Hougen, Anschutz honored at Buckley as heroes

  • Published
  • By Mr. John Spann
  • 460th Space Wing Public Affairs

Buckley Air Force Base, Colo.--Two of Buckley's supporters were honored here April 15, 2011, with the inaugural presentation of the Community Heroes of Buckley Award.

Honored were Mr. Kevin Hougen, President and CEO of the Aurora Chamber of Commerce and Mr. Christian Anschutz, Managing Director of the Western Development Group.

"We are so very fortunate to have so much support from our community," said Col. Clint Crosier, 460th Space Wing commander. "I've been in the Air Force for 23 years and haven't found a community such as Aurora and the surrounding community who are so supportive of Buckley's mission.

"The point today is not only to recognize a couple of our local citizen-patriots but to recognize the entire community for their support and assistance to the Buckley community," said Colonel Crosier. "I simply can't think of two bigger heroes than Kevin and Christian to receive these inaugural awards."

The Community Heroes of Buckley Award was established to recognize community leaders for their contributions to the Buckley missions and who by their actions have made a positive effect supporting the men, women and families of Team Buckley.

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 military members in the local area.

"I am very honored," said Mr. Hougen. "I am a little embarrassed, but this is really a team effort. I look up to the men and women in uniform. We're here to work for those who are in harm's way on a 24/7 basis, who leave families behind here in difficult circumstances. This is part of a great team here at Buckley."

Mr Anschutz 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.

"I am also deeply honored by this award," said Mr. Anschutz. "I feel privileged to be with such a distinguished group. You all (the military) are the true heroes in this room. I applaud all the men, women and civilians of our armed forces and the 92,000 people who are at home at Buckley. Glad to thank each of you for your service to the country."

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.