Animated and engaged in conversation, five Teller County veterans helped launch the community outreach gesture last week hosted by Woodland Park School District interim superintendent Ginger Slocum.

“We are trying to re-connect with the community where we have a lot of veterans and we want to connect them with our students and staff,” Slocum said.

Slocum was accompanied by Lindsey Prahl, the district’s communications director, and Katie Rexford, principal of Summit Elementary School in Divide.

The introductions told the story of America’s wars and in one case, the repercussions of war on at least one of them.  Alexander Skroma served with the 82^nd Airborne Division and spent 15 months in Iraq. 

“I’m retired but had a long battle with opioids,” Skorma said. “This town has been instrumental in helping me kick that and recover mentally and physically. I want to help give back to my community.”

Carl Roda fought in Vietnam for the U.S. Army and is active in the American Legion Eric V. Dickson Post #1980 and Vietnam Veterans of America.  Roda, who attended the school’s homecoming football game, is on board with the district. 

“I went to your veterans’ ceremony last year and I think young people here are great,” he said. “They are going to be good citizens.”

Erika Perea, district registrar who helped set out the coffee and goodies, worked in intelligence in Iraq and Afghanistan for five years for the U.S. Army.

“I learned Arabic and after I left the Army went back to school on the GI bill,” she said. “I love working here, love the kids.”

Printice Robinson did tours in Desert Storm and Iraq where he worked in the Abu Ghraib prison for the Marine Corps.  

“I did a little bit of teaching in the military, mostly in Iraq doing suicide prevention,” said Robinson who retired from the military in 2012. 

Tom Seeker served 8 ½ years for the Marine Corps and is well-known in town as perhaps the biggest fan of the athletic teams.  He attends most of the games and encourages others to do the same. 

“Let’s recognize what you do here,” Seeker said. “Kids constantly – which tells more about the town and this community – say ‘thank you for your service; we appreciate what you do.'”

Each of the five veterans talked about the advantages of joining the military for young people. Obviously enjoying the conversation, Roda expressed concern for veterans who are isolated in Teller County and about the need to reach out to other veterans. 

“I’m glad you’re doing this,” Roda said.

Slocum invited the five to attend the Veterans Day celebration at 1:30 p.m. Nov. 11 at the high school, following the ceremony at 10:30 a.m. Nov. 11 at Cripple Creek-Victor Junior/Senior High School.  Summit Elementary School hosts a ceremony at 8:30 a.m. Nov. 11.