Soldier wants a Glenwood Springs T-shirt

Editor's Note: Operation Vacation is a program that brings military personnel who have fought overseas to the Roaring Fork Valley. For more information about the program, or to make donations, visit www.operationvacation.org.



Name: Richard Gooding

Age: 28

Place of birth: San Antonio

Branch of the military: U.S. Army

Family: Spouse, kids, etc. Brandi Anne Gooding, Madison Laura-Anne Gooding, Ethan William Gooding

When and why did you join the Army? Family tradition, May 1999, San Antonio

Where have you been deployed? Iraq

What was your favorite place you've been stationed? South Korea

What experience in your travels overseas most surprised you? Different cultures surprised

First thing you'd buy after winning the lottery? My Dad a house

What do you like to do in your free time? Raise kids, but there's no free time

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? Doctor or lawyer

Best piece of advice you've ever received: When in the face of rudeness, just say thanks for letting me get to know you better

Any tattoos? What are they and what is the meaning behind them?

I have two stars, one on each shoulder, and a matching tattoo with my wife on our left wrist meaning family.

If you could invite any three individuals in history to dinner, who would you invite, what would you serve, and what would you talk about?

Paso, Einstein, Beethoven; my wife's green chile enchiladas; not much since Beethoven cannot hear and the other two are crazy

What's your most memorable military experience? Being shot through the chest

What are you looking forward to doing while in Glenwood Springs?

The hot springs and a T-shirt since we collect items from everywhere we go

Favorites

Movie: "Goonies"

Video game: Tony Hawk

Breakfast cereal: Raisin Bran

Music: Anything loud

Sport: Basketball

Team: Texas Longhorns

Athlete: open to all

Food: I'm too young to have a favorite food, I'm still trying things out.

TV show: "House" and "Boston Legal"