$1.00
October 31, 2019
ELBERT COUNTY, COLORADO
A publication of
ARE YOU PREPARED? Survivalists offer range of options for uncertain future P14
Hammering out troubles is boon for veterans Rhino and Ravens Forge is Elizabeth blacksmith shop with a mission BY GERALDINE SMITH SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
Nic Meyer, owner of Rhino and Ravens Forge, shapes a piece of scrap metal into a work of art. He encourages veterans to join him either to forge art of their own or just hang out. PHOTO BY GERALDINE SMITH
Nic Meyer, owner of Rhino and Ravens Forge in Elizabeth, served his country for 22 years in special operations, deploying to Afghanistan three times alone. He and his company spent most of their time training and interacting with local governments, living on the economy and building networks for intelligence gathering. He says, “We lived the culture, slept, ate and trained in the communities. Most soldiers were restricted to bases with short excursions into the communities and our short excursions were back to the bases. “ Within the scope of their missions they dressed like locals and were accepted as locals. Nic retired in 2012 and began working with the Department of Veterans Affairs, and found the job became a passion. He is currently a field consultant for the VA, teaching patients to cope with the challenges of returning home and advising facilities on how they can improve services for veterans. He admits: “Trying to promote change is a slow process because of the size of the organization, but things are beginning to change, very slowly.” As an instrument of change himself, Nic owns Rhinos and Ravens Forge, a blacksmith shop where he promotes socialization and camaraderie for returning veterans by SEE VETERANS, P7
THE BOTTOM LINE PERIODICAL
“Halloween is an interesting time of year because it’s right about now when we realize where we really are when it comes to the achievement of our annual personal and professional goals.” Michael Norton, columnist | Page 12 INSIDE
VOICES: PAGE 12 | LIFE: PAGE 14 | CALENDAR: PAGE 8
ElbertCountyNews.net
VOLUME 124 | ISSUE 39