The incomparable majesty of the White River National Forest will bring you to your knees

 

By Robert Hudson Westover

 Great Spirit Prayer (anonymous)
Oh, Great Spirit,
Whose voice I hear in the winds
and whose breath gives life to all the world.
Hear me! I need your strength and wisdom.
Let me walk in beauty, and make my eyes
ever hold the red and purple sunset.
Make my hands respect the things you have made and my ears sharp to hear your voice.
Make me wise so that I may understand
the things you have taught my people.
Let me learn the lessons you have hidden in every leaf and rock.

In the heart of Colorado, a stunning expanse of wilderness captivates visitors with its majestic landscapes and exciting and relaxing recreational opportunities like none other. It’s the White River National Forest and it spans over 2.3 million acres.

And the very size of this forested wilderness is a good thing because it is the most visited national forest in the United States.

What awaits those millions of outdoors enthusiasts is an unrivaled pristine wilderness with abundant wildlife, world-class ski resorts and 14,000 ft. high mountain peaks that surround the forest beneath like all-mighty sentinels of eternity.

Established in 1891, the White River National Forest boasts a rich history intertwined with the development of Colorado. Originally designated to protect the headwaters of the White River, the forest has grown to encompass diverse ecosystems ranging from high alpine environments to lush valleys. Its name is derived from the White River, a tributary of the Green River, which winds its way through the forest, providing crucial habitats for fish and other aquatic species.

To read the full story click here: Tallgrass to the forest - White River National Forest | US Forest Service (usda.gov)

The Heart of a Marine

 

By Robert Hudson Westover

Once a Marine always a Marine is what we say.

Why?

We can be “out” of active duty for decades, be 100-years-old and received a dozen other honors But In the Mind of an honorable Marine there is only ONE honor and that was earned upon graduation when in a ceremony reminiscent of those of the Legions of Rome we are called, for the first time, Marines!

We Marines are the most mentally and physically powerful warriors in world history.

WE HAVE NEVER LOST A MAJOR BATTLE UNDER MARINE COMMAND

Not one!

Why?

Marines are men of Providence

We believe in Destiny

You do not sign up to serve in the equivalent of a Medieval knighthood not believing, not knowing that this is your Destiny and that she controls the very Fates.

 A Marine enters into battle knowing HE may LIVE or DIE but either outcome does not matter to HIM.

 It is only his HONOR that matters.

 And a true Marine will die before being made to dishonor himself.

 A true Marine will march into hell to fight for his country, for God, for what and who he LOVES.

 So even when HE is “out” of active duty a true Marine never stops being a Marine.

 I once witnessed a vehicular accident where a woman suddenly became trapped in her car.

Her door would not open, and gasoline was pouring out from under the wreckage.

All stood at a safe distance and watched—afraid to help her but not a Marine that happened to be on the scene.

He got out of his car, yanked open the jammed door and got the woman out taking her away from danger.

That Marine knew he could die that afternoon…

That Marine fought the demons of death, of fear of cowardice of dishonor.

But…

That Marine knew that if he were to just sit there in his car and watch her die, helpless in a flaming wreck, HE could NEVER live with himself.

So, having been “out” of active duty for a longtime that Marine mentally and in an instant:

Put on his breast plate of courage,

Grabbed his shield of resolve,

And with the sword of bravery in his hand,

the blood of generations of warriors pumping through his veins,

the helmet of honor on his head,

HE did what a Marine does.

Fortunately, fire trucks arrived a few minutes later and the car never ignited but that didn’t matter to the Marine.

He knew the potential of what COULD have very realistically happened.

All that mattered was he did not hesitate, nor let fear paralyze him—making him a coward—dishonor.

No, that would not happen to him that day—or ANY FUCKING DAY He was STILL a MARINE.

OORAH

Author's note: The Marine mentioned in this poem was me. What I don't say is that my spouse had to watch me as I left the car. He was quite angry when I returned but he also understood why I did it. Our running joke is "Mothers don't let you children grow up to marry Marines!" 

From the Ballet to the Marine Corps - One Man's Journey

 

Few men have ever gone from being a professional ballet dancer to being a US Marine. I was one of them. This multimedia video tells my story: From the Ballet to the Marines

2024 is Smokey Bear's 80th Birthday Year!

By Robert Hudson Westover

It's been 15 year for me and my bear. 

15 years of being what many jokingly call me "Smokey Bear's PR man". 

But it's no joke. 

In fact, I have been honored to have played a significant role in getting the word out about Smokey's universal and timeless message of "Only You can Prevent Wildfires". 

Click here to see my interview all about Smokey Bear: Interview with Robert Westover

As a recipient of a Gold Smokey, our nation's preeminent fire prevention award called the Smokey Bear Award and first handed out by President Eisenhower in 1958, I know the importance of getting the word out to each new generation of kids. 

President Eisenhower holding a
Smokey Bear doll in the White House.

So let's all give Smokey Bear the BEST birthday gift of all this year by doing all we can to practice safe fire prevention methods while visiting the Great Outdoors! Click hear to learn what you can do to prevent wildfires: Only You

Learn about Smokey Bear's 80th by clicking here: Smokey Bear Turns 80!