Les Williams
President
Col. Les K Williams, USMC (ret) Born in Pennsylvania, Les Williams first came to Colorado as a teenager attending a Young Life Camp near Buena Vista. He returned to work as a wrangler for a year, then attended Jamestown University in North Dakota where his US Marine Corps contract began in 1965. He was commissioned Lieutenant in 1967 and completed flight training in both fixed wing and helicopter aircraft in Pensacola, Florida. He was awarded his Naval Aviator Wings in 1968 and was ordered to the 2nd Marine Airwing. Later 1st Lt Williams was ordered to the 1st Marine Airwing for duty in Vietnam. Williams served 13 months flying combat missions. He volunteered to extend his service in Vietnam to serve as an air advisor for the Vietnam Marines on a large operation along the Demilitarized Zone. His marine career was filled with a variety of positions, not only as pilot, but air adviser, Fixed wing Naval Aviation Flight Instructor, Reconnaissance Company Commander, and recruiter. He retired as a Colonel in 1998 when he was serving at the Reserve Recruiting Headquarters Marine Corps in Washington, DC. Williams served both on active duty and with the Marine Reserves. While in the reserves, Williams gained a second career in law enforcement. He returned to Colorado where he worked at the Lakewood Police Dept., serving until 2007 when he retired as a Commander. He and his wife Connie moved to Grand Lake after that retirement. They have five children and nine grandchildren and have enjoyed living in Montrose since 2014.
President
Col. Les K Williams, USMC (ret) Born in Pennsylvania, Les Williams first came to Colorado as a teenager attending a Young Life Camp near Buena Vista. He returned to work as a wrangler for a year, then attended Jamestown University in North Dakota where his US Marine Corps contract began in 1965. He was commissioned Lieutenant in 1967 and completed flight training in both fixed wing and helicopter aircraft in Pensacola, Florida. He was awarded his Naval Aviator Wings in 1968 and was ordered to the 2nd Marine Airwing. Later 1st Lt Williams was ordered to the 1st Marine Airwing for duty in Vietnam. Williams served 13 months flying combat missions. He volunteered to extend his service in Vietnam to serve as an air advisor for the Vietnam Marines on a large operation along the Demilitarized Zone. His marine career was filled with a variety of positions, not only as pilot, but air adviser, Fixed wing Naval Aviation Flight Instructor, Reconnaissance Company Commander, and recruiter. He retired as a Colonel in 1998 when he was serving at the Reserve Recruiting Headquarters Marine Corps in Washington, DC. Williams served both on active duty and with the Marine Reserves. While in the reserves, Williams gained a second career in law enforcement. He returned to Colorado where he worked at the Lakewood Police Dept., serving until 2007 when he retired as a Commander. He and his wife Connie moved to Grand Lake after that retirement. They have five children and nine grandchildren and have enjoyed living in Montrose since 2014.
J Bob Brueske
Chairman I am a Vietnam veteran from a family that has served our country from WWI through GWOT. In my travels around the world and the U.S.A, I have seen many memorials dedicated to the Veterans that served our country. As a long time resident of Montrose, I have found it very supportive of Veterans. I believe that is time that Montrose has a place to honor all our Veterans, provide a place to remember and reflect. A member of MVMC, I am dedicated to making this place a reality. J. Bob Brueske Life Member of American Legion, Veterans of Foreign War And DAV |
Troy Meyer
Operations Troy Meyer served in the US Army and the Colorado National Guard. He holds a degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Colorado and owns an engineering consultancy in Montrose. Troy and his wife Kristi grew up in Nebraska, lived and worked in Denver for many years and have lived on Log Hill Mesa for 12 years. Troy enjoys fly fishing, woodworking, and is learning to play guitar. “Connecting with other Veterans has been a blessing to me, and I feel it’s important to provide an outdoor space where Veterans and their families can connect and reflect and the community can learn about our history and the sacrifices made to protect and preserve our freedoms.” |
Dave Vergamini
American Legion Liaison David Vergamini, Commander American Legion Post 73. I joined the Navy at 17 years old. I choose the Seabees and became an equipment operator with NMCB-4. I was Honorably discharged in 1978. I moved to Montrose in 1980. My wife and I have two daughters and five grandchildren. I joined the American Legion because of my grandfather. I have always been interested in Veterans awareness programs. I am a member of the American Legion Riders as the Road Captain; I am a member of the Honor Guard and I am the Commander of our local American Legion Post 73. |
Mike Trickey
Founder/Advisor Mike served in the United States Marine Corps as an aircraft mechanic. After his time in the military, Mike spent his career as an Environmental Specialist for the Cherry Creek School District in Denver. Mike's keen sense of our mission, his skill in community relations, and his personable leadership style make's Mike a valuable asset to our Board of Directors. "I am extremely proud that the military service groups in Montrose came together to form the Montrose Veterans Memorial Coalition to work towards making the Plaza Project a reality" |
Randy Havens
Advisor Randy Havens served in the United States Navy and spent four years, including six months in Da Nang, Vietnam in supply, and six months in the Gulf of Tonkin aboard the USS Sterett. After returning to the States, he spent most of his career in banking and economic development in Wyoming and Colorado. Randy moved to Montrose in 2002 and soon 1st National Bank asked him to open a new bank in Montrose. After 2-years of building a new bank and a strong customer base, 1st National Bank sold to Alpine Bank. Then in 2006, he was approached to build and establish Timberline Bank in Montrose. Today, Randy has recently stepped down from his responsibilities as President of Timberline Bank, allowing him more time for volunteering with different organizations helping Veterans and local non-profits. Randy was one of the founding board members of Welcome Home Montrose, Inc. and we are grateful that he has recently returned to serve with us again. |
Kellie Green
Social Media Manager As a veteran spouse, Kellie understands and knows the needs of veterans. Her father is a United States Army Veteran and she has many family members who have proudly served our country. She is a mother of 3 beautiful girls - Lyla (9), twins (3) Isabella & Fionah. Kellie moved to Montrose from Michigan 2.5 years ago. She enjoys performing at the Magic Circle Theater and giving back to the community. She is an officer with Darling Dames of Colorado and the Executive Assistant with WHAFV. " I am so honored to be a part of the Montrose Veterans Memorial Coalition. I have a strong passion to give back to Veterans whom have sacrificed so much for our freedoms. I believe social media is a great way to spread the word about the Montrose Veterans Plaza and we are so thankful for the outpouring support from the community and surrounding areas" |
Thomas K Drake
Sonar Technician/ CPA Thomas K Drake (Tom) grew up in Central Nebraska until age 17, when his family moved to Basalt, Colorado. He graduated from high school in 1966. He spent his 2 years at No Colorado University and then enlisted in the USN, becoming a Sonar Technician on a destroyer and serving most of his 4 years in the Western Pacific. After completing his tour, he then returned to UNC and completed his accounting degree. He worked as CPA for approximately 32 years as an employee and as a self-employed. He retired in 2010. He and his wife Krista reside Montrose……do enjoy spending time with their children and grandchildren and the great Colorado outdoors. |
Lance Bach
Fundraising W.L. Bach served 27 years as a US Navy SEAL. He deployed to Desert Storm, Afghanistan, Iraq, and numerous operations in Asia and the Middle East. He earned a B.S. in English from the U.S. Naval Academy and a M.A. in Education from Pacific Lutheran University. After retirement from the military he taught high school NJROTC before becoming an author. He now lives in Montrose with his wife where they enjoy exploring the public lands of the West. When he’s not working, he enjoys spending time with his two grown children, his German Shepherd, riding dirt bikes and volunteering for veteran's causes. |