For the Love of Our Troops XI
Taya Kyle
Taya Kyle knows adversity. Since the tragic death of her husband Chris, who was a Navy SEAL, world-renowned marksman and best selling author of the book (the basis for the popular movie) “American Sniper: The Autobiography of the Most Lethal Sniper in US Military History,” Taya has taken the lessons she has learned through her experiences with him and made it her personal mission to help others by sharing.
Chris Kyle
Taya was on hand at The Home Front Care’s annual fundraising dinner at the Broadmoor Hotel on Friday night. THFC provides assistance to Colorado service members, veterans and their families. She formed an instant camaraderie with guests–especially the Gold Star wives in attendance–because she can identify with loss, grief, feelings of helplessness and loneliness. She is living proof that no matter how bad things may seem in the darkest hour, it is possible to come out of that tunnel and shine.
Taya has written a book of her own: “American Wife.” She has become an accomplished leader and speaker about the challenges facing veterans, first responders and their families. “I believe in paying it forward,” she said. “One small act of kindness can mean the world to someone. We’ve lived it. My family has benefitted from it and we try to do the same for others.”
The Home Front Cares agrees. Founders Bob Carlone and Joe Henjum, two Air Force colonels and Vietnam veterans, established THFC in 2003 because they recognized the need to help deployed military members’ families through the myriad of struggles and bureaucary. THFC mission has expanded to help veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, especially those with disabilities.
Three awards were given during the reception: Rita Worster was awarded THFC Chairman’s Award; Jay Cimino was given the Hero Award; and the Bob Carlone Military Community Service Award went to El Paso County Homeless Veterans Coalition.
Since inception, THFC has raised more than $7.6 million to help Colorado veterans and their families. To find out how you can help, log on to www.thehomefrontcares.org.
RIP, John Haaren
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- Terrance “Mac” McWilliams and his wife Georgia
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- Event Chairs Joan Klein, left, and Bilss Krucas
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- Kathryn Dosch and Dave Tohlen (board VP)
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- Board member Michelle Anne Rau and Brian Rau
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- Elaine Janik and Chris Dressman
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- John and Ann Dunker (he’s board secretary)
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- Lee and Bonnie Moss
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- Art Klein, left, with Sandy and Larry Lind
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- Linda Shelton and Salinda Kuzna
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- Executive Director April Speake greets Bill Hybl
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- Angela and Ryan Sparks
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- Jerry and Carol Lubell
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- Mary Carlone, left, Marguerite Buhr, Terry and Carleen Storm
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- Arnie Berry, left, and Brian Binn (he’s an advisory board member)
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- Arnie and Mary Berry, left, Betsy Vanderwerf, Colt Simmons
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- Cindy McLaughlin, left, Lyle and Jennie Miller
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- Bethany Loyd, left, Mike Bell, Gloria Milhoan, Joe Gray, Holly and Brig Gen Steve Williams, Commandant of Cadets, US Air Force Academy
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- Brig Gen Steve and Holly Williams, left, with Sherry and Admiral Bill Gortney, commander of USNORTHCOM
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- Diane Figgins, left, Beck Gloriod, Gina Cimino, Art Klein, Jack Gloriod (advisory board member)
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- Kathy and Tom Daschbach (advisory board)
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- Admiral Bill Gortney, left, Board Chair Andy Cain and Bill Hybl
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- Tony and Priscilla Przbyslawski, left, with Joe and Julie Wysocki
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- Honoree Jay Cimino and Sue Fenske
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- Bob McLaughlin, left, Jay Cimino, Sue Fenske, Cindy McLaughlin
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- Board Chair Andy Cain greets VIP guests
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- Andy Cain introduces supporters and honorees
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- Andy Cain with Rita Worster, recipient of the Chairman’s Award
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- Andy Cain, left, with Jay Cimino, recipient of the Joe Henjum Hero Award
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- Andy Cain, left, with Joe Carlson, accepting the Bob Carlone Military Service Award on behalf of El Paso County Homeless Veterans Coalition
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- Joe Carlson, right, presents Andy Cain with a EPCHVC t-shirt
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- Andy Cain greets guest of honor Taya Kyle
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- Andy Cain and Taya Kyle pose for a photo
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- Guest of honor Taya Kyle with Mary Carlone, widow of THFC co-founder Bob Carlone
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- Advisory board member Carolyn DeKok, left, and Mary Carlone
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- Richella and Art Stawski
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- Marilynn and Pat Welsh, left, with Marilyn Prost
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- Marilyn Prost and Al Batey (advisory board)
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- Pete Peterson, left, with Colleen and Bob Denny
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- Janet and CS Mayor John Suthers
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- Kate and Peter Maiurro, left, Terri Maiurro, Mike Maiurro
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- Joe Wysocki, left, Sherry and Admiral Bill Gortney, Tony and Priscilla Przbyslawski
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- Debbie Cain chats with Art Klein
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- Kylie and George Hayward, Communications Manager for THFC
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- Kim and Kevin Green
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- Jeremy Walker and Lorelle Davies
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- Mike Bell, left, Bethany Loyd, Major General Ryan Gonsalves, commander of Fort Carson, and CSM Michael Crosby
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- Rita Worster with her Chairman’s Award
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- Kathy and Joe Carlson with the Bob Carlone Military Service Award, on behalf of El Paso County Homeless Veterans Coalition
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- Johnny and Christine Rea
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- General Ed and Vivian Soriano
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- Kylie and George Hayward flank guest of honor, Taya Kyle
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- Taya Kyle with Cole Speake
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- Taya Kyle and April Speake
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- Joe Wilson, Ruth Wilson, Tammi Tiefel, all of THFC
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- Danielle and Felix Claudio
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- Felix Claudio, left, with Keith Deutsch
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- Members of the band Balanced Rock: Dan Santistevan, left, Jerry Sheffield, John Crawmer, George Ulrich (also on the advisory board)
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- Margaret and Andy Saban
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- Colonel Lori Robinson, left, Pamela and Colonel Mike Oeschger
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- Paula and Lt Gen Mike Gould
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- Paula and Mike Gould, left, with Peter and Vivian Teets
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- Karen and CSM Steve Peck (advisory board)
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- Tom Allee with guest speaker Taya Kyle
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- KKTV11’s Betty Sexton returned as emcee
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- Betty Sexton (KKTV and a THFC advisory board member) greets attendees
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- NORAD/USNORTHCOM Joint Color Guard posts the colors
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- Lt Col (Dr.)Kat Strus reflects after leading the National Anthem
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- Laura and General John Hyten, commander of Air Force Space Command
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- Desi and Jay Warwick, left, with Eric Gray
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- Desi and Jay Warwick of HuHot Mongolian Grill are longtime supporters of THFC
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- Gold Star family members: Catalina Oseguera, left, Silvia Buoniconti (president of the American Gold Star Mothers, Pikes Peak Chapter), Adri Loughmiller, Taya Kyle, Chris Kinnard
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- Balanced Rock played during the dinner
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- Case Manager Susette Ryan, left, and Caroline Ruiz
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- The family profiled in the video: Erin, Teddy, Ramona and “Little” Teddy McDowell–thankful for the help of THFC
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- Cadet Anthony Denkinger, left, Cadet Justin Graham, Ed Bauer and Jason Aguilar of sponsor Kuni Lexus
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- From sponsor Security Service Credit Union: Bill Becker, Janet Schmidt, Amanda Ballejos, Savannah Mondragon
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- Luisa Graff, her son Andrew Graff, Casey Conway and Ryan Darmody
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- From Mining Exchange: Colin Christie, Beth Anderson, Meghan Wingling, Allen Scott, Shelby Pywell Yarbrough, Kristy Roberts
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- Executive Director April Speake thanks sponsors and supporters
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- April Speake has many stories of how just a little help goes a long way for service families
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- Andrew Hurst of title sponsor Colorado Technical University says a few words
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- Betty Sexton joined the crowd in heartfelt compassion while watching the video
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- Taya Kyle gave a wonderful, inspirational speech
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- Taya Kyle talked about her life with Chris Kyle
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- Taya Kyle was very expressive
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- Taya Kyle had a mixture of heartfelt emotion and humor in her speech
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- Taya Kyle makes a point
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- Auctioneer Dean Gunter got the crowd bidding high and often
