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 (President, Texas A&M University)
2023 – Fisher DeBerry (Member, College Football Hall of Fame)
Celebration of Service 2024
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: To be announced at the Summit, Friday, October 4, 2024
DeBerry Award for Support of Youth: Hillside Connection
DeBerry Award for Support of Front Line Forces: The Care and Share Food Bank for Southern Colorado
Celebration of Service 2024 – Schedule of Events
Friday, October 4, 2024
Resilience and Wellness Summit: Courage, Compassion, and Connection
8:00 – 11:30 am: Summit
Forum will be an interactive exchange that will lead to introspection and inspiration. The Summit is a community-based event with a special invitation to the Military and First Responders. It will prove to be a valuable stop on your journey to becoming your best self.
Facilitators:
- Dr. Kevin Basik, Chief of Leadership Programs for the National Medal of Honor Griffin Institute
- Josh Rizzo (joshrizzohuman.org)
Additional information may be found in this downloadable flyer.
11:30 am – 1:00 pm: Community Lunch
Community Lunch speaker: Rodney Bullard, CEO of The Same House, former head of the Chick-fil-A Foundation, and author of Heroes Wanted.
Event Location:
Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame
103 Pro Rodeo Drive
Colorado Springs, CO 80919
FREE Admission, Reservations are required.
Community Service
2:00 – 4:30 pm: Volunteer opportunities. Volunteers can go to CareandShare.org to register, using Event Reservation Code: HomeFieldAdvantage.
Music Event
7:00 -10:00 pm: Details coming soon!
Saturday, October 5, 2024
Air Force vs Navy at Falcon Stadium
7:00 – 9:00 am: Tailgate – Falcons vs Midshipmen
Join the Association of Graduates for tailgate fun and games! Paid registration includes food and beverages. Each adult ticket purchased will receive two drink coupons. Additional adult beverages will be available for purchase.
10:00 am – Kickoff: Air Force vs Navy at Falcon Stadium.
Victory Party
6:00 pm – Postgame rejoin at iFLY Colorado Springs
Additional details coming soon!
Monday, November 11, 2024
Special Screening of SIJAN Documentary
6:00 pm – Special screening of the documentary: SIJAN
Details coming soon!
Tuesday, November 12, 2024
Celebration of Service Awards Breakfast
7:30 to 9:00 am – Celebration of Service Awards Breakfast featuring DeBerry and Sijan Service Awards at Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame in Colorado Springs, CO
Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame
103 Pro Rodeo Drive
Colorado Springs, CO 80919
