By Jen Schumann | Contributor, Rocky Mountain Voice
U.S. Army veteran Ray Gooch says “the Lord was taking care of me” when he was “kept out of Vietnam and sent to Alaska”.
“I learned an awful lot up there with the Arctic, the people and the environment,” he says, reflecting on his time in the military.
His journey from a tight-knit Colorado mountain community to serving in the Cold War and now teaching the U.S. Constitution, as written, as intended, and as ratified in 1887. His is a testament to resilience, patriotism and purpose.
Gooch was raised in the mountains of Coal Creek Canyon, Colo.
“Our party line had 12 people on it,” he recalls with humor, referencing the shared telephone system where multiple households were connected on the same line. “That was our way of life [our social media].”
The party line symbolized the close-knit nature of the community, where communication was open, and everyone pitched in to help during emergencies or celebrations.
Much of Gooch’s service-oriented mindset was inspired by his mother, who played a key role in their small community. During World War II, she was heavily involved in civil defense and later became the volunteer fire chief for their town.
“The fire department literally was one old army command car with a 100-gallon tank and a high-pressure pump,” Gooch explains. “She organized the ladies up there to drive the truck, do first aid and run the equipment, because most of the men worked in the city during the day.”
Gooch credits his mother not only with instilling a sense of responsibility but also with his playful sense of humor.
“Mom and [her friend] Ruby made up a story about a woman with five kids who moved into the canyon, and every time they talked, they’d add more drama to the story,” he says.
“One day, the store owner stormed up to mom and asked about this woman. Mom laughed and said, ‘Oh, that’s just a story Ruby and I cooked up for people who like to listen in on the phone.’” The memory is one of many that continues to make Gooch smile and reminds him of the humor and determination that shaped his upbringing.
During the Vietnam War era, Gooch faced a decision: wait to be deployed or enlist and choose a path that aligned with his skills and interests. Opting for the Army, he trained in electronics and long-range communications.
“I figured if I was going to serve, I wanted to do something that made sense to me and would teach me something useful,” Gooch explains. His choice led him to Alaska, where he worked on radar systems monitoring potential nuclear threats from Russia, a pivotal role in the Cold War. “If you buck the system, you’re in deep stuff,” he says. “You learn to play the game, and if you play it right, you’ll be good.”
For Gooch, the bond among veterans transcends generations.
“There’s a brotherhood among veterans,” he says. “No matter how much we tease each other, we wore the same uniform — just a different tailor.” That camaraderie fueled his passion for service, both in and out of uniform.
But Gooch also expresses concerns about the future of the nation.
“When you fight for something, literally, and see what you fought for going down the toilet — it’s hard. Very hard,” he admits. “We’re seeing the country we built from strength and grit being dismantled. It’s tough for us veterans to watch.”
After leaving the military, Gooch embarked on various careers, from firefighting to teaching survival skills. Gooch contributed close to 10 years of service to Mesa County Search and Rescue, starting in 1993.
His life took an unexpected turn during the pandemic. While facing health challenges, he discovered Patriot Academy’s Constitution Alive program. “I was physically and mentally trashed—done. I needed a new mission for my life,” Gooch shares. “The more I studied, the more I realized this was it. My heritage told me I needed to do this. So I became a certified coach for the Constitution.”
Gooch’s initiative, Constitution Alive Grand Junction, offers interactive classes that delve into America’s founding documents. Using workbooks, videos and discussions, the program connects historical events to modern-day challenges.
His goal? To inspire others to understand and defend the principles upon which the United States was built. “The Constitution is who we are, what we are, and what is really legal for us to do,” Gooch explains. “It’s empowering to know our roots.”
Gooch also offers a separate course on the War for Independence (1775-1781), exploring the sacrifices of early American patriots. “If we don’t know our roots, we’re in trouble,” Gooch says. “This is about understanding who we are as a nation.”
Gooch recently married Dottie, who helps him write content for his website and classes. That is when they aren’t busy being “executive teenagers.”
He holds his classes at public community spaces, and those interested can sign up through his website. Schedules, fees, and contact information are available at constitutionalivegrandjunction.com.
Through his classes, Gooch hopes to empower others to take action. “If I can get people educated and fired up about who we are, what we are — that’s my goal.”
Gooch’s teachings are filled with rich anecdotes that bring history to life. One of his favorites involves Benjamin Franklin during the Constitutional Convention. As tensions rose, Franklin urged the delegates to seek divine guidance. “Ask God,” Franklin implored, a sentiment Gooch often repeats in his classes. “Our Constitution is written, ratified and inspired by Christian men who asked for guidance in moments of heated debate,” he adds.
“Studying this has done a lot for me spiritually,” Gooch reflects. “It’s a reminder of what’s possible when people unite for a higher purpose.”
On Veterans Day, Gooch’s example reminds that true honor extends beyond mere thanks — it demands action toward preserving the values they defended.
“I’ve spent my whole life supporting my community — firefighters, veterans, hunters. We all share a sense of duty,” Gooch reflects. “If I can pass that on, then I’ve done my job. I’ve worn my skeleton out over the years. At 78, I’m still standing, still teaching and still fighting for what I believe in.”
Gooch points out that the struggle for freedom doesn’t end on the battlefield. It lives on in classrooms, communities and the hearts of those who wish to pass our founding principles to the next generation.
To learn more about Gooch’s classes or to enroll, visit Constitution Alive Grand Junction.