Southern Ute tribal elder and USAF Veteran, Austin Box celebrated his 95th birthday in the company of friends and family at the Southern Ute Multi-Purpose Facility, Tuesday, May 27. Box’s actual birthday is on May 7. The gathering was attended by the extended Box family and their family from the Unitah & Ouray Reservation. 

Austin Box’s niece, Bertha Box, (left) and daughter, Karen Box Anderson (sitting) were among those who shared stories and anecdotes following lunch. The surprise birthday celebration at the Southern Ute Multi-Purpose Facility was attended by grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as Austin’s brother, Russel Box Sr.