When U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Bren Dee Rogers enlisted in the Colorado Army National Guard in 1987 as a teletype operator, the path to wearing the star of a general officer was not on her radar.
“When I first raised my right hand, all those years ago, I was young, motivated and had no idea [about] the journey ahead,” Rogers said. “What started as a career became a calling. And what began as a job turned into a second family. Each challenge, each mission, each unit, each day serving, helped shape not only my career, but who I am as a person.”
After 39 years of dedicated service, Rogers was ready to retire as the commanding general of the COARNG. She officially hung up her uniform Feb. 21, 2026, during two back-to-back ceremonies at Buckley Space Force Base, Aurora, Colorado.
The first ceremony, held at the Army Aviation Support Facility, began with a "High Ground Honors" review ceremony to recognize the accomplishments of the COARNG under Rogers’ command since 2021, followed by her formal retirement ceremony.
Under Rogers’ leadership, the COARNG maintained a steady pace of domestic and international missions. The COARNG mobilized approximately 1,200 Soldiers in response to COVID-19 and more than 300 Soldiers in response to seven major wildfires across the state. The COARNG’s aviation units conducted 189 search and rescue missions during her command. Since late 2021, more than 1,000 Colorado Soldiers were mobilized for 21 separate missions across five geographic combatant commands.
The 45th Adjutant General of Colorado U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Robert Davis presided over the High Ground Honors ceremony.
“Now is the time for us to build upon the work you've done,” Davis said. “Your leadership hasn't just managed the force, it has shaped us as we move forward to a new chapter.”
The transition between ceremonies was marked by a shift from organizational achievement to personal legacy. During Rogers’ retirement ceremony, presided over by The 44th Adjutant General of Colorado U.S. Army Maj. Gen. (ret.) Laura L. Clellan, Rogers was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for her "extraordinary strategic vision" and "tireless dedication" to the force.
Standing in a large hangar before a full crowd of her fellow Soldiers, family and friends, Rogers remarked on the personal weight of her milestone.
“When I look back, I see a lot of years of service and there's a lot of hard work in those years,” she said. “Every familiar face in this room reminds me that this retirement isn't just my story … it’s our story together.”
As a "Citizen-Soldier," Rogers embodied the dual nature of the National Guard, balancing her military obligations with a full-time civilian career. For 28 years, she served as a captain with the Poudre Fire Authority, a role that saw her protecting the community of Fort Collins, Colorado.
As she prepared to transition to a quieter life on a ranch with her husband, U.S. Army Lt. Col. (ret.) David Donaldson, Rogers offered a final charge to the next generation of Soldiers.
“Remember why you serve,” Rogers said. “You are part of something far bigger than yourself. Remember this: every day you put on the uniform or step into the role, you have a chance to make a difference. You represent generations of amazing men and women who served and sacrificed before you. Honor them by serving with character, competence and commitment.”
The ceremony concluded with the traditional casing of the general officer’s flag and the playing of the Army Song, bringing a formal close to 39 years of service to both the state of Colorado and the nation.