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- Leonard Chad Lewis
- He was born in Grand Junction, Colorado to Herbert Dale Lewis and West Day (Massey) Lewis. He grew up in nearby Gateway, working for his grandparents on their ranch and working heavy equipment with his dad. He also spent time hunting and fishing as a kid. He graduated from the Gateway School, which he attended for all twelve years. After high school, he graduated from the Western School of Heavy Equipment Operation in Idaho. He served in the United States Army from October 4, 1966 to October 4, 1968 and attained the rank of Specialist 5th Class. He was stationed in Fort Carson, Colorado, Fort Riley, Kansas, and Vietnam. He was stationed in Fort Carson until February 1968, when he was transferred to Vietnam as part of the 9th Infantry Division. He was dropped by helicopters into remote areas, where his reconnaissance unit Company E, 2nd Battalion, 39th Infantry, went on patrol. He served as the radio operator to the forward observer in a mortar platoon for one month before returning to the mortar gun squad itself. He served as squad leader for the last three months before he left the army. During his time as squad leader, African-American soldiers were often sent to his squad because he was deemed more tolerant and inclusive than other squad leaders. He received an Army Commendation and a Bronze Star. After his tour of duty, he settled in Fruita, where he worked as a heavy equipment operator. He married Jody C. Lewis of Burbank in 1969. They had two children. In 2020, he died in Fruita at the age of 73.