Team Buckley honors community member

by Senior Airman Phillip Houk
460th Space Wing Public Affairs

5/8/2014 - BUCKLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Team Buckley awarded the 5th Community Heroes of Buckley Award to Suzanne Pitrusu, Aurora Chamber of commerce member, for her service to the military community.

The CHOB program was started in 2011 as a way to honor community leaders who enhance mission accomplishment, create a positive view of the military and make Buckley a better place to live and work.

"This really is an honor," Pitrusu said, "This all started back in 2002, when I was asked if I would assist with the Armed Forces Recognition Luncheon."

Pitrusu serves as the executive member of the Aurora Defense Council where she helps build community support and understanding of the military.

"It is amazing that a woman that is so busy takes time from her family to give to our family here on Buckley," said Col. Dan Wright, 460th Space Wing commander.

The largest program Pitrusu is involved in is AFRL, a unique program she has lead for seven years.

"What she is best known for is her involvement in the Armed Forces Recognition Luncheon," Wright said. "It is awesome that this is a way that she has found, on a personal level, to give back to the community.

"When we have the community here embrace us like this it means a lot to us," the commander said.

Pitrusu is the fifth community member to receive this award from Team Buckley, joining an elite group of leaders including several business leaders, members of the Aurora Chamber of Commerce and a state representative.

"I never really had any way to give back, and this is my way to say thank you," she explained.