Soldier to enjoy first vacation with family

GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colo. — Operation Vacation is a program that brings to the Roaring Fork Valley military personnel who have fought overseas. Bob Johnson, a Realtor for Vicki Lee Green Realtors, in Glenwood Springs, coordinated with the Army to create the program that hosts soldiers in Glenwood every month. Local businesses have donated dinners, entertainment, outdoor activities, lodging and transportation for Operation Vacation participants. For more information about the program, visit www.operationvacation.org.



<B>Name:</B> Staff Sgt. John Deneen

<B>Age:</B> 26

<B>Branch of the military and division:</B> Army / Transportation Core

<B>Family: </B>Eliza 26, Aidan 2

<B>When and why did you join the Army?</B> January 2000, to start a career and serve my country

<B>Where have you been deployed?</B> Iraq in 2005 and 2006; Kuwait in 2004 and 2005; and Korea in 2002 and 2004

<B>When you were being deployed, what did you miss most about home?</B> My family

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

<B>What do you like to do in your free time?</B> Spend time with my wife and family, and ice hockey

<B>What historical figure do you most admire?</B> General Patton

<B>What are you looking forward to doing while in Glenwood Springs?</B> Enjoying my vacation time with my family (it's my first vacation ever with my family)