Buckley Regional Military Affairs Council
Milestone 50th Anniversary
50th Annual Armed Forces Recognition Luncheon
Honoring Five Decades of Service, Community, and Excellence
May 15, 2026 | DoubleTree Hotel Denver, Aurora
Nominations Open Now | Deadline: April 16, 2026
Event Registration Deadline: May 7, 2026
Title Sponsor
A Milestone Celebration
Honoring Excellence in Service
Join the Aurora Chamber of Commerce's Buckley Regional Military Affairs Council (BRMAC) for the 50th Annual Armed Forces Recognition Luncheon, a milestone celebration honoring enlisted military personnel across the active, guard, reserve, and Commonwealth forces who have demonstrated excellence in service and meaningful contributions to the local community.
This landmark program highlights those who go above and beyond — not only in their military duties, but through volunteerism, leadership, and engagement that positively impacts the lives of others outside the uniform.
For 50 years, this event has been the Greater Buckley Region's signature occasion to celebrate service members who embody leadership, community spirit, and dedication in every aspect of their lives.
Nominate a Service Member
Help Us Recognize Outstanding Enlisted Leaders
Nominations are now open for the 2026 BRMAC Armed Forces Recognition Program. We encourage leaders, supervisors, and partners to recognize service members who exemplify excellence both in uniform and in the community.
Important Dates
Nomination Deadline
COB April 16, 2026
Finalists Announced
April 21, 2026
Winners Revealed
May 15, 2026
About the Program
This year marks the 50th Annual Armed Forces Recognition Program — a milestone celebration of the men and women who serve our nation and strengthen our local community. Brought to you by BRMAC, this program honors enlisted service members who go above and beyond in both their military duties and community involvement. This is a community-focused award, and nominees should demonstrate meaningful impact outside of their direct workplace through volunteerism, leadership, boards, committees, and community engagement.
Eligible Categories
All Active, Guard & Reserve Personnel
- U.S. Army – E-6 and below
- U.S. Navy – E-6 and below
- U.S. Marine Corps – E-6 and below
- U.S. Air Force – E-6 and below
- U.S. Space Force – E-6 and below
- U.S. Coast Guard – E-6 and below
- Commonwealth Partners – E-7 and below
What You'll Need
- Nominee's name, rank, duty title, branch, and organization
- Nominating member's name, rank, and email
- Nominee's SEL name, rank, and email
- Nomination narrative (350-word limit)
- Nominee biography (125-word limit)
- Official photo of the nominee
Period of Award: June 2025 – May 2026
Nomination narratives should focus on community impact outside the direct workplace, including volunteerism, leadership, boards, committees, and broader community engagement.
First line supervisors are empowered to submit nominations directly on behalf of their people. A courtesy conversation with the nominee's SEL is encouraged prior to submission, and BRMAC will separately notify the SEL upon receipt of all nominations.
Ready to Submit?
Help us make this 50th anniversary one to remember by nominating the outstanding service members in your formation.
Having trouble uploading the nominee photo? Email it to rdevall@aurorachamber.org and reference the nominee's name in the subject line.
Keynote Speaker
Major General Devin R. Pepper
We are honored to welcome Major General Devin R. Pepper, United States Space Force, Deputy Chief of Staff for Strategic Plans and Policy at NATO's Supreme Allied Command Transformation.
General Pepper previously commanded the 460th Space Wing and Buckley Garrison — right here in the Greater Buckley Region.
A career space and missile operations officer, General Pepper enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1989, received his commission through Officer Training School in 1996, and transferred to the U.S. Space Force in 2021. He is a graduate of the United States Air Force Weapons School and the National War College.
Event Details
Plan Your Visit
Date & Time
Friday, May 15, 2026
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Location
DoubleTree Hotel Denver
3203 Quebec St
Denver, CO 80207
Registration
General Public: $50
Military/DoD: Pro-rated by rank
Deadline: May 7, 2026
Dress Code
Civilian attendees: Business Casual
Military attendees: UOD/OCPs | Award finalists: Service Dress
Experience the Event
Highlights from the 49th Annual AFRL
A celebration of service, community, and the outstanding enlisted members who make a difference every day.
A Lasting Tribute
Colorado Freedom Memorial
Each honoree receives a commemorative brick with a matching engraved paver placed at the Colorado Freedom Memorial Visitor and Education Center — a lasting tribute to their service and sacrifice.
You can be part of this legacy. Purchase a brick or donate today to honor a loved one and support the building of this meaningful tribute to those who serve.
Visit Colorado Freedom MemorialThank You
Our Sponsors
Title Sponsor
Philip Morris International
Major Sponsors
Boost Mobile
Homes for Heroes
RE/MAX Professionals
Arapahoe County
City of Aurora
Corporate Award Sponsors
Wagner Equipment
Leidos
Community College of Aurora
Denver International Airport
GEICO Aurora
ICR
Additional Sponsors
Fairfield Inn & Suites Aurora/Parker • University of Denver • Visit Aurora
Aurora Economic Development Council • City of Aurora - City Management
Become a Sponsor
Support this milestone celebration and gain visibility in the military community.
Contact Rob DevallCelebrate Service. Submit a Nomination. Join Us in May.
Whether you're recognizing an outstanding enlisted service member or attending the luncheon to celebrate this milestone year, we invite you to be part of the 50th Annual Armed Forces Recognition Luncheon.
Questions? Contact Rob Devall at rdevall@aurorachamber.org