Facility Highlight
Bill Hughes, PGA and Country Club of the Rockies Partner with Military Warriors Support Foundation
Edwards, Colorado — On Monday, September 11, the Military Warriors Support Foundation (MWSF) brought the community of Edwards, Colorado, together at the Country Club of the Rockies for a heartfelt ceremony during the annual Patriot Day Golf Tournament. The occasion marked the presentation of a mortgage-free home and a payment-free vehicle to two combat-wounded veterans, Former U.S. Army Specialist Cody Miller and Former U.S. Army Specialist Aaron Hart. Former U.S. Army Specialist Aaron Hart was presented with the ceremonial keys to his mortgage-free home during the heartwarming ceremony. Hart's military journey began in 2009, and he served his country with honor until he was wounded in action while supporting combat operations in Afghanistan in 2011. For his bravery and dedication, he received the Purple Heart, along with the Combat Action Badge and Afghanistan Campaign Medal with two campaign stars. In 2012, Aaron Hart was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army, and he currently resides in Southpoint, Ohio. Former U.S. Army Specialist Cody Miller, who joined the U.S. Army in 2009, was presented with the ceremonial key to his payment-free vehicle during the ceremony. Miller's military career saw him serve as a combat engineer in Iraq and Afghanistan, where he too was wounded in action. His valor earned him the Purple Heart, a testament to his sacrifice for his nation. After six years of dedicated service, Cody Miller was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army and now calls the Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas area home. Speaking about the life-changing support they received, Miller expressed his gratitude, saying, "This program is beyond helpful to veterans. I hope all veterans can someday get something like this. The vehicle program has been instrumental to my entire family. It has provided us with a level of success that we never would have had, had we never found this program." The ceremony was made even more special by the presence of Medal of Honor recipient Donald "Doc" Ballard, one of only 66 living Medal of Honor recipients. Ballard received this prestigious award in 1968 during the Vietnam War for his selfless act of courage, covering a live grenade with his body to protect the lives of five other Marines. The event was filled with patriotic moments, including the powerful sight of a Black Hawk helicopter flying over the crowd and landing on the golf range for guests to explore. The ceremony opened with mounted Fort Carson cavalry proudly carrying the American and Colorado flags. The event also recognized the Vail Veterans Program and its founder, Cheryl Jensen, which is dedicated to supporting wounded veterans specifically in Eagle County. Several Vail Veterans Program participants attended the key ceremony and golf tournament.
33 Fall 2023
The SUMMIT
