Looking Back: R2W’s 26th Annual Awards Ceremony (May 2024)

Last year, Project: Return To Work Inc. (R2W) proudly hosted its 26th Annual Awards Ceremony, celebrating the dedication of volunteers and community leaders who have helped veterans and people with disabilities return to work and life. 

Two Celebrations, One Mission 

To better serve our honorees and engage local communities, we held ceremonies in both Englewood, Florida and Boulder, Colorado. Special thanks to: 

• Ronald Aylward, Executive Director of Heritage Oaks of Englewood, for hosting in Florida 

• Chris Lites, for opening his clubhouse in Colorado 

• General Thomas Mills, who presented medals in Colorado 

Presidential Honors 

Gold medals were awarded through the President’s Volunteer Service Awards, with recognition from President Joe Biden: 

Florida Honorees: 

• Fern Ballou 

• Debbie Henderson 

Colorado Honorees: 

• Rob Brazell 

• Pastor Hosea Cannon Jr. 

• Larry Gustafson 

• Jay VanderWerff 

• Chuck Wright 

Additionally, Rob Brazell received a Lifetime Achievement Award, and R2W was honored with a Company Gold Medal. 

Spiritual Leadership and Community Support 

Prayers were led by: 

• Pastor Hosea Cannon Jr., Chaplain, Denver Sheriff’s Department (Colorado) 

• Chaplain Jim Mosely, American Legion Post 113 (Florida) 

Rob Brazell also read a prayer from the Committee on Publications, 1st Church of Christ Scientists, Englewood, Florida, where Fern Ballou and Debbie Henderson are members. 

Words That Inspired 

The ceremonies featured moving testimonials and speeches from: 

• Fern Ballou, Debbie Henderson, and Ron Aylward in Florida 

• General Thomas Mills, Chuck Wright, Pastor Hosea Cannon Jr., Larry Gustafson, and Rob Brazell in Colorado 

Notable attendees included neighbors, church members, first responders, and dignitaries such as Elisabeth Patierno, President, and Robert Patierno, Commander, American Legion Post 113, Rotonda West, Florida. 

A Personal Reflection from Fern Ballou 

“I thought my working years were over when my company moved away. But after a chance meeting with Rob Brazell at our church in Englewood, he asked for my resume and hired me. I never imagined it would lead to this award. It’s been deeply gratifying to help veterans and others with disabilities return to work and life. I’m still volunteering and grateful every day.” 

Support Still Needed 

As economic conditions evolve, grant foundations increasingly require nonprofits to demonstrate strong individual and corporate donor support. Every contribution helps sustain R2W’s mission. 

“Heritage Oaks of Englewood doesn’t just say ‘This isn’t like home, it is home’—they live it. Thank you to Ron, Kimberly, Chris, and all the staff and volunteers who made this celebration possible.”
— Fern Ballou, R2W Chaplain and Director 

By Raghav Singh, Lead Administrative Assistant