Shine On Salute Honors Husband‑and‑Wife Veterans With 146 Years of Combined Service
- Media Logic Radio
- 8 hours ago
- 2 min read
On Thursday, May 28, Shine On Automotive was proud to present a Shine on Salute to an extraordinary pair of northeastern Colorado veterans — Brigadier General (Ret.) Bren Rogers and Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Dave Donaldson — a husband and wife whose combined 146 years of public and military service reflect a lifetime of dedication to their community, their state, and their country. Ron Smith, owner of Shine On Automotive, a United States Navy veteran, presented the couple a metal United States flag engraved with the U.S. Army emblem and spoke about the importance of showing veterans the respect and gratitude they deserve.
A Sterling Native With a Lifetime of Service
Born in Sterling and a proud graduate of Peetz High School, Bren Rogers began her military career in 1987 when she enlisted in the Colorado Army National Guard. She attended Northeastern Junior College and earned her bachelor’s degree from Colorado State University.
Rogers served an extraordinary 39 years in the Guard, rising to become the Commanding General of the Colorado Army National Guard. Her career included deployments to Hungary and Croatia, leadership during Colorado wildfires, and key roles in national security, training, and emergency response.
Alongside her military service, Rogers spent 28 years as a firefighter, EMT, and captain with the Poudre Fire Authority in Fort Collins — a rare dual‑career life of service few can match.
A Vietnam Veteran, Special Forces Officer, Trooper, and Community Leader
Dave Donaldson began his service in the U.S. Navy, where he served as an ordnance man during the Vietnam War. After active duty, he joined the Colorado Army National Guard, becoming a Special Forces officer, earning his Green Beret, and eventually commanding the Officer Candidate School programs across 14 western states. He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel after 26 years of military service.
Donaldson also dedicated 32½ years to the Colorado State Patrol, serving as a trooper, sergeant, captain, and eventually major. His commitment to public service continued when he was elected Logan County Commissioner, serving two terms. He also volunteered with four different fire departments over the years.
A Dual‑Career Legacy
Together, Bren and Dave represent a remarkable story of lifelong service:
39 years – Bren’s military service
28 years – Bren’s fire service
26 years – Dave’s military service
32½ years – Dave’s Colorado State Patrol career
8 years – Dave’s service as Logan County Commissioner
Plus decades of volunteer firefighting
Their lives have been defined by service — to their state, their country, and their community.
Honoring Two Patriots
The Shine On Salute, presented by Shine On Automotive and 97.5 BOB FM, recognizes one veteran each month for their courage, sacrifice, and dedication. This month’s recognition is especially meaningful as it honors two veterans who built their lives — and their marriage — around serving others.
Bren and Dave now enjoy life on their ranch in northeastern Colorado, where they continue to give back in quieter but equally heartfelt ways.
Olga Conde, representative of the SewCaring Angels of Holyoke, presented Bren and Dave with a Quilt of Valor. The mission of the Quilts of Valor Foundation is to cover Service Members and Veterans touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor.
