Celebrating Colorado's citizen-soldiers and the community that supports them.
SEPTEMBER 19, 2025 | WINGS OVER THE ROCKIES EXPLORATION OF FLIGHT, CENTENNIAL AIRPORT
Proudly sponsored by the Colorado Freedom Memorial — honoring those who gave their lives in service to our nation.
INAUGURAL EVENT
Celebrating Colorado's Guard
and the Community That Supports Them
On September 19, 2025, over 125 community leaders, elected officials, and military leadership gathered at Wings Over the Rockies Exploration of Flight for the inaugural State of the Guard — a forum to share not just what the Guard does, but how its mission fits into the fabric of the community it serves.
Major General Laura Clellan, Colorado's Adjutant General, delivered the keynote address alongside Brigadier General Bren Rogers, Commanding General of the Colorado Army National Guard, and Colonel Carrie Worrell, Commander of the 140th Wing. Together, they highlighted the Guard's state missions, federal deployments, economic impact, and the enduring partnership between Colorado's citizen-soldiers and the communities they call home.
"This event is an opportunity to celebrate the strong partnerships that elevate our Guard. Organizations like the Aurora Chamber of Commerce and the Buckley Regional Military Affairs Council, among others, provide very important support for our Guard."
— Governor Jared Polis
EVENT GALLERY
Moments from the Day
Rob Devall, Aurora Chamber Director of Military Affairs, hosts the inaugural State of the Guard at Wings Over the Rockies Exploration of Flight
HIGHLIGHTS
Key Moments
Mission and Economic Impact
Major General Clellan highlighted the Guard's extensive footprint across Colorado — 5,200+ members serving in 23 communities through more than 70 facilities statewide, generating an economic impact of over $240 million annually. She detailed recent state missions including the 2021 Marshall Fire and the Elk and Lee fires, where CH-47 Chinook helicopters dropped Olympic-sized swimming pools' worth of water on flames that collectively burned more than 73,000 acres. The Guard is also partnering with NASA to develop foundational flight training courses for Artemis astronauts.
Deployments and New Missions
Brigadier General Rogers announced that more than 800 Colorado soldiers are slated for deployment throughout 2026, supporting missions including cyber operations, Central and Northern Africa, Europe, and Indo-Pacific combatant commands. Colonel Worrell shared that the Colorado Air National Guard is pursuing three new missions — a contingency response group, an intelligence and reconnaissance group, and a possible Guard detachment squadron at the U.S. Air Force Academy. "While our new mission sets have not been formally assigned to us yet, we are moving swiftly," Worrell said. "I have been told we are about 80 to 85% there."
Great American Defense Community Recognition
The Greater Buckley Region was formally recognized as a Great American Defense Community by the Association of Defense Communities. The GADC program celebrates communities that demonstrate exceptional support for military installations, service members, and their families. This designation recognizes the partnership between Buckley Space Force Base, the Colorado National Guard, and the Aurora region — a relationship built on consistent advocacy, infrastructure investment, and quality of life support for those who serve.
Honoring Retiring Leadership
The Aurora Chamber of Commerce presented coins to Major General Laura Clellan and Command Chief Master Sergeant Lisa Perry in recognition of their distinguished service and leadership. Both leaders are preparing to retire after decades of service to Colorado and the nation. Their legacy of partnership between the Guard and the community will endure long after their retirement.
EVENT SPONSOR
The Colorado Freedom Memorial honors the service and sacrifice of Colorado's fallen heroes. Located in Aurora at the intersection of Chambers Road and E-470, the Memorial stands as a testament to those who gave their lives in service to our nation.
The Memorial serves as a place of reflection, remembrance, and gratitude — ensuring that the names and stories of Colorado's fallen are never forgotten. Through educational programs, ceremonies, and community partnerships, the Colorado Freedom Memorial keeps alive the legacy of sacrifice that protects our freedom.
We are deeply grateful to Rick Crandall and the Colorado Freedom Memorial for sponsoring the inaugural State of the Guard and for their unwavering commitment to honoring those who serve.
Visit the MemorialPRESS COVERAGE
In the News
CALL TO ACTION
Light Up Purple for Military Kids
April is the Month of the Military Child. We're asking businesses, schools, churches, and government offices across Colorado to light their buildings purple as a visible signal of support for military children.
These kids change schools, say goodbye to friends, and watch parents deploy to dangerous places. A simple purple light tells them this community sees them and stands with them.
WHAT'S NEXT
Join Us May 15
50th Armed Forces Recognition Luncheon
Join us for a milestone celebration honoring five decades of recognizing military service and community partnership. This special event will bring together military leadership, elected officials, and community partners to celebrate those who serve.