ARPC hosts meeting of community, business leaders

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  • By Mike Molina
  • Editor
DENVER --  More than 60 community, business and military leaders met at the Air Reserve Personnel Center on April 23 during the Aurora Chamber of Commerce's Defense Council meeting. 

The group meets monthly and is made up of local business owners, community leaders and military representatives from Team Buckley. 

"The Defense Council is dedicated to building greater understanding between the military and business communities in the metro area," said Craig Ward, Defense Council chair and CEO of Padgett Business Services. "We are here to promote and support the mission of the military whenever we can." 

Col. Kevin Pottinger, ARPC commander, briefed attendees on the mission of ARPC and the important role employers play in a Reserve Airman's career. 

"ARPC has a responsibility to take care of the Air Reserve Component and their needs," he said. "If it wasn't for what you do, our military and their families wouldn't have the support they need to do what they do." 

Colonel Pottinger also talked about ARPC's move to Buckley and thanked the Defense Council members for their efforts during the center's transition. 

"Having been over there to Buckley, I think it's a great idea," he said. "A lot of this is happening because of the support of the Defense Council." 

Council members are also responsible for planning and organizing the Aurora Chamber of Commerce's annual Armed Forces Recognition Luncheon which recognizes troops from all branches of the service including Reserve and National Guard elements.

Mr. Ward thanked ARPC's Cindy Dewey for her support on the luncheon committee.

"ARPC is outstanding," Mr. Ward said. "Cindy Dewey is a tireless worker on our committee. Without her work on the Armed Forces Recognition Luncheon, we would have a difficult time pulling it off."

ARPC hosts the council meeting annually and has been represented on the council for more than 15 years.