Col. Kwalwasser Honored at Chevrolet Military Salute D.C. Celebration

January 23, 2012 2:45 pm ET

The forecast for cold temperatures and icy conditions in the D.C. area on Saturday evening was no threat for Col. Robert Kwalwasser and his closest family, friends and colleagues as they joined to honor him at Jim McKay Chevrolet in Fairfax, Va.

Col. Kwalwasser was nominated for the Chevrolet Military Salute Washington, D.C. program by his wife, Joan, and was selected as one of the finalists.  Col. Kwalwasser, or Bob as he’s more affectionately known, retired from the NYPD as Sergeant after 21 years, having been a first responder to the Twin Towers on Sept. 11, 2001, and enlisted in the United States Air Force for 30 years of service.

Col. Kwalwasser’s family and friends voted vigorously online and via text to garner 3,166 winning votes, giving him the Salute program’s ultimate prize, a Chevrolet-style celebration! Jim McKay Chevrolet dealership was the perfect setting for this red, white and blue affair with lots of food, music and cars.  Guests tried out the latest Chevrolet Corvettes, Camaros and Cruzes while proud family and friends spoke passionately to honor their friend.

The Salute didn’t end with the celebration.  Col. Kwalwasser is also the recipient of a one-week GM vehicle loan, and we hope it serves him as well as he’s served his family, friends and country over the past 30 years.  Cheers to you, Bob!

We’d like to especially thank those who were able to join us on Saturday, the Kwalwassers and Jim McKay Chevrolet for making this celebration one to remember.

Click here to see a video recap of Col. Kwalwasser’s Celebration