Inaugural State of the Guard
Celebrating Colorado's citizen-soldiers and the community that supports them — a new annual forum connecting Guard leadership with the communities they call home.
Colorado Freedom Memorial — honoring those who gave their lives in service to our nation.
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.
The event concluded with a coining ceremony in which Aurora Chamber President and CEO Naomi Colwell coined Major General Clellan and Command Chief Master Sergeant Lisa Perry in recognition of their service and leadership.
Moments from the Day
Key Moments
Mission and Economic Impact
Major General Clellan highlighted the Guard's extensive footprint — 5,200+ members serving in 23 communities through more than 70 facilities statewide, generating 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.
Great American Defense Community
The Greater Buckley Region was formally recognized as a Great American Defense Community during the event — a national designation honoring communities that demonstrate exceptional support for military installations, servicemembers, and their families. The recognition reflects years of sustained partnership across BRMAC, the Aurora Chamber, and the broader defense community ecosystem.
What's Next
50th Armed Forces Recognition Luncheon
Join us May 15, 2026 for a milestone celebration honoring five decades of recognizing military service and community partnership. Military leadership, elected officials, and community partners — all together for a landmark event.