George: I was born in Denver, Colorado. My childhood included time in Westcliffe and Kit Carson Colorado. I came from a military family, my dad was present at Pearl Harbor. Seventeen members of his family served in World War II. I joined the Sea Scouts in 1966. I enlisted in the Navy in 1967 and served in the Vietnam War as a Navy Special Warfare Diver. One of our challenges was to stay underwater without an air tank for 5 1/2 minutes. My duty included 4 years as Active Navy and 4 years as Active Reservist. I endured malaria and six times I was hit, the final time, during the 1975 Saigon Pullout when I took a bullet to my throat. While part of the Mobile Rivereen Force my responsibilities as a diver included retrieving active mines and dead bodies from ships. After returning home my intention was to be an Art Teacher. I gave up that dream because of the ridicule and mistreatment from the students over my Vietnam service. When my father passed away the process of finding the resources from the Veteran’s Administration was very frustrating and cumbersome, because of that I founded “Vets Helping Vets”. We help Veterans and their families find the resources they need to maneuver the system. Another area that we are involved with is veteran suicide and rehabilitation for PTSD. I am the Commander of American Legion Post 2017 in Limon. It is currently ranked #1 among American Legion Posts nationwide. Please call me if I can help in any capacity. 303-862-2146.
Susie: I grew up in the panhandle of Texas and later married Martin Cochran. He was a parts manager for a large auto dealership in the Denver area. We moved to Lincoln County where Martin joined his brother Roger in the Limon Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep Dealership. We bought land south of Hugo and raised our family there. I worked as a nurse.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
George: Susie and I met years ago and reconnected when my wife was in hospice and Susie’s husband had already passed away. Susie: I have three grown children, Christy and husband Kerman Nickel have three children, Natalie and husband Adam Hittner, and Mike and wife, Kyle have two children. Both daughters live in Lincoln, Nebraska and work for Banner Health. Mike farms near Akron, Colorado.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
George: After the Navy I worked for Coors as an Electrical Engineer and eventually attained my masters degree in Metallurgy. I worked for them actively for 26 years and as a consultant for an additional 9 years. Susie: I worked first as an LPN then earned my RN license.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Some of our favorite restaurants are Southside, Jean’s Family Kitchen, and Oscars.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
George: Since May of 2021, Susie: Over 30 years.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
George: Dan Swanstrom, Susie: Jett Bailey
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
George: John Wayne Movies, Susie: Second Hand Lions
Q: What is your favorite candy?
George: Queen’s Cherry Chocolates, Susie: Chocolate Turtles
Q: What advice would you give to people?
George: I would ask the community to be careful to avoid appointing or electing outsiders who may take over like the Californians did in my hometown of Thornton. Susie: Everyone is doing the best they can.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Susie: Southside
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
George: JFK, Susie: Tyler Perry
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
George: Pronghorn Country ACE Hardware, Susie: Lincoln Theater
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Here, Fishing.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
George: I was declared dead six times. Susie: I worked as a flagger on the highway to pay for nursing school.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
George: People in Lincoln County work together. The kids are respectful compared to city kids. Susie: Mountains.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
George: My parents, Susie: The Lord
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
George: Peace, Susie: Sanctuary
