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 have donated dinners, entertainment, outdoor activities, lodging and transportation for Operation Vacation participants. Johnson and members of the military from Fort Carson participated in the 109th annual Strawberry Days Parade on Saturday.



<B>Name:</B> Spc. Anthony Briones

<B>Age:</B> 29

<B>Branch of the military and division:</B> Army, 2/17 FA (Field Artillery), 2 BCT (Brigade Combat Team)

<B>Birthplace:</B> Montebello, Calif.

<B>Family:</B> Wife, Tiffany, and 3-year-old son, Jordan

<B>Where did you go on your honeymoon?:</B> We didn't have one.

<B>How long have you been in the Army, and why did you join?:</B> Ten years ago; originally it was more for school, but it evolved a little bit into that and much more.

<B>Where have you been deployed?:</B> Operation Iraqi Freedom, also Haiti and Sinai, Egypt

<B>When you were being deployed, what did you miss most about home?:</B> Most recently, my family, obviously. Before it was just the little stuff, the amenities, like being able to take a taxi ride across town with no worries or taking a shower. I take so many showers now when I'm home.

<B>What did you want to be when you grew up?:</B> A scientist — I was always a geek that way. I was the first kid on my block to have a microscope. Kids would bring over dead stuff and we would look at it under the microscope.

<B>What do you like to do in your free time?:</B> Stay at home with my boy, and I do play on the computer with my wife. I'm also an avid skydiver (I was a member of the 82nd Airborne Division).

<B>What are you looking forward to doing while in Glenwood Springs?:</B> Relax. We're trying to see how much we can fit in the three days. We were fortunate to get a baby-sitter at the last minute. We're really grateful to be here and get accepted to come here, especially since I just spent 17 days in field exercises. A lot of time, we don't have much free time.