El Paso County Veteran of the Year Ceremony, September 10th

September 9, 2020 – On Thursday, September 10, El Paso County will honor one veteran for his or her efforts defending our country and continued service to local veterans and the community.

WHAT: 2020 Veteran of the Year Ceremony

WHEN: Thursday, September 10, at 12:00 p.m.

WHERE: Centennial Hall, 200 S. Cascade Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80903

The 2020 Veteran of the Year finalists are:

Glen Cooper served a distinguished military career in the U.S. Army for 25 years. After retiring in 2009, he continued his support of veterans by serving as a Mentor for Justice Involved Veterans with the 4th Judicial District Veteran’s Trauma Court. He volunteers as a Certified Equine Assisted Learning Instructor with the Warrior Remount Program, the River Deep Alliance, and has been elected three times as the Commander for the Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 423 for Southern Colorado.

Nanette Brédé Mueller served a distinguished military career in the U.S. Army and U.S. Army Reserves for 29 years. Since retiring in 2010, Nanette’s volunteer service to the veteran community includes national involvement in legislative issues, career transition, spouse employment, and work with the Veterans Community Living Center in the Pikes Peak Region. She served on the local and national Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) Board of Directors and is an award-winning volunteer with Employer Support of Guard and Reserve (ESGR). She is also the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Prep Connect 360.

James A. Reid served a distinguished career in the United States Air Force. After retiring from the Air Force, Jim served in leadership roles in both the Waldo Canyon and Black Forest fires. As the Director of the Pikes Peak Regional Office of Emergency Management, he has been instrumental in our region’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Jim is a member of the Calhan VFW and volunteers with the Young Marines, a veteran- led community-based program that provides mentorship and engagement for community youth ages eight to eighteen.

Martin L. Trujillo served a distinguished military career in the United States Marine Corps for over 30 years. Martin served as the Volunteer Program Manager for the Freedom Hunters and Warriors Heroes Outdoors program, which included managing, recruiting, and implementing an archery program to thank veterans and first responders for their service. Martin participates in the El Pomar Emerging Leaders Program and is a Co-Chair for the Hispanic Advisory Committee.

El Paso County appreciates the support of the following event sponsors:

• The Broadmoor
• Pikes Peak Regional Building Department
• USAA