Cuchara Mountain Resort wants to assist wounded soldiers

by Larry Patrick
WALSENBURG- Bruce Cantrell, owner of Cuchara Mountain Resort, is seeking permission from Ft. Carson to implement a Wounded Warrior Project at the resort. In order to move forward, Cantrell asked the Huerfano County Commissioners for a letter of support.
The basis of the program is to take in soldiers who have suffered physical or mental wounds from the war, and invite them and their families for a week of recuperation at Cuchara Mountain Resort. Cantrell wants to use one of the buildings at the resort for this project. He will also seek help to have several empty condos in the area made available to provide living quarters. The soldiers and their families would enjoy the beautiful scenery and relaxed atmosphere of the area, while they are transitioning back into society, or getting well enough to return to active duty.
Ft. Carson in Colorado Springs is one of three military bases in the country providing many of the soldiers who have fought in recent wars. Cantrell has plans to meet with the general of the military base about his plans for the resort. Wounded Warrior programs have also been set up in other areas of the country.
The commissioners approved the signing of a letter of support to allow Cantrell to move forward on the project.
In other news, the commissioners will seek a portion of 60 million dollars in energy input grant funds through the Department of Local Affairs to assist in building an ambulance facility in the Northlands area of Walsenburg.
The county will also continue to seek loans for the project from the USDA, as there is no guarantee of getting the grant from DOLA.