The Colorado National Guard Soldier/Airman of the Year Award Ribbon honors five Colorado National Guard members annually for performances that have distinguished them from their peers. One award is presented in the categories of NCO, Soldier, Senior NCO (Air), NCO (Air), and Airman.
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 ribbon is beige with a thin stripe of blue, white, and red on each edge proceeding inward.
Subsequent awards may be indicated by bronze stars.