Proclamation designates 2009 'Year of the NCO'

  • Published
  • By Mike Molina
  • Editor
DENVER --  It's the year of the NCO in Colorado. 

On June 2, Gov. Bill Ritter signed a proclamation dedicating 2009 to noncommissioned officers in Colorado. 

The governor signed the proclamation, along with several bills aimed at improving state services for current and retired military members. 

"Veterans and active-duty military are key components of Colorado's economic and social fabric," Governor Ritter said in a press release. "The brave men and women who serve in the military, as well as their families, sacrifice so much for us. Colorado respects and cares for its active duty military, veterans and families."

The Air Reserve Personnel Center's Tech. Sgt. Stacy Wilfong and Senior Airman Jason Mendoza attended the governor's signing of the proclamation. 

"When I came in as an Airman Basic, becoming an NCO was definitely a goal of mine," said Sergeant Wilfong, ARPC's NCO of the year. "It's more than a title, or a stripe or extra pay; it's more responsibility and more of a leadership role."

The governor also signed five bills into law including:  House Bill 1039, which seeks to expand educational opportunities for military and veterans in Colorado; HB 1205, which makes it easier for military stationed overseas to particiapte in elections; HB 1280, allowing Colorado to participate in the National Guard's Youth Challenge program, a mentoring program for at-risk youth; HB 1291, which creates a clearinghouse for veterans to receive information about available state services; and HB 1329, which allows more money to be spent supporting Colorado's veterans nursing homes, cemeteries and programs run by veterans' organizations.