The summer Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo has, since 1946, had a mission of giving the annual proceeds to support local active-duty military and their families.

Pikes Peak or Bust Foundation, formed in 2001 to preserve this Western heritage, community legacy and support of the military, was host to a check-presentation reception on Oct. 25 at Norris-Penrose Indoor Event Center.

The 2023 proceeds totaled $160,000 for military commands’ planned use for morale and recognition ceremonies, hardship funds, special weeks and months, holiday programs and behavioral health support among others.

Receiving checks were Space Base Delta 1, HQ U.S. Space Force Space Operations Command, HQ NORAD and USNORTHCOM, Air Force Academy 10th Air Base Wing, HQ STARCOM, HQ USSPACECOM, 310th Space Wing, 302nd Airlift Wing, HQ 4th Infantry Division and Special Forces Foundation.

There were also rodeo organization and foundation awards to Scott Johnson, Rick Powell, Amy Ochs and Don Johnson.

Recipient of the annual top tribute, the Spencer Penrose Patriot Award, was Ed Lohman, a Colorado Springs native, banker, longtime Pikes Peak or Bust Range Ride Ramrod and recipient of a Fort Carson “Good Neighbor Award.” He joins prior recipients Hal Littrell, Ryer Hitchcock, Bill Tutt and the Pfalmer family. The award is named for the 1937 rodeo founder.

The Pikes Peak or Bust Foundation Board of Directors is also the board of Norris Penrose Legacy Foundation, formed in 2021 supporting the Norris Penrose Event Center that includes the stadium, site of the rodeo and additional events, the indoor arena and the Heritage Room multipurpose space. The Legacy Foundation also supports nonprofits Cowgirls Against Cancer, the new Legacy Race Supporting Breast Cancer and the inaugural April Touch-aTruck.