Operation Vacation is a program that brings military personnel who have fought overseas to the Roaring Fork Valley. Bob Johnson, a realtor for Vicki Lee Green Realtors, in Glenwood Springs, coordinated with the Army to create the program, which is bringing six soldiers over a six-month period to Glenwood. More than 20 businesses have donated dinners, entertainment, outdoor activities, lodging and transportation for Operation Vacation participants.



<B>Name:</B> Sgt. Michael Carlson

<B>Hometown:</B> Greenville, Pennsylvania

<B>Branch of the military and division:</B> Army, Third Heavy Brigade Combat Team

<B>Family:</B> Wife of four years, Rebecca, and 2 1/2-year-old daughter, Kadence

<B>When and why did you join the Army?</B> October of 2000, to travel

<B>Where have you been deployed?</B> I've spent one year in Iraq and will go back in two and a half months for eight months to a year.

<B>When you were being deployed, what did you miss most about home?</B> My family (Carlson was overseas when Kadence was born), and cold water

<B>What's your favorite food?</B> Pizza

<B>What do you like to do in your free time?</B> I'm pretty big into soccer — I play on the Fort Carson team - and spending time with my family.

<B>What historical figure do you most admire?</B> Alexander the Great. He just formed this huge empire across the Middle East and Asia.

<B>What are you looking forward to doing while in Glenwood Springs?</B> Relaxing and going to the Hot Springs Pool (this will be the Carlsons' first experience with hot springs).