Army space personnel recognized by at Pikes Peak MOAA community heroes night

By Staff ReportsNovember 19, 2013

Army Space Personnel Recognized by at Pikes Peak MOAA Community Heroes Night
1 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Capt. Mallory Kessler, commander of the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Space Brigade, center, joins other awardees on stage during the third annual Military Officers Association of America Community Heroes Award Night Nov. 15 at the Antle... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Army Space Personnel Recognized by at Pikes Peak MOAA Community Heroes Night
2 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Nine Army Space Soldiers from Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Space Brigade, pose with their award during third annual Military Officers Association of America Community Heroes Award Night Nov. 15 at the Antlers Hilton in Colorado Springs,... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Army Space Personnel Recognized by at Pikes Peak MOAA Community Heroes Night
3 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Group shot of Soldiers and civilian with Headquarters And Headquarters Company, 1st Space Brigade. The company was recognized for their volunteer efforts in the Colorado Springs, Colo., community during the third annual Military Officers Association ... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- Army space Soldiers, civilians and contractors were recognized for their community involvement during the third annual Military Officers Association of America Community Heroes Award Night Nov. 15 at the Antlers Hilton in Colorado Springs, Colo.

The event was part of the 2013 MOAA Annual Meeting, which was conducted Nov. 14-16.

This is the third year the MOAA Community Heroes Award Night has recognized six individuals and groups, selected from within military and civilian communities in the Colorado Springs area, who exemplify service to military and veteran communities including wounded warriors.

There were two award categories: mlitary champion and civilian champion, and three awards were given in each category.

Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Space Brigade fell into the military champion category.

Before a group of more than 500 attendees, including the award winners and their colleagues, families, and representatives of MOAA's board of directors, staff, and membership, HHC was recognized for their teamwork and selfless service for the amount of work they have put into volunteer time, charities, community organizations, and Soldier-to-Soldier assistance.

Soldiers, civilians and contractors of the HHC helped their fellow Soldiers and the surrounding community in many ways. HHC members volunteered in the aftermath of several local natural disasters by providing support and cleanup efforts after the Manitou Springs mudslides, donating money after the mudslide to help restructure the trail, and donating to Care and Share for the victims of the Black Forest fire.

They also assisted with the Springs Rescue Mission with beautification projects and have established a recycling program - gathering plastic, glass, and paper products in the unit to fund team-building activities.

Members of the 98-strong company volunteer countless hours each Saturday at the Marian House. In addition, members volunteer as coaches and board members and assist with fundraising for Colorado Springs youth sports and help with the Colorado Springs Down Syndrome Association by leading bowling and basketball camps and organizing a buddy walk.

Furthermore, they help within the community by gathering donations for the Warrior Warehouse on Fort Carson that supports military families in need; donating pints of blood to the Armed Services Blood Bank; and participating in various runs throughout Colorado that give a portion of their proceeds to charities such as cerebral palsy, breast cancer research, wounded warriors, youth organizations, and the Kennedy Krieger Institute.

According to the citation given, HHC not only volunteers within the community, but the Soldiers, civilians and contractors also have given the command climate in the company a feeling of family and camaraderie.

Nine Soldiers from HHC were present at Friday evening's event.

"It was an exciting night for HHC, and I couldn't be more proud of my Soldiers," said Capt. Mallory Kessler, commander of the HHC, 1st Space Brigade.

Related Links:

1st Space Brigade Facebook page