America is losing its “home field advantage” because we are so divided. To shrink that division there must be something to rally around. The founders of Home Field Advantage (HFA) believe that a commitment to Service – helping others to be better – can be that rallying point. Celebration of Service (COS), HFA’s signature event, came to be because of that belief.
The primary objectives of the Celebration of Service are:
- Inspire attendees to become better citizens by helping others to be better.
- Salute those protecting us – our Front Line Forces (Military & First Responders).
- Acknowledge those providing support.
Another key element of COS is the presentation of the Sijan Service Award. It is named for Captain Lance P. Sijan, the only Air Force Academy graduate to receive the Medal of Honor.
In 2019, Mr. Gary Sinise was the first Community Champion to receive the award.
Sijan Service Award Honorees
2017 – Jim Dolan (Founder of Heroes on the Water)
2017 – Harvey LeCato (National Sertoman of the Year)
2018 – Rodney Bullard (Author of Heroes Wanted)
2019 – Gary Sinise (Philanthropist and Actor)
2020 – Steve Atwater, Denver Broncos, Pro Football Hall of Fame
2022 – General (Ret) Mark Welsh
2023 – Fisher DeBerry
Celebration of Service Awards 2023
The Celebration of Service Awards were created to recognize organizations/individuals who have demonstrated the highest qualities of leadership and service in their community. The awards to be presented are in honor of LuAnn and Fisher DeBerry and Capt Lance Sijan.
The Sijan Service Award: Fisher DeBerry
DeBerry Award for Support of Youth: Angels of America’s Fallen
DeBerry Award for Support of Front Line Forces: Operation TBI Freedom
The WoodSpring Suites Hotel Colorado Springs North serves as this year’s Event Hotel. Find out about special rates and how to make reservations in this downloadable pdf.
Celebration of Service Awards Reception
Thursday, November 2, 2023 from 5:30-7:00pm
Celebration Of Service Awards Reception featuring DeBerry and Sijan Service Awards At Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame in Colorado Springs CO
5:30-6:15: Reception*
6:15-7:00: Awards Presentations
*Reception in the Pavilion
Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame
103 Pro Rodeo Drive
Colorado Springs, CO 80919
Resilience and Wellness Summit: Courage, Compassion, and Connection
Organized by Mt. Carmel Veteran’s Service Center
Friday, November 3, 2023 from 8:00am-4:00pm
Registration/Networking – 8:00-8:30am
Summit – 8:30am-4:00pm
Location: The Antlers, A Wyndham Hotel
4 South Cascade Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Download our pdf to learn more about the Summit.
Air Force vs Army at Empower Field
Saturday, November 4, 2023
For tickets, please call 719-472-1895, ext 201.
Pregame activities to be determined.