Ranch RodeoRodeo Parade |
Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo |
Grand Marshals for 2019: Brad and Brinder Bradberry
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Brad and Brinder Bradbury have served the
community in many capacities over the last 29 years they have called the Valley, home. Now, they have been honored as the 2019 Grand Marshalls for the Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo. They were notified of this designation by George Koons, president of the Wet Mountain Valley Saddle Club. “We have been members of the Saddle Club for quite a number of years,” Brinder smiled. They often worked in the background during events. “We always worked during rodeo weekend, wherever they needed us. Six years ago, they asked us to work the dance, and Brad would guard the money. Three years ago, I was asked to take over the snack bar. I really love the rodeo. It is something that I really enjoy every year.” The couple again put in a full weekend volunteering as cashiers and ticket takers, and operating the snack bar. Brinder prepared her specialty hot wings for the event. Anyone that has had her cooking knows it is prepared with a southern touch and a whole lot of love. In their capacity as Grand Marshall’s, they led the parade last Saturday morning and ensured rodeo fans were excited about the fun-filled weekend ahead. The Bradbury’s made their appearances in a horse-led wagon, owned by Enos Yoder. This is always a fan-favorite during parades in the Wet Mountain Valley, each year. “We then were brought in at the beginning of each rodeo after that.” The Bradbury’s have called the Valley home since 1990. “We moved in up by the Alpine and became members of the “Old West Actors” Association first. Brad was president” They entertained the audience by staging gunfights just like those during the riotous and lawless Wild, Wild West. The association participated in Westcliffe’s once celebrated annual Wet Mountain Western Days. |
Brad and Brinder spent many years helping the
veterans of the Valley while serving in their capacities within the American Legion Post and Unit 170. Brad served one year as Commander and Brinder was president of the Auxiliary for seven years. Their hearts and love of country and community is what makes this honor so fitting. Congratulations, Brad and Brinder, and thank you for all you do! - By Tracy Ballard |
The American Legion provides dollars, volunteer hours and a STRONG IMPACT on Communities
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Westcliffe, Colorado, 15 July 2019--
community volunteers often wonder if their efforts make a difference. For members of The American Legion Post 170 in Westcliffe, the following is a summary of how we serve Custer County and its veterans. The Westcliffe Post 170 has a membership of 162 war- time veterans that provide services and volunteer hours to this community. Legionnaires rallied for the children in the community at Custer County School, providing Constitution education (2018- 2019), flag etiquette and how to fold and what those 13 folds mean. (2017-2018- 2019) Veterans go to school and present information and patriotic education on what veterans do and how it impacts the children. The Legion provided a Color Guard during the high school graduation ceremonies (2018-2019), and during homecoming (2017 and 2018). The American Legion is the largest blood donor, as a whole, in the United States. Did you know that one unit of blood saves three lives? Local Legionnaires donate through the Rotary and Bonfil’s Blood Bank, or for veterans as a need arises. Post 170 provided $500 scholarships for class of 2018 and 2019. In 2017 they provided a $500 scholarship for a Rotary student that traveled abroad. The Westcliffe Post 170 “Flags for Main Street” program provides 50-60 flags starting at The bluffs in Westcliffe, continuing east thru Silver Cliff during all patriotic holidays. Post 170 provided $1500 (2019) and $700 (2018) for CCHS junior boys to attend the American Legion Boys State program. Since Post 170 was rejuvenated in 2004, we have sponsored and paid to send over 15 boys to this prestigious program. Post 170 also sponsors Boys Scout Troop 114, and in 2018, sponsored three boys that became Eagle Scouts. They also sponsor Cub Scout Pack 114. Post 170 provided 10 emergency kits to the Custer County Sheriffs Office (CCSO) for use of the deputies or others should the need present itself. The Post provides a patriotic Memorial Day service every year for the last 15 years along with between 200 and 400 attendees, honoring veterans from WWII. Korea, Vietnam Granada, Panama, Global War on Terror, and military members that gave their lives for the United States of America. They also honor all veterans attending the ceremonies. We also provide a Veterans Day program for the past 14 years giving honor to veterans along with their dedication and sacrifice. |
The honor guard and color guard provide the
lead for three parades in the community, each year. They have provided military honors to veterans and their families as they bury their heroes from war. These services have been performed in Westcliffe, Silver Cliff, Canon City, Florence, and Walsenburg. In all, they have provided over 50 veterans with funeral honors. The Post has provided a Health Fair breakfast and many other fundraisers in the community, including the yard sale held every Labor Day holiday weekend. A total of 99 coats were donated to three different groups having persons with coat needs. These groups included The Pregnancy Center, Care and Share, and McCandless Veterans State Home. Monies from fundraisers are used to support veterans and the children of Custer County. Since 1919, members of The American Legion have remained committed to their community, state, and the nation through volunteer service to veterans, their families, and the children of America. Post 170 gave over 1,750 hours for Americanism programs in Custer County and Colorado (in 2018 to present). “THANK YOU” volunteers of Post 170 for your time and resources for Custer County and in Colorado. ALL members of Post 170 are volunteers. Eligibility to join The American Legion is open to veterans that served at least one day of service during a war-time era, have an honorable discharge, or are currently on active duty in the Guard, Reserves or active duty in any branch. Male direct descendants of the above veterans are eligible to participate in the Sons of the American Legion (SAL). They support activities of The Legion and have several programs to assist kids in need. Interested in joining The Legion or SAL, please call Ted Ballard 371- 5395. Press Release by Carol Kennedy, Past Dept. and Post Commander. |