Military newspaper group publisher recognized Published Dec. 7, 2006 By Staff Reports 21st Space Wing Public Affairs PETERSON AFB, Colo. -- Celebrating 108 years of serving the community's veterans, the country's first Veterans of Foreign Wars post, John Stewart Post #1 in Denver, commemorated its anniversary with a Founders' Day event Dec. 3 at the Denver Marriott City Center. The VFW annually recognizes a civilian who proves to be a great patriot and supporter of servicemen and women and their families. This year VFW honored Lon Matejczyk as the "2006 Citizen of the Year" for his endless commitment to the military community. Mr. Matejczyk is publisher of the four papers that make up the Colorado Springs military newspaper group. The group also publishes the Red, White & Blue Book, a publication that gathers businesses to support the military and offers discounted tickets to area military. "Lon has been a staunch supporter of the base, and he's been involved as a co-commander since the program began in 2005," said Col. Jay G. Santee, 21st Space Wing commander. "Basically he is a super supporter to the wing and the military in the Colorado Springs area." Mr. Matejczyk is also publisher of the Colorado Springs Business Journal, Book of Lists, Women of Influence, Rising Stars and Best of Springs Business. Some of his military involvement includes: 21st Space Wing's co-commanders program; Chamber of Commerce military affairs council; and General Lance Lord's 2005 civic leader tour, Schriever and Space Command. Mr. Matejczyk is also involved in the Colorado Springs community by serving as vice president, board of directors - Peak Venture Group; Board of directors - Junior Achievement; board of directors - Pikes Peak Community College Foundation; and board of directors, Greater Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce business affairs division. Founders' Day pays tribute to the Post's founders and the visionary leaders who have kept Post #1 a thriving organization. Veterans from the Korean, Vietnam and Gulf Wars paid tribute to VFW Post #1's founders, Gen. Irving Hale, Sgt. Benjamin F. Stapleton, and former Denver Mayor and Colorado Congressman Gus E. Hartung. Each was a member of the First Colorado Infantry and served during the Spanish-American War. Comment on this story.(Nikki Martin, Cactus Marketing Communications, contributed to this article.)