Article: Black Forest protector Cigar-chewing president of group weighs in on roads, chapel

BLACK FOREST - Eddie "Elephant" Bracken earned his nickname for his tendency to trumpet his emotions during his 33-year military career. It's a moniker that has followed him into his current job.

He's president of the Black Forest Community Club, a volunteer position that makes him the closest thing to a mayor that exists in this unincorporated El Paso County community.

Bracken, 68, is not shy about expressing opinions, whether on the Vietnam War or Millie Carlton's effort to build a Black Forest wedding chapel. At 6-foot-5, with an authoritative voice and trademark unlit cigar dangling from his mouth, he can't be ignored.

Bracken is never seen without a cigar. He stopped smoking them in ...

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