Four decades ago, a tradition was begun in the Rocky Mountains that had a global impact.
Check that: Its impact wasn’t limited to planet Earth.
We’re talking about the Hartinger Award, given every year since 1984 for outstanding achievement in the military space mission of the United States. This prestigious award is named for General James V. Hartinger, the first recipient, the first Commander of US Air Force Space Command, and a true pioneer who saw the potential of a military presence in space when the rest of the world saw it as just a fantasy.
In the forty years since, the list of recipients of the Hartinger Award has swelled with visionaries and leaders who have secured the nation—and the planet—for freedom in the space domain. Generals, Air Force Secretaries, governmental leaders—exceptional men and women whom history will
Now, Rocky Mountain NDIA members can nominate the 43rd Hartinger Award recipient. All chapter members are eligible to make nominations, and nominations are not limited to members of the military, government or any other constituency. The Award will be presented at the 2026 Rocky Mountain Ball, 29 May 26, at the Doubletree Hotel in Colorado Springs.
The only requirement is unparalleled excellence.
Submit electronic nominations (500 words or less) by 23 December ’25 to joseph.kahoe@bowhead.com
