Since 1980, the Colorado National Guard’s Air and Army units have supported 9Health Fair and used their transportation efforts as an Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) exercise. In 2006, Colorado National Guard dedicated 1,395 hours, drove approximately 13,000 miles, and transported more than 100 tons of supplies for 9Health Fair. These figures are expected to rise in 2007.

“Participating in 9Health Fair gives Colorado National Guard members an opportunity to perform a community service, and to exercise their required military vehicle operator skills, all at the same time,” said Col. Hans Kallam, Colorado National Guard. “The skills exercised supporting 9Health Fair reinforces skills used in state emergencies like blizzards and fire responses and in military operations like Iraq and Afghanistan.”

“We can’t say enough about how much we appreciate the Colorado National Guard’s continued support of our program,” said Jim Goddard, president and CEO of 9Health Fair. “These dedicated and brave service members give so much to Colorado, and our country, and we are honored to benefit from their skills and service.”

While most 9Health Fair locations are scheduled for April 14-22, some communities run 9Health Fairs starting in March. For a complete 9Health Fair site list, visit www.9healthfair.org.

About 9Health Fair
9Health Fair is Colorado’s largest and most trusted non-profit health fair program that promotes health awareness and encourages individuals to assume responsibility for their own health. Created by a National Institutes of Health project and 9NEWS, 9Health Fair’s free and low cost health screenings and education program has earned unique endorsements from the Colorado Medical Society, the Colorado Nurses Association and the Colorado Hospital Association. Since 1980, 9Health Fair has impacted 1.7 million lives.

As an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, 9Health Fair relies on sponsorship funding and grants to support its operations. 9Health Fair is proud of its financial management performance, keeping its administration and fundraising expense under 17 percent of its total budget, well under the industry average of 20-25 percent.

Major sponsors for the 2007 9Health Fair include 9NEWS, Quest Diagnostics, Longmont United Hospital, UniPath, Comcast, King Soopers/City Market, 5280 Magazine and Dex Media. Special thanks to The Colorado National Guard for its continued 9Health Fair support through delivering supplies to volunteers and sites around the state.


About the Colorado National Guard
The Colorado National Guard has been dedicated to serving the communities of Colorado and other states across the nation, in times of need, as well as supporting every international conflict since 1860.

Since the Sept. 11, 2001 attack on America, more than 2,500 Colorado National Guard members have served in Iraq and Afghanistan, supporting Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. There are currently more than 300 Colorado National Guard members deployed to Iraq.

The Colorado Army National Guard is based in more than 20 locations around Colorado and supports Army aviation, engineering, artillery, special forces, space warning, communications, and fires support, with more than 3,000 Citizen-Soldiers.

The Colorado Army National Guard was established in 1860 as a militia to protect the Colorado territory from Indian attacks and invading Texas confederates. It have since stood ready and has helped the citizens of the state during blizzards, fires, floods, riots and even vast insect infestations.

All the Colorado Army National Guard units mobilized for WWII serving with distinction in both Pacific and European theaters.

September 11, 2001 the world changed. Almost immediately after the attacks on the Pentagon and the World Trade Center, hundreds of Colorado Army National Guard Soldiers were mobilized to guard Colorado airports and sensitive sites across the state as part of Operation Noble Eagle. Colorado's Space Support Battalion mobilized and provided satellite support to the Soldiers in Iraq from Peterson Air Force Base.

When the U.S. moved to topple the Taliban regime in Afghanistan, Colorado's Special Forces were there. Operation Iraqi Freedom served as the platform for nearly every line unit in the state, all serving a minimum of one year in battle-torn Iraq.

The Colorado Air National Guard has a proud history that can be traced back to June 27th, 1923 when the 120th Aero Observation Squadron was mustered into service as part of the Colorado Army National Guard. One year later, the 120th began flying the Curtis Jennies out of Lowry Field.

In 1946, the 120th was reorganized and became a separate entity of the Colorado National Guard. Later that same year, the Colorado Air National Guard was federally recognized as the first Air National Guard unit in the nation, being reborn as the 120th Tactical Fighter Squadron, flying the P-51 Mustang.

The Colorado Air National Guard’s 140th Wing currently supports fighter missions, military airlift, and space warning, with more than 1,200 Airmen, and is based out of Buckley Air Force Base, with remote locations in Greeley and Colorado Springs. The Colorado National Guard is ready, reliable and relevant whether it is for missions in the community, state, nation or abroad.