Thanks!
We celebrated in two locations this year to accommodate medal winners and engage broader community support. Thank you, Ronald Aylward, Executive Director, Heritage Oaks of Englewood, Florida for hosting our event in Florida. Thank you, Chris Lites for hosting our event at your clubhouse in Colorado. And thank you, General Thomas Mills for presenting the medals in Colorado.
This all wouldn’t be possible without our sponsors, especially Gayleen Pratt, President, StaffCV .
Congratulations!
The following received gold medals from President Biden in Englewood, Florida via the President’s Volunteer Services Awards:
- Fern Ballou
- Debbie Henderson
The following received gold medals from President Biden in Boulder, Colorado:
- Rob Brazell
- Pastor Hosea Cannon Jr.
- Larry Gustafson
- Jay VanderWerff
- Chuck Wright
Rob Brazell also received a Lifetime Achievement Award from President Biden. And R2W won a company gold medal from President Biden.
Pastor Hosea Cannon Jr., Chaplain Denver Sheriff’s Department, gave opening and closing prayers in Colorado. Chaplain Jim Mosely, American Legion Post 113, gave opening and closing prayers in Florida. Rob Brazell also read a prayer from Fern and Debbie’s church, Committee On Publications, 1st Church of Christ Scientists, Englewood, Florida.
The events were attended by neighbors, church members, first responders, and notable dignitaries including Elisabeth Patierno, President, and Robert Patierno, Commander, American Legion Post 113, Rotando West, Florida.
Fern Ballou, Debbie Henderson, and Ron Aylward gave moving testimonials in Florida. General Thomas Mills, Chuck Wright, Pastor Hosea Cannon Jr., Larry Gustafson, and Rob Brazell gave inspirational speeches in Colorado.
When I was well past retirement age and still working, the company I was working for moved out of the area. I didn’t want to have to drive further from Englewood, so I thought that was the end of my working years.
But one night I attended The Christian Science Church, now Society, in Englewood, FL of which both Rob Brazell, the Founder of the non-profit organization, Project: Return To Work Inc. (R2W) and his mother, Fran Nixon, were attending. Both Fran and I are members of the church. Rob was visiting from Colorado. When I told him I had just stopped working, he said, “Give me your resume,” then hired me.
Little did I think it would lead to this award! I was only doing my job. It was very gratifying to be able to help so many veterans back to work, back to life. And later it included other people with disabilities who were having a hard time returning to the working world.
I’m deeply grateful to Rob. And still volunteering!
Due to the changing economy, donations aren’t as easy to come by as in the past. The foundations who give grants now require non-profits to show they are receiving more in individual and company donations. All donations are very much appreciated.
When Heritage Oaks of Englewood, FL says, “This isn’t like home, it is home,” they prove it by the things they do for us, such as, sponsoring this celebration. Thank you, Ron, Kimberly, Chris, and all the staff and volunteers here at home. Fern Ballou, R2W Chaplain and Directors
FLORIDA
Ron Alyward, Executive Director at Heritage Oaks of Englewood, Florida presents a gold medal from President Biden to Fern Ballou, Chaplain, Project: Return To Work Inc. (R2W) at R2W’s 26th Annual Awards Ceremony (part 2). Photo by Mary Meier.
Ron Aylward, Executive Director at Heritage Oaks of Englewood, Florida presents a gold medal from President Biden to Debbie Henderson, R2W CPA. Photo by Mary Meier.
American Legion Post 113’s Chaplain, Jim Mosely provided the opening and closing prayers at R2W’s 26th Annual Awards Ceremony in Englewood, Florida. Robert Patierno, Commander, and Elisabeth Patierno, President American Legion Post 113 also represented veterans. Fern Ballou and Debbie Henderson received gold medals from President Biden. Rob Brazell also read a prayer from Fern and Debbie’s church, Committee On Publications, First Church of Christ Scientists, Englewood, Florida. Photo by Mary Meier.
Ron Aylward, Executive Director, Heritage Oaks, Englewood Florida; Chris Snyder, Marketing and Sales, Heritage Oaks, Englewood Florida; Fern Ballou, R2W Chaplain and Director; Debbie Henderson, R2W CPA; and Rob Brazell, R2W President. Photo by Mary Meier.
COLORADO
R2W’s 26th Annual Awards Ceremony in Boulder, Colorado (part 1). General Thomas Mills (retired), Assistant Adjutant General of the Colorado National Guard and former Chairman of R2W, presented gold medals from President Biden to Chuck Wright, R2W Director, Pastor Hosea Cannon Jr., R2W Director, Larry Gustafson, R2W Director, and Rob Brazell, R2W Director and Founder. Rob Brazell also won the Lifetime Achievement Award from President Biden. Photo by Gabi Pratz, Work Options for Women.
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- American Legion Post 113 Chaplain’s Prayers
- Pastor Hosea Cannon Jr.’s Prayers
- Rob Brazell’s Prayer (from Fern’s church)
- Debbie Henderson’s and Fern Ballou’s testimonial
- General Thomas Mills, Chuck Wright, Pastor Hosea Cannon Jr., and Rob Brazell’s testimonials
Project: Return To Work Inc.’s (R2W’s)
26th Annual Awards Ceremony (part 2)
May 7, 2024
2:00 – 4:00 PM
Hosted by
Heritage Oaks Assisted Living Center
7374 San Casa Drive
Englewood, FL 34224
720-359-1541
Volunteer Donate
Gold Medal Winners
Click here for more information about the President’s Volunteer Service Awards
We have within our reach the promise of a renewed America. We can find meaning and reward by serving some higher purpose than ourselves, a shining purpose, the illumination of a Thousand Points of Light. And it is expressed by all who know the irresistible force of a child’s hand, of a friend who stands by you and stays there, a volunteer’s generous gesture, an idea that is simply right. President George HW Bush
Fern Ballou
R2W Chaplain & Director
Fern Ballou was a close friend of Fran Nixon, R2W Founder and has served both as a paid Chaplain and as a volunteer Director for several years. Fern and Fran’s church has also hosted several R2W Workshops over the years: First Church of Christ Scientists, Englewood, Florida. Fern currently serves as the Secretary of R2W’s Board of Directors and is a member of the Executive Committee and the Mentors Committee. At 94, she blasts through the age barrier effortlessly and is the cohesion for our charity. Her tirelessly commitment makes a meaningful difference. A lasting impact.
Shine on, Fern!
Return to Work Day of Caring Recruiting Event | FOX31 Denver (kdvr.com)
The Englewood Review
The Daily Sun Englewood
Deborah Henderson, CPA
R2W Volunteer CPA
Debbie Henderson was a close friend of Fran Nixon, R2W Founder, and has volunteered as R2W’s accountant for years. Thanks to Debbie, R2W has never missed a payroll, and the Board of Directors has always had timely and accurate financial documents for their management decisions. Debbie and Fern’s church has also hosted several R2W workshops over the years: First Church of Christ Scientists, Englewood, Florida. Debbie is a model volunteer whose leadership shines bright in our charitable cause, and we are deeply grateful.
Employee of the Decade
Nikki D ‘Agostino,
R2W Program Manager and Career Counselor
Volunteer of the Year
Robert Bloxam
Sponsor Awards
Gayleen Pratt, Owner, StaffCV
“Gayleen Pratt donated the underlying technologies that have given R2W a competitive advantage for many years. She is from New Zealand and not eligible for the President’s Volunteer Service Awards but deserves all the respect we can muster. She is a brilliant light illuminating a loving spirit around the world, and I am deeply grateful.” Rob Brazell, Founder, Project: Return To Work Inc. (R2W)
Volunteer Donate
Project: Return To Work Inc.’s (R2W’s)
26th Annual Awards Ceremony (part 1)
February 24, 2024
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM Mountain
Boulder, CO 80301
720-359-1541
A small celebration for neighbors and friends
Presenter:
Brigadier General Thomas Mills (retired),
Assistant Adjutant General, US Army National Guard
Special Thanks To
Chris Lites & Debby Wilson
Gold Medals from President Biden
Gold Medals
- Rob Brazell
- Pastor Hosea Cannon Jr.
- Larry Gustafson
- Jay VanderWerff
- Chuck Wright
Lifetime Achievement Award
Company Award – Gold Medal
- Project: Return To Work Inc. (R2W)
Chuck Wright, R2W Director, Chair Mentors Committee
Chuck Wright has volunteered for multiple positions over the years including key roles for R2W’s large scale Military & Veterans Employment Expos (MVEEs) with the Department of Defense ESGR, Veterans Affairs, Department of Labor, Colorado Department of Labor & Employment, Colorado National Guard, and others. We typically provided training and placement services over a 3-day period to about 1,000 to 2,000 active-duty military service members and veterans, and 100 to 200 employers. Chuck currently serves as the Chair of the Mentors Committee on R2W’s Board of Directors. He leads weekly meetings to coordinate 4 tiers of mentorships ranging from an hour at occasional events to 5-year commitments. Chuck is a true Point Of Light adding brilliance to our path forward.
Larry Gustafson, R2W Treasurer and Legal Advisor
Larry Gustafson was a close friend of Fran Nixon, Founder. He has served as Director and Legal Advisor at R2W for decades and is the principal signature for the company. He has held multiple offices over the years and currently serves on the Executive Committee as Treasurer. He has tirelessly volunteered thousands of hours and his shining light has guided us to safe waters again and again. He is an inspiration for our whole community. Larry is a partner at Baum and Gustafson, PC and provides responsive, creative, and knowledgeable representation on business, tax, and estate matters. Trusted Business Law Firm Dedicated to Companies and Individuals in Denver, Colorado Since 1979.
Pastor Hosea Cannon Jr., R2W Director and Chaplain
A HAND UP, NOT A HANDOUT
Pastor Hosea Cannon Jr. was a close friend of Fran Nixon, R2W Founder, and has served in a variety of positions over several years. He currently serves as R2W’s Chaplain, and Director on the Volunteer Committee. He also hosts frequent R2W workshops for volunteers and for job seekers at The Greater Faith Worship Center where he is the spiritual leader. For decades, Pastor Cannon Jr. has also been the Chaplain for the Denver Sheriff Department. His motto is to give people a hand up, not a handout — a true inspiration for all.
Rob Brazell, R2W Founder
Rob Brazell founded Project: Return To Work Inc. (R2W) with his father, mother, sister, and lifetime mentor out of his victories over AIDS. Rather than returning to his career in aerospace, he dedicated the remainder of his life to helping other disabled Americans back to work, back to life. Like his mother, Fran Nixon, he selflessly volunteered thousands of hours over the decades. Prior to his Lifetime Achievement Award from President Biden, Rob was given a gold medal from President Obama for his service to the Colorado National Guard and the Department of Defense Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve at their collaborative Military and Veterans Employment Expos (MVEE),
Previous Medals from Presidents Trump & Obama
2018: Pastor Hosea Cannon Jr presents Fran Nixon with a gold medal, coin, and lifetime achievement award from President Trump in Englewood, Florida. From left: Pastor Hosea Cannon Jr., [], Fern Ballou, Fran Nixon, and Rob Brazell (Gold Medal from President Obama). Photo by The Daily Sun, YourSun.com, Florida.
By ELAINE ALLEN-EMRICH Community News Editor
Sun News
By NANCY J. SEMON STAFF WRITER Sun News Apr 18, 2020
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We All Serve
Wikipedia:
The President’s Volunteer Service Award is a civil award bestowed by the President of the United States. Established by executive order by George W. Bush, the award was established to honor volunteers that give hundreds of hours per year helping others through the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation. The award can be granted to individuals, families and organizations located throughout the United States. Depending on the amount of service hours completed, individuals can receive the Bronze, Silver, Gold, and/or the President’s Call to Service Award (also referred to the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award).[1] The Call to Service Award is the most prestigious, and it has been awarded to few Americans to recognize over 4,000 hours of extraordinary service including notable honorees such as S. Truett Cathy, Mark Carman, and Zach Bonner. Awardees may receive a personalized certificate, an official pin, medallion, and/or a congratulatory letter from the President depending on the award earned.
…
The President’s Volunteer Service Award is now an initiative of the Corporation for National and Community Service and the Points of Light Institute.[2]
Wikipedia:
Points of Light is an international nonprofit, nonpartisan organization headquartered in Georgia, United States dedicated to engaging more people and resources in solving serious social problems through voluntary service.
Each year, Points of Light mobilizes millions of people through affiliates in approximately 250 cities and partnerships with thousands of nonprofits and companies.[1]
History
Points of Light was formed in 2007 by the merger of the Points of Light Foundation and Hands On Network. Encouraged by major donors and affiliates, the two organizations merged with the goal of strengthening volunteerism, streamlining costs and services and deepening impact.[2]
The Points of Light Foundation was created in 1990 as a nonprofit organization in Washington, D.C. to promote the spirit of volunteerism described by U.S. President George H. W. Bush in his 1989 inaugural address,[3] “I have spoken of a thousand points of light, of all the community organizations that are spread like stars throughout the Nation, doing good.”[4]
President Bush used the “thousand points of light” theme frequently,[3] including in his 1991 State of the Union address in which he said:
We have within our reach the promise of a renewed America. We can find meaning and reward by serving some higher purpose than ourselves, a shining purpose, the illumination of a Thousand Points of Light. And it is expressed by all who know the irresistible force of a child’s hand, of a friend who stands by you and stays there, a volunteer’s generous gesture, an idea that is simply right.[5]
In 1991 the National Volunteer Center, which had begun in 1970 as the National Center for Voluntary Action, was merged into it. The merged organization also became known during the 2000s as the Points of Light Foundation and Volunteer Center National Network.
The Foundation and its expanded network acted as community hubs to connect volunteers to opportunities, work with local nonprofits and businesses to establish and improve volunteer programs, and, overall, bolster the local infrastructure for the volunteering community.[3]
The Points of Light Foundation received an annual allocation from the Corporation for National and Community Service to manage some of that agency’s programs, and administered the President’s Volunteer Service Award program, which was created by President George W. Bush in 2003. The group also sponsored conferences, offered training and other assistance to its network of volunteer centers, and recognized volunteers through a Daily Point of Light award.[3]
Project Return To Work Inc 
