Answering the Call: Al Brooks’ Journey from Draft Day to Connecting a Small Town

Al Brooks brings a powerful story of grit, service, and deep-rooted connection to the Chelan Valley. Born in Rapid City, South Dakota, and raised in Lake Stevens, Al comes from a hardworking family with ties to early infrastructure and industry in Washington—including helping establish transportation routes from Quincy to Wenatchee and over Stevens Pass, as well as logging operations near Mount Vernon. His upbringing was grounded in work ethic, with parents who ran a chicken farm while also holding additional jobs to support the family.At just 18 years old, Al was drafted during the Vietnam era. Choosing to enlist in the U.S. Army, he served as a Military Police officer—an experience that would shape his perspective and stay with him for life. Despite this chapter, he still graduated with his class from Lake Stevens High School in 1965.In 1969, Al made his way to North Central Washington, eventually settling in the Chelan Valley. He began working as a telephone operator, stepping into a role that placed him at the center of a rapidly evolving time in communication—from party lines and switchboards to the early modernization of rural connectivity. Through his work and life in the valley, Al witnessed firsthand the transformation of the community—its growth, its resilience, and its people.In this episode, Al reflects on the early days of Chelan, the changes he’s seen over the decades, and the relationships that defined his life—including meeting the love of his life and raising a family in the valley he came to call home. This is a conversation about perspective, resilience, and what it truly means to be part of a small-town community.🎙️ Small Towns Unscripted — helping people know each other, not just of each other.If you enjoy stories like this, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with someone who loves small-town history.