Rocky Mountain NDIA
The Rocky Mountain Ball
The Rocky Mountain Ball:
The Prestigious Gala Celebrating the Best in Military Space
A Rich Tradition at the Heart of the Rockies
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Rocky Mountain NDIA has been hosting the Rocky Mountain Ball in Colorado Springs since 1984. Two years after the establishment of Air Force Space Command, the National Security Industrial Association (later to become NDIA) Chapter in Colorado Springs hosted the first Ball to celebrate.
Originally called the “Salute to Space Command Anniversary Ball”, this first Ball commemorated the second birthday of Air Force Space Command. It also honored General (retired) James V. Hartinger, under whose leadership Air Force Space Command became the space major air command within the US Air Force in a ceremony at Peterson AFB, CO on September 1, 1982. General Hartinger became its first Commander.
General Hartinger and his fellow pioneers established the first foothold in space for the US Air Force. To celebrate this accomplishment, the NSIA Rocky Mountain Chapter dedicated the ball to honor those involved in that significant achievement. Industry members of the association purchased tables and invited government guests to attend at no cost—an arrangement that continues today.
The NSIA Rocky Mountain Chapter also established the General James V. Hartinger Award in honor of its namesake’s monumental accomplishments. The first Ball was held at the Peterson AFB Officers Club on September 7, 1984, and the first Hartinger Award was presented to General (retired) Hartinger. This first medal is currently on display in the Hartinger Exhibit in the foyer of the Hartinger Building on Peterson Air Force Base. The Hartinger Award itself, identifying all those who have received the award, is also in the foyer of the Hartinger Building.
In 1997, the National Security Industrial Association merged with the American Defense Preparedness Association and became the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA). In 2008, the Ball became the Rocky Mountain Ball to set it apart. In addition, the Patriot Awards were established to recognize outstanding individuals from Fort Carson, United States Air Force Academy, Army Space and Strategic Defense Command, USNORTHERN Command and Air Force Space Command and its subordinate units.
Don’t miss this once-a-year experience; Register now and join your fellow defenders of freedom for an unforgettable evening at the Rocky Mountain Ball.
