FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 14, 2026

SILVER KEY CELEBRATES OLDER ADULT SERVICE AS PART OF FIRST-EVER AMERICORPS SENIORS NATIONWIDE CELEBRATION

Local AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP volunteers will be recognized for strengthening communities throughout the Pikes Peak region.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (September 14, 2026) — On September 15, 2026, AmeriCorps Seniors will host its first Nationwide Celebration, recognizing older adult volunteers across the country whose service strengthens communities every day. As part of this national event, Silver Key will honor local volunteers serving through AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP El Paso County and highlight their contributions throughout the Pikes Peak region.

AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers improve lives and support community well-being in a wide range of roles. Through RSVP El Paso County, adults age 55 and older share their time, experience, and talents with local nonprofit organizations and community programs addressing a variety of needs.

“Older adults bring a lifetime of experience, compassion, and knowledge to their communities,” said Jason DeaBueno, President and CEO of Silver Key. “Through AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP, they have meaningful opportunities to put those strengths into action. Their service not only supports local organizations and the people they serve—it also creates connection, purpose, and a stronger community for all of us.”

AmeriCorps grant funding helps Silver Key connect older adult volunteers with organizations where their skills and experience can make a meaningful difference. The program supports Silver Key’s commitment to creating connections that bring purpose, joy, independence, and practical support to the journey of aging.

Nationwide, more than 130,000 AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers serve annually, contributing more than 29 million hours of service. Through the Foster Grandparent Program, RSVP, Senior Companion Program, and Senior Demonstration Program, older adults address community challenges, foster connection, and create lasting change.

“AmeriCorps Seniors program volunteers bring compassion, talent, and commitment to every community they serve,” said Robin Corindo, Acting Director of AmeriCorps Seniors. “Their service reflects the powerful impact of older adults in strengthening communities nationwide.”

Pikes Peak region residents age 55 and older who are interested in learning more or becoming an AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP volunteer are encouraged to contact Silver Key at 719-884-2300 or visit SilverKey.org.

About Silver Key

Silver Key has served older adults in the Pikes Peak region since 1970. Its mission is to create connections that bring purpose, joy, independence, and practical support to the journey of aging. Silver Key envisions a community where every elder feels seen, heard, and celebrated, and where age brings new possibilities instead of limitations. Learn more at SilverKey.org.

About AmeriCorps

AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism, provides opportunities for Americans to serve their country domestically, address the nation’s most pressing challenges, improve lives and communities, and strengthen civic engagement. Each year, the agency places more than 185,000 AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers in intensive service roles and empowers millions more to serve as long-term, short-term, or one-time volunteers. Learn more at AmeriCorps.gov.

CHEYENNE MOUNTAIN SFS FIRE & EMERGENCY SERVICES TO CONDUCT CONTROLLED LIVE BURN TRAINING

PETERSON SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. – The Cheyenne Mountain Space Force Station Fire & Emergency Services, a unit under Space Base Delta 1, will be conducting controlled live burn training exercises on Sept. 15, 17 and 21, 2026.

The training exercises are scheduled to take place between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

During these times, residents, businesses and neighboring agencies may see visible smoke, flames and an increased presence of emergency vehicles near the installation. Because these are routine, controlled exercises conducted under strict safety supervision at the CMSFS training facility, officials request that the public not call 911 if smoke is seen from the station during these hours.

This training is vital for ensuring that military emergency responders remain fully prepared and certified. It guarantees the ongoing protection of personnel, critical national defense infrastructure, and the surrounding community in close coordination with mutual aid partners.

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For questions or comments, please reach out to Space Base Delta 1 Public Affairs at: D1.PA@spaceforce.mil">SBD1.PA@spaceforce.mil

Community invited to ceremony honoring those lost, including Mitchell graduate Kathryn Yancey LaBorie

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Twenty-five years after the attacks of September 11, 2001, the Mitchell High School community remains committed to honoring the lives lost and ensuring that their stories are remembered by future generations.

Mitchell High School will hold its annual 9/11 Memorial Commemoration at 9:45 a.m. Friday, September 11, at the school’s flagpole, 1205 Potter Drive, Colorado Springs.

The ceremony holds particular significance for Mitchell High School. Kathryn Yancey LaBorie, a 1975 Mitchell graduate and the lead flight attendant aboard United Airlines Flight 175, was among those killed when the hijacked plane struck the South Tower of the World Trade Center.

In 2023, the Kathryn Yancey Memorial Scholarship was established in her honor. Her photograph also hangs on Mitchell’s Wall of Inspiration, where students can learn about her life, courage and connection to their school.

This year’s keynote speaker will be Maj. Gen. David A. Piffarerio, a 1990 Mitchell High School graduate. Maj. Gen. Piffarerio serves as the Mobilization Assistant to the Commander of Pacific Air Forces at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii.

Commissioned in 1994 as an honor graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, Maj. Gen. Piffarerio has served in numerous operational, test and command assignments involving the F-15E, F-22 and F-16. He has flown combat missions in support of operations Northern Watch, Southern Watch, Enduring Freedom and Noble Eagle. He was the first U.S. Air Force pilot to reach 1,000 flight hours in the F-22 Raptor and has logged more than 3,500 hours in fighter aircraft. In his civilian career, he is a Boeing 777 pilot with a major U.S. airline.

Mitchell High School invites students, families, alumni and members of the community to attend as the school remembers Kathryn and all those whose lives were lost or forever changed on September 11, 2001.

The ceremony is open to the public.