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Aurora Chamber of Commerce

Military Affairs & BRMAC

Strengthening the partnership between Colorado's military community and the Greater Buckley Region

Buckley Regional Military Affairs Council · Part of the Aurora Chamber of Commerce

Who We Are

Our Mission

The Buckley Regional Military Affairs Council (BRMAC) is a coalition of military leaders, elected officials, business partners, and community advocates united by one purpose: ensuring service members and their families know they never stand alone.

We do this through advocacy, partnership, and support — strengthening the bond between Buckley Space Force Base, the Colorado National Guard, and the communities they call home.

$4.9B
Regional Defense Impact
600+
BRMAC Members
3
Signature Events + 8 Monthly Meetings
100+
Years of Partnership

This partnership has deep roots. What began in 1918 as an informal relationship between the Aurora Businessman's Club and the U.S. Army Hospital at Fitzsimons evolved into the Aurora Defense Council and ultimately became BRMAC — more than a century of consistent advocacy for those who serve.

Our Work

Three Focus Areas

Quality of Life
Focus Area 1

Quality of Life

Strengthening military families through community connection, resources, and support.

  • Month of the Military Child: Purple Lights campaign (April) — asking businesses, schools, and government offices to light buildings purple as a visible signal of support for military children
  • Rental Partnership Program: Connecting service members with quality housing options and community resources
  • Crisis Response: Rapid mobilization during federal government shutdowns to provide emergency resources, coordinate state and federal support, and connect affected service members and federal employees with assistance
  • Family Support: Sensing sessions with Senior Enlisted Leaders, resource development, and direct engagement with military families
Quality of Mission
Focus Area 2

Quality of Mission

Advancing operational readiness through strategic partnerships and advocacy.

  • Future of Buckley Task Force: Bringing together congressional delegation, state leadership, and base commanders to ensure unified support for Buckley's evolving missions and long-term strategic relevance
  • Installation Advocacy: Proactive engagement with federal, state, and local stakeholders to support mission viability and infrastructure investment
Education Advancement
Focus Area 3

Education Advancement

Promoting educational access and opportunity for service members and their families.

  • Purple Star School Legislation: Successfully advocated for Colorado's Purple Star School designation, led by then-State Senator Rhonda Fields (now Arapahoe County Commissioner), marking a major step forward in supporting military-connected students through enhanced school transition resources and recognition
Signature Programs

Flagship Events

State of the Base
Annual Briefing

State of the Base

An annual briefing from Buckley Space Force Base leadership on the installation's mission, economic impact, and strategic priorities. In 2026, we celebrated the 25th anniversary of this cornerstone event — a quarter century of partnership between Buckley and the Greater Buckley Region.

2026 Highlights: $2.44 billion economic impact, 15,000+ personnel supported, critical infrastructure investments, and the enduring community support that sustains both mission and families.

State of the Guard
Annual Briefing

State of the Guard

Launched in 2025, the State of the Guard brings together military, civic, and business leaders to highlight the Colorado National Guard's missions, accomplishments, and community impact — celebrating the vital role Colorado's citizen-soldiers play in defending our nation and serving the people of Colorado.

Inaugural Event (2025): 125+ attendees, 5,200+ Guard members across 23 communities, $240M+ economic impact, and recognition of the Greater Buckley Region as a Great American Defense Community.

Armed Forces Recognition Luncheon
May 15, 2026

50th Armed Forces Recognition Luncheon

Join us on May 15, 2026 for a milestone celebration honoring five decades of recognizing military service and community partnership. This annual event celebrates outstanding junior enlisted service members from Buckley Space Force Base and across the region.

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.

Monthly · Fourth Thursday

BRMAC Monthly Meetings

We meet monthly (fourth Thursday of each month) at different locations across the region to bring together military leaders, business professionals, and community partners. Each meeting provides insightful updates, networking opportunities, and discussions on initiatives supporting military quality of life, mission readiness, and regional economic development.

Whether you're a business, organization, or individual looking to support our military community, we welcome you to join the conversation.

View Event Calendar
Resources

Supporting Military Families

Buckley Welcome & Resource Page

Comprehensive resource guide for inbound and current military members, developed in partnership with Senior Enlisted Leaders at Buckley Space Force Base.

Visit Resource Page →

Rental Partnership Program

Connecting service members with quality housing options and community resources across the Greater Buckley Region.

Contact Us to Learn More →

Military & Veterans Discounts

Local businesses offering discounts and special offers for active duty service members, veterans, and their families.

View Discounts →
National Recognition

Leading the Nation in Military-Community Partnership

Great American Defense Community

Great American Defense Community (2025)

The Greater Buckley Region is honored to be recognized by the Association of Defense Communities as a Great American Defense Community — placing us among an elite group of communities nationwide leading the way in military-community partnership.

Defense Community Council

Defense Community Council (DCC)

The Greater Buckley Region is actively engaged in the Association of Defense Communities' Defense Community Council program — working to ensure long-term mission viability, community sustainability, and quality of life for service members through strategic land use planning and community engagement.

Rob Devall serves as Co-Chair of the Air Force and Space Force Community Council under the Association of Defense Communities.

Impact & Crisis Response

Rapid Response in Times of Crisis

Federal Government Shutdown (October 2025)

Federal Shutdown Resource Page

When the federal government shutdown threatened pay for tens of thousands of Colorado federal employees and service members, BRMAC rapidly convened leadership from the Lieutenant Governor's office, the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, and congressional staff from Senator Bennet, Senator Hickenlooper, and Congressman Crow.

Within 48 hours, we built and deployed a centralized resource page connecting affected families with emergency assistance, employment resources, financial support, and community services — shared statewide to ensure no service member or federal employee faced the crisis alone.

This is what partnership looks like when it matters most.

Why It Matters

Why Get Involved

Supporting the military isn't just the right thing to do — it's a smart investment in your business and the community.

In the greater metro area, the economic impact of our military and defense community is over $4.9 billion. Demonstrating support for those who serve enhances your brand's reputation and shows commitment to a strong, thriving community.

Leadership

BRMAC Leadership

Rick Crandall

Rick Crandall

BRMAC Executive Committee Chair
President & CEO
Colorado Freedom Memorial
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