Rex Laceby served in the U.S. Marines for 21 years on active duty. He attended the University of Colorado Boulder through a special commissioning program in the Marines, and later, after retiring from the Marines in 2013 moved back to Boulder and planted roots. In addition to his service as a Volunteer Wildland Firefighter/Technical Rescuer with the Boulder Emergency Squad, he also supports the Boulder County Veteran community through groups including the CU Boulder Veterans Alumni Association, the Bolder Boulder Memorial Day Tribute Committee, and the Veterans Fund Committee at the community foundation. Learn more about Rex, his service to our country and our community, and what gives him the most hope for the future of Boulder County.
Tell us about yourself and your history in Boulder County?
I served in the U.S. Marines for 21 years on active duty. Through a special commissioning program in the Marines, I was fortunate enough to attend the University of Colorado Boulder and received my bachelor’s degree in History and Commission as an Officer from Congress. When I retired from the Marines in 2013, I moved back to my favorite city in America, and here I am today. I’m honored to serve the community as a Volunteer Wildland Firefighter/Technical Rescuer with Boulder Emergency Squad, serve as President of the CU Boulder Veteran’s Alumni Association, partner with John Tayer and the Boulder Chamber to light the Boulder Star on Veteran’s Day, and proudly serve on the Bolder Boulder Memorial Day Tribute Committee with Cliff and Steve Bosley.
When and why did you first get involved with the community foundation and the Veterans Fund?
I founded the CU Boulder Veterans Alumni Association in 2014. Shortley thereafter, I started to grow my network of amazing folks and organizations that support local Veterans. I was asked to speak at a Community Foundation Boulder County event in 2015, and I have been involved ever since.
What value does the Veterans Fund bring to the Boulder County community?
The Veterans Fund’s biggest value is that it not only supports many local Veteran support organizations but also brings us all together to benefit our growing population of Veterans and their families.
What gives you the most hope for the future of Boulder County?
I have hope in Boulder because organizations like Cultivate (a non-profit that provides services for Seniors and Veterans), John Tayer and the entire Boulder Chamber, my Boulder Emergency Squad team, the Bosleys and the entire Bolder Boulder Memorial Day Tribute team, our CU Boulder Alumni Association chapters and affinity groups like mine, the amazing team at the Marshall ROC, generous behind the scenes donors/supporters like Stephen Tebo and Jay Elowsky, and of course, the community foundation, that continually contribute and often work together, making Boulder County a better and safer place for not just Veterans, but everyone.
Click here to learn more about and donate to the community foundation’s Veterans Fund.
