Veterans, volleyball & virtue

Alpine Bank’s Doug Merrell puts his convictions into action with community volunteer service

Doug Merrell, executive vice president of Alpine Bank Information Technology, helps out in his community as a k-12 volleyball official and as an active member of the local Veterans of Foreign War (VFW) post. 

“Helping others through charity work is important for the livelihood of our communities, and Alpine Bank’s commitment to charity is one of the reasons I choose to work here,” says Doug.

Doug has held many roles in the VFW over the last 18 years. He explains that as the nation’s oldest major veteran’s group, its mission is to foster comradery among U.S. veterans of overseas conflicts and to give support and service to veterans, veteran’s families, the military and communities. 

“VFW Post 5843 truly serves our community through volunteerism, scholarships, free medical equipment, medical travel reimbursement and other support venues for veterans, their families and our community,” says Doug. “As a member for the U.S. Air Force and having fought overseas in a foreign war, the VFW’s mission is something that I hold dear and wish to contribute to.”

Doug’s local VFW post’s color guard performs at military funerals, parades, sporting events and other special occasions to promote patriotism and honor military service. 

“At the national level, the VFW works with our legislators by being a voice for those veterans who gave the ultimate sacrifice so we can all live in a democracy,” says Doug.

As for his other volunteer role, after 15 years of officiating volleyball Doug was considering retirement. But in 2021 a shortage of local sports officials necessitated game cancelations. “I didn’t want the young athletes to miss out on the opportunity to play volleyball,” says Doug. Naturally, Doug kept his certification and continues to be in high demand as a volleyball official. “I believe middle and high school sports are important to our youth’s growth and discipline.” 

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Alpine Bank Staff

Alpine Bank is an independent, employee-owned organization with headquarters in Glenwood Springs and banking offices across Colorado’s Western Slope, mountains and Front Range.

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