Colorado State University Cooperative Extension Agent Receives Salute Award for Supporting 4-H Programs for Military Families

In recognition of outstanding effort and support of military 4-H programs, Maureen Bergenfeld received the fourth 4-H/Army Youth Development Project Salute Award at the 59th annual NAE4-HA Conference in Seattle, WA.  Bergenfield is a Colorado State University Cooperative Extension 4-H agent in El Paso County.

      Known for her expertise and warm demeanor, Bergenfeld has a unique combination of military and 4-H experience, said Jan Carroll, Colorado State Cooperative Extension 4-Y Youth Development specialist and liaison for Colorado 4-H military programs.

"Maureen always makes me smile because she works with expertise and also with heart," Carroll said. "She knows and cares about 4-H and the military. For example, Maureen’s military 4-H members made 180 treats for servicemen, including something for 80 soldiers on convalescent leave – an excellent example of her ability to bring two worlds together."

      Bergenfeld has served in the Air Force Reserve, where her work included transportation and logistics planning. Her current role is program director for the Colorado Trust 4-H After-School Program in El Paso County. Her career highlights include serving as chairwoman and facilitator for state, county and regional 4-H leader organizations. She holds a bachelor’s in business from the University of Wisconsin and a master’s in public administration from the University of Northern Michigan.

      "Those who know Maureen emphasize the importance she places on her commitment to the youth she serves," Carroll said. "She has built a strong 4-H club presence at Fort Carson and trained 50 staff members in 4-H curriculum, life skills and program basics."

Working with these military staff, she also established 11 4-H community service and project clubs for 225 members ages 5-13 and instituted bi-annual mini-fairs on Fort Carson.

Cathann Kress, National 4-H Youth Development director, and 4-H/Army Youth Development Project Director Nancy Campbell presented the award to Bergenfeld in Seattle Nov. 2.

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