**Headline: KRDO13 Honored with Inaugural Harry Hoth Award for Dedication to Military Community**

**COLORADO SPRINGS, CO** – This past weekend, local news station KRDO13 was presented with the first-ever Harry Hoth community award in recognition of its steadfast commitment to the Southern Colorado Military Community. The award was presented during the Marine Corps’ Ball at the Polaris Hotel, an event that also celebrated the 250th anniversary of the Marine Corps’ formation.

The new award specifically acknowledges KRDO13’s significant contributions to local service members and their families. The station was honored for its dedicated Military Family reporting, its highly successful annual Toys for Tots toy drive, and its ongoing support for deployed military personnel.

Chief Meteorologist Merry Matthews accepted the award on behalf of the station. In her acceptance speech, she spoke to the deep connection between the news organization and the military, which is an integral part of the Colorado Springs identity.

“KRDO has long been committed to honoring and supporting a military community,” Matthews said. “Living and working in southern Colorado means we are not just reporting on military life, we’re living alongside it. From Fort Carson to Peterson and Schriever. The stories of servicemembers and their families are woven into our fabric.”

The presentation of this inaugural award at such a significant event underscores the community’s appreciation for the station’s dedicated efforts to highlight and support the region’s extensive military presence.