Arlington, VA, September 26, 2001 - The Air Force Association (AFA) awarded its Donald W. Steele Senior Memorial Award to the Lance P. Sijan (CO) Chapter. As AFA's Unit of the Year, the Sijan Chapter excelled in the areas of recruitment, programming and community involvement.

The chapter placed a heavy emphasis on gaining greater community exposure. The goal was achieved through a partnership with the Triple A Sky Sox baseball organization headquartered in Colorado Springs, CO. What began as a marketing venture flourished into a mutually beneficial partnership and today, Sky Sox leadership sits on the Chapter's Board of Directors. Additionally, Sky Sox is actively involved in producing the Air Force Birthday Celebration, a major chapter event. Sky Sox supports AFA and military members offering reduced admission to baseball games.

The chapter also told the Sijan Chapter story on local television with commentator Mark Greenblatt after receiving the coveted AFA National Exceptional Service Award for Community Relations in 2000. 

In another recruiting initiative Lieutenant Meleah Moore, an Air Force ROTC graduate and Sijan Chapter member, took on the task of informing and recruiting junior officers at all local installations and encouraging them to get involved with AFA. Recently, she spoke at the National Arnold Air Society Convention in New Orleans, LA. This year also saw an alliance form between the Sijan Chapter and the Canadian Air Force Association who have been active in the local military community since the 1950s. 

The Sijan Chapter co-hosted along with the United States Air Force, the 53^rd Air Force Anniversary Ball, "Colorado Then and Now - Stagecoaches to Satellites." More than 700 military and civilian guests celebrated the Air Force's birthday and raised funds to benefit military members and their families in the Colorado Springs area. 

Overall, the Lance P. Sijan Chapter stood out as exceptional in community involvement, recruitment and creative partnerships. The Air Force Association salutes the Lance P. Sijan Chapter as its Unit of the Year.

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Local Contact: Joan Sell, President, Lance P. Sijan Chapter, (719) 540-2335

The Air Force Association is an independent, non-profit, civilian aerospace organization promoting public understanding of aerospace power and the pivotal role it plays in the security of the nation. AFA publishes Air Force Magazine, sponsors national symposia and disseminates information through outreach programs of its affiliate, the Aerospace Education Foundation. Learn more about AFA by visiting us on the Web at www.AFA.org.