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 that is hosting six soldiers over a six-month period to Glenwood. More than 20 businesses donated dinners, entertainment, outdoor activities, lodging and transportation for Operation Vacation participants.

<B>Name:</B> Sgt. Albert Alexander

<B>Age:</B> 29

<B>Hometown:</B> Originally from Chicago-Gary, Ind., area

<B>Branch of the military and division:</B> Army, Headquarter Headquarter Company (HHC) 43rd Area Support Group (ASG)

<B>Family:</B> Wife Dianne and four kids: Kamille, Jade, Lazarus and Sahara

<B>When and why did you join the Army?</B> November 1995; to serve my country and take advantage of the opportunities the Army has to offer

<B>Where have you been deployed?</B> I spent seven months in Kuwait supporting the guys fighting on the front line in Iraq. Next time my unit is going to Afghanistan.

<B>When you were being deployed, what did you miss most about home?</B> I really missed my family. I missed all my kids learning to walk.

<B>What’s your favorite food?</B> Seafood

<B>What do you like to do in your free time?</B> I like to write and do acting on the side. I also do foot massages.

<B>What historical figure do you most admire?</B> Martin Luther King and, the more I learn about him, George Washington. He was a Christian like I am, and he got shot four times. The head chief of the people who shot him went to see him because he said, “I want to meet the man God wouldn’t let die.” That’s something they don’t tell you in the history books.

<B>What are you looking forward to doing while in Glenwood Springs?</B> Definitely driving around looking at this place and making friends so I can come back and visit. We’re going to Juicy Lucy’s — I might have to go there twice. We appreciate the gesture. It’s not everyday we can do something like this.