Colorado Springs Colorado --
An Air Force Academy cadet has been nominated for this year’s Hockey Humanitarian Award, given to college hockey athletes who significantly contribute to their team and community.
Cadet 1st Class Chris Dylewski, of Colorado Springs, is a Falcons Ice hockey team goaltender. He’s pursuing a double major in international history and political science, and has founded a nonprofit and two cadet clubs.
“I am humbled to be included on this extremely impressive list,” Dylewski said. “Being involved in the communities I am lucky enough to count myself a member of, is something I find extremely rewarding.”
In December, he received the Spirit of the Springs award from Colorado Springs major John Suthers. The city-level award recognizes Colorado Springs citizens who contribute to their community.
Dylewski has been a mainstay on the Wounded Warrior sled hockey team; founded a program to help freshman cadets adjust to Academy life; and led numerous community outreach projects with the Falcons Ice Hockey team. His volunteer work includes events sponsored by the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Blue Star Mothers of American and Special Olympics.
Dylewski’s noprofit, RISE, Inc., is designed to encourage young people to organize community service projects. Through RISE, Inc., cadets collected more than 900 pairs of shoes for underprivileged families in Colorado Springs last year.
His cadet clubs, Operation Safe and the Genocide and the Mass Atrocity Awareness Club, are designed to raise awareness of humanitarian issues.
Dylewski said he’s driven to serve his military and civilian communities for one simple reason --he just wants to “give back.”
“I am driven by a passion for touching lives, and for giving back to the communities that have given so much to me,” he said. “I am certain I have been given far more than I could ever reciprocate, both by the Colorado Springs community and my military community.”
The award finalists are scheduled to be announced in February. The recipient will be named April 8 at the Frozen Four, the Division I Men’s Hockey Championship, in Tampa, Fla.