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.

This year, the program expands to Winter Park in Grand County and Dallas, Texas. For more information about the program, or to make donations, visit www.operationvacation.org.

Age: 33

Place of birth: McMinnville, Ore.

Branch of the military and division: Army, 242nd EOD (explosive ordinance disposal, aka bomb squad)

Family: Fiancée Tammie Strait; children Tommy (7), Mathew (2), Alex (2), Derick (8), D'Metri (4) and Dyllan (2)

When and why did you join the Army? 2004; mostly to join the fight, and to do my part in this war

Where have you been deployed? Iraq

What experience in your travels overseas most surprised you? How much everybody over there (our guys) wanted to be there doing what they're doing

First thing you'd buy after winning the lottery? A house

What do you like to do in your free time? Mostly spend time with my family

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? A football player

Best piece of advice you've ever received: Duck.

Any tattoos? Yes, five

If you could invite anyone in history to dinner, who would they be, what would you serve and what would you talk about? Babe Ruth. I'd serve steaks and talk about the Yankees.

What's the greatest invention of all time? The athletic cup

What's your most memorable military experience: Getting my toe blown off from a RPG (rocket propelled grenade)

What are you looking forward to doing while in Glenwood Springs? Everything - the Hot Springs Pool mostly, and we'll do the (Iron Mountain) Tram today. Tammie's going to the (Vapor Caves) spa.

Movie: Cheech and Chong's "Up in Smoke"

Video game: Grand Theft Auto

Breakfast cereal: Count Chocula

Band: Lynyrd Skynyrd

Athlete: Bo Jackson

Food: Prime rib

Web site: MySpace

Sport: Football

Cartoon character: Popeye

Place in the United States: Key West, Fla.