Alpine's 'Band of Brothers' focus on missionary service

“It’s addicting to hear the specifics,” he said.

“You get details you that you normally wouldn’t get unless you are in on their emails, and it sparks great discussions. The advantageous benefit is that youth are into Facebook and when they see these guys on missions, it’s cool and they can’t wait to get there.”

Anderson was released from his calling in the Young Men a while ago, but the tradition carries on with president Kelly Larsen and Bishop Sean Collins. Both men have sons on missions, and Anderson’s son just received his call to El Salvador and Belize.

“We know we’re not the only ward that does stuff like this,” Anderson said. “There are fantastic youth groups everywhere. But this has been such a magical time, a sliver of a peek into the lives of the missionaries you normally wouldn’t get. It’s a great tool.”

Email: ttoone@desnews.com

Twitter: tbtoone