Buckley to honor two community leaders Published April 13, 2011 By John Spann 460th Space Wing Public Affairs BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo-- -- Two of Buckley's staunchest supporters will be honored here April 15, 2011, with the inaugural presentation of the Community Heroes of Buckley Award. Being honored are Mr. Kevin Hougen, President and CEO of the Aurora Chamber of Commerce and Mr. Christian Anschutz, Managing Director of the Western Development Group. The Community Heroes of Buckley Award recognizes community leaders for their contributions to the Buckley missions and who, by their actions, have made the most positive impact supporting the men, women and families of Team Buckley. "With all of the things the local Aurora and Denver communities do to support Buckley Air Force Base, it was really important to us to implement a program to specifically recognize that important partnership," said Col. Clint Crosier, the Buckley Air Force Base commander. "The Community Heroes of Buckley award is our way of saying to our local citizen-patriots, "we recognize how important your friendship is, your support is critical to what we do, and we really, really appreciate you" Crosier continued. "And when it comes to people who have really made a difference at Buckley, I simply can't think of two bigger Heroes than Kevin Hougen and Christian Anschutz to receive these inaugural awards!" Mr Hougen is a long-time supporter of Buckley and is actively involved in the Wounded Warrior and Deployed Spouses program, Monthly Newcomer's Orientation as well as hosting the quarterly Community Advisory Group in his offices. The Chamber's Defense Council also sponsors the annual Armed Forces Recognition Luncheon to honor local military members in the local area. Mr Anschutz spearheaded a drive to raise funds to support the families of members deployed overseas, and to help Wounded Warriors reintegrate into normal lifestyle upon recovery from their injuries. He has participated in U.S. Northern Command's 2008 Civic Leaders Tour, is an alumnus of the DOD's Joint Civilian Orientation Conference (JCOC77), is Denver's 2011 recipient of the Director's Community Leadership Award from the FBI, and serves as a trustee for the Colorado Thirty Group. He has served on numerous boards and committees for charitable, civic and corporate organizations and continues to remain actively involved in a variety of philanthropic ventures dedicated to strengthening our communities, supporting our civil servants and military personnel, and preserving history. Both honorees are members of the Buckley co-commander's group and the Air Force Space Command commander's advisory group. Through this program Team Buckley will continue to recognize local civic leaders who contribute in significant ways to the mission of Buckley and the quality of life of our people. While this year the base has chosen to recognize two heroes, in future years there will only be a single honoree selected as the Community Heroes of Buckley of the year.