Dolores Collins learned the art of saluting 70 years ago, and at age 90 she can snap a salute with no hesitation, wobble or waver. 

Dolores grew up in a small West Virginia coal mining town in a family of 11: seven children, both parents, her paternal grandmother and paternal aunt.  During her life she had stellar opportunities come her way and is grateful for all of them.

Dolores remembers a childhood that was largely carefree: enjoyable holiday gatherings, cutting family Christmas trees, writing letters to Santa and playing on the school basketball team. 

One exception was an experience on the school bus. Dolores got on the school bus and realized the driver had been drinking. Sitting near the front of the bus, Dolores saw the driver start to doze off as the road wound around hairpin turns. Without hesitation, she shook him awake, and he completed the drive without incident.

Dolores was inspired by the speaker at her high school graduation. Mary McLeod Bethune, the daughter of former slaves, was an educator, civil rights advocate and an advisor to five presidents. Ms. Bethune spoke to Dolores’ class of about 30 students about the importance of education, self-determination, self-respect and setting high life goals. The speech strengthened Dolores’ determination to become a nurse. After nursing school in West Virginia, she joined accepted the Army and was assigned to Fitzsimons Army Hospital in Denver. 

Dolores met her future husband, Edward Collins, at Fitzsimons. One of Dolores’ noteworthy patients was President Dwight Eisenhower, who spent six weeks there recovering from a heart attack. Dolores met Mamie Eisenhower, members of the Secret Service and many advisors while Eisenhower recuperated and ran the country from his hospital bed. 

Dolores, who enjoyed singing, tried out and was accepted to tour with Bob Hope.  Regrettably, an attack of appendicitis kept her from leaving for the tour.

Shortly after Dolores left the Army and was working at Mercy Hospital, a supervisor asked her to re-enlist and work at a hospital in Japan. Dolores returned to Army service and worked for two years in Japan, where her husband had been sent. Later she worked in Army Hospitals in Washington and Texas. Dolores continued in the Army Reserve until 1991, serving for 38 years. She retired as a chief warrant master supervising a unit in the hospital.

On another remarkable occasion she met Colin Powell. Dolores’ brother, who also served in the Army, was acquainted with General Powell. In fact, the two men looked quite a bit alike, Dolores said. Powell graciously took the time during a visit to Denver to meet Dolores’ family.

Sometimes opportunities found Dolores. One day while she wearing in full dress uniform at the Chicago airport, a military pilot offered her a ride. Dolores and a four-star general were the only passengers on that direct flight to Denver.

Dolores and her family loved music and attended many concerts. She was able to meet Cab Calloway after a concert at Montview and Mahalia Jackson, Lena Horne and Ella Fitzgerald after performances downtown. She not only met the Mill Brothers but when one of them visited his sister in Park Hill, he taught Dolores’ son how to ride a bike.

During her time in Denver, Dolores bought a small house not far from Park Hill. When her parents and brothers moved to Denver, Dolores gave them the house and bought the bungalow in Park Hill where she still lives and raised her two children, Edward and Helene. 

Dolores has been an active member of Montview for more 60 years. She met Dr. Martin Luther King when he preached at Montview, sang in the choir and volunteered for 20 years as a phone receptionist. She said she values Montview’s services, ministers, classes and helpful community.  

She attributes her longevity to her determination, productive life, service to others and love of people. She is proud to be a veteran and grateful for family, friends and the extraordinary opportunities in her life.

– Submitted by Brooke Durland