In Their Own Words: Colorado Veterans And Families Share Stories

As Veteran's Day approaches, the stories of veterans and their families offer a glimpse into the sacrifices they made while serving. In partnership with StoryCorps, KUNC presents a series of unique and powerful stories told by Colorado veterans and their families.  

Love in War: Allen & Allis Gilbert

Army Maj. Roy ‘Allen’ Gilbert and his wife, retired Army Capt. Allis Gilbert, deployed separately to Iraq in 2007. For the next few years, contact was sporadic and difficult for the newlyweds, until they found a way to stay together. They sat down with StoryCorps earlier this year and told their story, starting from the day they met. 

Allis separated from active duty in 2011 as a captain of the Army. She now works in the nonprofit sector. Maj. Gilbert is currently serving in the Army Reserves and works as an geographic information systems analyst. They have a daughter and live in Fort Collins. 

Starting a Conversation: Thomas & Lila Chandler
 

Thomas Chandler, 46, was first commissioned by the U.S. Marines in 1991. Twenty-five years later, he now teaches middle school mathematics in Fort Collins, and serves in the Marine Corps Reserves. He recently sat down to impart some of the lessons he learned with his 7-year-old daughter, Lila.  

Thomas and Lila Chandler live in Fort Collins. Lila is in second grade. 

Those Left Behind: Ian & Fiona Walsh
 
 

Sometimes the voice we most want to hear is the one missing, the void left in a family when a loved one is lost in combat. Marine Sgt. Nick Walsh was killed in Iraq at the age of 27, leaving his wife, two sons, parents, and three siblings to reckon with the loss. He died the same day his younger brother, Ian, graduated high school. This is the year Ian Walsh turned 27. He joined his younger sister, Fiona, 14, to remember their older brother.

Ian and Fiona Walsh live in Fort Collins.

Music:

Alina’s Place - Fedrik
Your Hand in Mine - Explosions in the Sky
Podington Bear - Park Bench
Chris Zabriskie - Nirvana VEVO
Chris Zabriskie - The Temperature of the Air on the Bow of the Kaleetan
Chris Zabriskie - Cylinder Two