adulthood. Cecil Powell shared that his family respected and supported his choice, although his mom had some regret when he called from the hospital in Japan. He understood the feeling when Corky joined. In rural, small towns where the community is a way of life, the closeness of serving mirrors that lifestyle and emphasizes the will to enlist.

Corky also graduated from high school in Rangely and followed his father’s example. “Growing up, he was always in old uniforms and pictures,” Corky said. He enlisted before he even graduated high school. The highlight of Corky’s service was traveling and meeting people from different lifestyles and the connections and friendships he made through his service. Cecil shared his highlight as knowing that he did something for the country. Both Powells have earned Purple Hearts. Cecil has two. “I was a slow learner,” he said.

Richard Nickson attended the lunch with his wife, Kay. Rich served in Korea on the front lines and occasionally shares glimpses of memories from his service in the early 1950s. He shared many stories from the barracks, attending church services, “shenanigans,” and how he got lucky in his service by not experiencing combat. A highlight of his career was when he returned from Korea and served TDY (Army Temporary Duty) with the Air Force in Sacramento.

William Phillips, a visiting veteran from Moorpark, California, enjoyed the celebration lunch. He’s joined the Army in 1966, married in 1967, and served in Vietnam in 1968 and 1969. In Vietnam, he was with Big Red 1, attached to the 1st Squadron for the United States Calvary about 100 miles north of Saigon. He describes the experience of serving as having fun and hellacious battles in which he was wounded. Phillips is decorated with a Bronze Star, a Silver Star, and a Purple Heart. Now a proud grandpa, he loves his children and enjoys watching his grandchildren grow up. One of his sons was drafted to the Portland Rockies and now coaches his son in travel baseball. It serves as a reward to Phillips to see his family enjoy the freedoms he fought to preserve.

Barone Middle School students also honored local veterans during a luncheon and assembly on Thursday, Nov. 10. Gracee Gardner sang the National Anthem, and handed the microphone to veteran Frank Stewart from VFW Post 5843.

Rangely, Meeker and Rio Blanco County thank our veterans for their service and sacrifice.