Chamber honors 11 military members

Published June 19, 2012
By John Spann
460th Space Wing Public Affairs

06/18/2012 - AURORA, Colo. -- The Aurora Chamber of Commerce's Defense Council honored 11 members of the military from the Aurora metro area on June 15 during its 36th Annual Armed Forces Recognition Luncheon at the Crowne Plaza Hotel.

Over 600 business people, community leaders and military members were on hand to honor the recipients.

Honored were: Air Force Active Duty: Senior Airman Joshua Carandang, 460th Space Wing; Air Force Reserve: Senior Airman Blanca Hernandez, Air Reserve Personnel Center; Colorado Air National Guard: Staff Sgt. Megan F. Della Rossa, 140th Wing; Army Active Duty: Sgt. Camrron Roth, 743rd Military Intelligence Battalion, Aerospace Data Facility-Colorado; Army Reserve: Staff Sgt. Stephanie Boyle, HHC, 1st Brigade, 104th Training Division; Army National Guard: Staff Sgt. Charles M. Sandoval, 168th Regional Training Institute; Navy Active Duty: Petty Officer 2nd Class Christopher Rabjohn, Navy Operational Support Center-Denver; Navy Reserve: Petty Officer 1st Class Snake Blocker, Navy Operational Support Center-Denver; Marine Corp Active Duty: Lance Cpl. Jason R. McKesson, Company A, Marine Cryptologic Support Battalion-Aerospace Data Facility-Colorado; Marine Corps Reserve: Lance Cpl. Brianna Classen, Marine Air Control Squadron 23 and Coast Guard: Petty Officer 2nd Class Travis Klein, Coast Guard Cryptologic Unit, Colorado.

Maj. Gen. Marty Whelan, who heads Air Force Space Command's A5 Requirements Directorate was the guest speaker and spoke on service to the audience. He is a former 460th Space Wing Vice commander and enjoyed his time while in Aurora. "It's great to be back among friends," he said.

Speaking on Service: "No matter where we serve we serve together," said Whelan. "But we also can't forget those who served and gave the ultimate sacrifice. It stirs my emotions when I see young men and women who are still joining and serving in harm's way. They do it willingly for you and our country. Your service to our country is what makes us strong.

"The local community also serves," he said. "You let us in your communities, your schools; you share your businesses and so much more. The military can't do their job without the backing of the community. Thanks for taking the time to recognize our military members today."

In addition the Chamber recognized Gian Gandolfo, from Hilton Garden Inn DIA, as he was presented the annual Bob Cardenas award for his support to the military community.