The student-athletes at the Air Force Academy have a rare balance of giving and receiving when it comes to accomplishments or service.

As they spend their time competing in athletic competition, they are given praise for their success, especially considering that at the Academy, success can be tougher to attain than it is at a premiere Division I school.

What they give in the process is their service. They give it to their country and their fellow soldiers.

And sometimes they go a step further.

On Dec. 1, Falcons senior goalie Chris Dylewski was given the Spirit of the Springs Award, which goes to an individual who gives exemplary service to his community.

Basically, Dylewski makes sure he gives his service to his hometown.

“It’s incredible,” Dylewski said. “I’m a Colorado Springs native and a military brat, so we moved around a lot when I was really young. I’ve been here since I was 10, so it really is home.”

Dylewski is the founder of RISE, Inc., a non-profit aimed to support young people wishing to run community service projects. He has also founded two clubs at the Academy and was a key part of the Wounded Warriors sled hockey team.

In the middle of these projects and maintaining his status as a top student at the Academy, he still gets to be a part of the game he loved playing when he was growing up.

“I’m crazy lucky,” he said. “I have the opportunity to realize a bunch of different life dreams. The Academy tailored to the kind of things that I want to do after graduation and also the kind of experiences I wanted to have while doing the college thing.”

Colorado Springs mayor John Suthers presented Dylewski with the award and was quick to praise all the work Dylewski has done for the better of Colorado Springs.

“When I read the nomination package for Cadet Dylewski, I was impressed with Cadet Dylewski’s accomplishments in academics, athletics and community service,” Suthers said. “In all of his activities, he has had a positive impact on our community.”

Photo/Team DMI

— Dan Mohrmann