Honorees at the 50th annual Aurora Chamber Armed Forces Recognition Luncheon at the Doubletree Hotel in Denver May 15, 2026. From left to right. Su Ryden, Personnel Specialist First Class Nikita Sheline, US Navy, Technical Sergeant Gabrianna Bonilla, US Air Force, Technical Sergeant Angie Luce, US Air Force, Airman First Class David Goodwin, US Air Force, Intelligence Spcialist Third Class, Jeyden Clancy, Staff Sergeant Paul Korson, accepting on behalf of Staff Sergeant Claire Lybrand, US Marine Corps, Specialist Jack Dunn, US Army, and Senior Master Sergeant Michael Brunn, accepting on behalf of Technical Sergeant Theresa Poviboon, US Space Force. PHOTO COURTESY OF AURORA CHAMBER
AURORA | The Aurora Chamber of Commerce honored military service members and civilian advocates during its 50th Armed Forces Recognition Luncheon last week, celebrating leadership, volunteerism and community service across multiple military branches.
Held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Denver this year, the annual event brought together military commanders, elected officials and business leaders to recognize enlisted personnel and community members who have strengthened ties between the military and the Aurora area.
“For half a century, this event has been a reflection of who we are as a community,” Chamber Executive Director Naomi Colwell told attendees. “Fifty years ago, the Aurora Chamber of Commerce made a commitment that the men and women who serve at our local military installations would know, without question, that their community stands with them.”
The Armed Forces Recognition Award is presented to enlisted service members ranked E-6 and below who demonstrate professional excellence, leadership and community involvement.
Also honored this year was retired Air Force Col. George Peck, a veteran himself of the local military and Chamber of Commerce communities.
“For 50 years, this luncheon has honored the men and women who serve in our armed forces,” said Master of Ceremonies Rick Crandall. “And for about half of those years, one man has stood on this stage and delivered a live tribute that has become the heartbeat of this event.”
He referred to and honored Peck for his years of support and tribute to the event and its recipients.
Honorees and officials at the 50th annual Aurora Chamber Armed Forces Recognition Luncheon at the Doubletree Hotel in Denver May 15, 2026. From left to right, Aurora Chamber President and CEO Naomi Colwell, Aurora Chamber Chief Operating Officer Rene Simard, Alicia Pepper and US Space Force Major General Devin Pepper and Aurora Chamber Director of Military Affairs Rob Devall
“Each finalist today has been nominated by their unit leadership and reviewed by a panel of seasoned professionals,” Crandall said. “Their recognition is not just a testament to their service, but to their character and impact well beyond the base.”
Buckley Space Force Base is home to all branches of the military, and each branch offers their own honorees.
Among the honorees was Army Spc. Jack Dunn of the 743rd Military Intelligence Battalion, who received the Army award after being nominated by unit leadership and selected by a review panel.
The Marine Corps category ended in a tie, with Staff Sgt. Aric Hanner of the 4th Distribution Support Battalion and Staff Sgt. Claire Lybrand of Company A, Marine Corps Support Battalion, both receiving top honors.
“And because both of their packages came out as a tie, we are recognizing both as our winners,” Crandall said.
Personnel Specialist 1st Class Nikita Sheline of Navy Reserve Center Denver received the Navy award. Finalists also included Personnel Specialist 3rd Class Nicholes Hurd and Cryptologic Technician 2nd Class Brett Roberson.
The Air Force category, which included active-duty, Guard and Reserve personnel, produced three winners: Technical Sgt. Gabrianna Bonilla of Headquarters Air Reserve Personnel Center, Technical Sgt. Angie Luce of the 233rd Space Group with the Colorado Air National Guard, and Airman 1st Class David Godwin of the 460th Contracting Squadron.
“The Air Force field this year is our largest,” Crandall told attendees.
Technical Sgt. Theresa Poviboon of the 201st Space Operations Squadron at Aerospace Data Facility Colorado received the Space Force award.
The Coast Guard award went to Intelligence Specialist 3rd Class Jeyden Clancy of Coast Guard Cryptologic Unit Colorado.
Rob DeVall, the Chamber’s director of military affairs, said this year’s recipients represent the values the program was created to celebrate.
“To our award winners: Thank you for setting the standard,” DeVall said. “To our community: Thank you for standing behind them.”
Recipients received commemorative bricks as part of a partnership with the Colorado Freedom Memorial. Matching engraved pavers honoring each winner will be installed at the memorial’s planned visitor and education center.
“A brick is a symbol. It’s foundational,” DeVall said. “A brick says: You were here. You made a difference. And your impact will last.”
The luncheon also recognized longtime military advocate and former Democratic State Rep. Su Ryden with the Bob Cardenas Award, which honors civilians who have made significant contributions to the military community.
Crandall praised Ryden’s work as a former Colorado legislator and advocate for veterans and service members.
“When her time in the Legislature ended, she didn’t move on,” Crandall said. “She moved deeper in.”
Ryden chaired the Colorado House State, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee during her time representing House District 36 and she helped champion legislation supporting veteran housing and investments at Buckley.
The event also included special recognition for Crandall, who recently received the Association of Defense Communities’ Defense Community Champion Award.
“This is his home. This is his event,” DeVall said. “We were not going to let another day go by without giving him his flowers in front of the community that knows him best.”
Major Gen. Devin Pepper, deputy chief of staff for strategic plans and policy at NATO’s Supreme Allied Command Transformation, delivered the keynote address and was later honored ahead of his retirement from the U.S. Space Force.
DeVall praised Pepper’s leadership during the establishment of the Space Force and his work during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“He kept the base running. He kept people safe. He kept the mission going,” DeVall said.