Veterans History Project

LtCol Dick Merritt, U.S. Marine Corps (Ret) retired to Aspen from the U.S. Marine Corps in 1979 after 20 years active duty. He served overseas in the Philippines, Japan, Vietnam and the Republic of China. His stateside assignments included Recruiting Duty in Detroit; Quantico, Virginia; and 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, California. During his Aspen years, he became active in veterans affairs in the Roaring Fork Valley. These activities focus on Memorial and Veterans Day ceremonies and support for deceased veterans and their families. Colonel Merritt was one of the founders of the Roaring Fork Veterans History Project in association with the Library of Congress. He is a Life Member of Aspen Elks Lodge # 224, and is a ski instructor for the Aspen Skiing Company.

The Roaring Fork Veterans History Project Show interviews local veterans who have served their country. At this point, 32 veteran interviews have been presented and shown by Grassroots Community Television. The purpose of the show is to preserve a record of their service for the Library of Congress and the Aspen Historical Society. Veterans interviewed have served in World War II, 10th Mountain Division, Korea, Vietnam and Iraq. The Roaring Fork History Project has been funded by Aspen Elks Lodge #224, Aspen Thrift Shop, Pitkin County Commissioners, Aspen Eagles and the Aspen Rotary Club.