A tribute to the civilian and military community of Colorado Springs, Colorado
November 15, 2013
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Perseverance, by Peter Damon. |
The annual MOAA Community Heroes Awards spotlights the extraordinary efforts of everyday citizens, uniformed service members, and military spouses who support troops, military families and veterans.
It is only through working together and bridging the cultural divide between military and civilian life that our country can sustain a strong, motivated, all volunteer force – the MOAA Community Heroes Awards honor that effort. The awards also serve to inspire and foster future partnerships to support the military community in the local area.
This year the award will include not only caregivers, but also those who do extraordinary things for our military and veterans in their communities. Previous winners can be viewed through the following web link: http://www.moaa.org/hero/
In its third year, the MOAA Community Heroes Award will recognize individuals and groups who have demonstrated exceptional support to the military and veterans communities, to include wounded warriors, and families in the Colorado Springs area. It is understood that support can be defined and expressed in a wide variety of ways.
There are two award categories; Military Champion and Civilian Champion. Three awards will be given in each category. Individuals or groups may be nominated.
The six total awardees will be selected from the greater Colorado Springs area. Anyone may nominate an individual or group for the award. The winners will be determined by a group of judges made up of MOAA Chapter member, MOAA headquarters staff and local community leaders.
Award categories
MOAA Military Champion
Individual or group who serves the military community while in uniform, above and beyond their everyday duties. Examples include, but are not limited to: military led support groups; military medical teams or individuals; military spouse family support leaders; or chaplain led programs, and Caregivers.
MOAA Civilian Champion
Individual or group who supports the military in a civilian capacity. Examples include, but are not limited to: Fisher House group; Red Cross Volunteer(s); United Way efforts; spouse and family support; or employment support efforts, and Caregivers.
Artist Biography
Retired Sgt. Peter Damon is an Iraq War Veteran who lost both arms while serving at an airbase outside Balad, Iraq in October of 2003. Peter was always creative in both art and music. After losing his limbs, painting became a therapeutic outlet that grew into a passion for fine art. A mainly self-taught artist, Pete has been painting full time since recovering from his injuries. Pete and his wife Jenn owned and operated an art gallery from 2006-2009. A sinking economy forced them to close their brick-and-mortar store and Pete took his art to the Web with his blog, Sgt Damon's Art, in 2010. Pete has exhibited his work in the rotunda of the Senate's Russell building in Washington, D.C. His story has been featured in the 2006 book "Blood Brothers" by Time Magazine correspondent Michael Weisskopf. He was also featured in a 2009 documentary film called "Aftermath". Pete has won numerous awards for his artwork. He continues to paint and hopes to acheive success on a national level.
Awards:
- 3rd Place for "A Solemn Remembrance" National Veterans' Creative Arts Festval 2009
- Best in Show for "We Honor the Fallen"Wounded In Action Art Exhibition, American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons annual convention, New Orleans, LA. 2010
- First Place Oil Painting for "Brockton Cigar Store" Pembroke Arts Festival - Pembroke, MA 2010
- Honorable Mention Oil Painting for "Solitude" Pembroke Arts Festival - Pembroke MA 2010
- Best in Show for "Full Moon Return" first round local judging Brockton VA campus - National Veterans Creative Arts Fesival 2012