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THE VALLEY BEAT
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Monday July 29 2019
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Ranch Rodeo

Rodeo Parade

Westcliffe Stampede Rodeo

Grand Marshals for 2019: Brad and Brinder Bradberry

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.
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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

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.
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1220 Williams Trace
Westcliffe, CO 81252

​719-315-6172