The Colorado National Guard Long Service Medal Ribbon honors Colorado National Guard members who carry out an agglomerated term of ten years of service.
Composed of the Colorado Army National Guard and the Colorado Air National Guard, the Colorado National Guard is approximately 5,000 strong, with around 3,500 soldiers and 1,500 airpersons. The Army component traces its roots back to 1860, when it formed as the Colorado Volunteer Militia, and the Air component was formed in August of 1917 as the 120th Aero Squadron to support the United States’ World War I efforts.
The medal features a cross and the image of the Colorado Coat of Arms. The upper portion reads “FAITHFUL SERVICE” and a scroll on the lower portion reads “COLORADO NATIONAL GUARD. The reverse features a space for engraving the recipient’s name and text reading “AWARDED TO [NAME] FOR LONG AND FAITHFUL SERVICE.” The ribbon features a broad white central section flanked on either side by a thin vertical stripe of red, one of yellow, and a thicker blue stripe proceeding outward.
Subsequent awards are indicated by bronze stars issued at five-year intervals.