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Brent VanWey receives Rockwell Collins Good Citizenship award
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (June 24, 2009) - Brent VanWey's personal commitment to make a difference in the lives of families of children with cancer has earned him the
Rockwell Collins 2009 Good Citizenship Award.
 The annual award is given to a Rockwell Collins employee who exemplifies the company's commitment to enhancing the quality
of life in the communities where it operates.
VanWey, an import compliance manager at the company's Cedar Rapids headquarters, has always been volunteer-minded. He has
done work with the children's ministry at his church, and was involved in the Grady Paul Larson Foundation, a local group
that plans an annual softball tournament fundraiser for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. When VanWey's own daughter, Mikayla, was
diagnosed with leukemia in 2007, one of the first things he considered was how he could find a way to help other families
facing the same situation.
Then VanWey and his wife, Christie, found Flashes of Hope, a Cleveland-based organization with the mission of creating uplifting
portraits of kids with life-threatening diseases. The VanWeys partnered with the University of Iowa's fundraiser, Dance Marathon,
to bring Flashes of Hope to Iowa.
"We had a professional photographer take pictures of my daughter in fun poses. Those are the most precious photos that I have,"
VanWey said. "When we saw those pictures, we knew instantly what we could do to help other families."
VanWey has also worked to bring a support group called Club HOPE (Helping Other Parents Endure) to Eastern Iowa parents. He
is also in the planning stages of a fund-raising can recycling drive with Wal-Mart, with proceeds going to the Dance Marathon,
a Children's Miracle Network partner.
"The support I get from people who work with me is what really makes the difference. No one can do it on his own," VanWey
said. "It's a very humbling reward. It's hard to put words around it."
Other finalists for the Good Citizenship Award include Kelli Hoback, senior systems engineer, Cedar Rapids; and Estela Martinez,
manufacturing operator, Mexicali, Mexico.
As the recipient, VanWey receives $500 that goes to the nonprofit organization of his choice. Good Citizenship Award recipients
are selected by a committee comprised of Rockwell Collins employees who grade nominees on criteria with a focus on their volunteer
activities.
Rockwell Collins (NYSE: COL) has been a pioneer in the development and deployment of innovative communication and aviation
electronic solutions for both commercial and government applications. Our expertise in flight deck avionics, cabin electronics,
mission communications, information management and simulation and training is delivered by nearly 20,000 employees, and a
global service and support network that crosses 27 countries. To find out more, please visit www.rockwellcollins.com.
Media contact:
Dave Gosch
319.295.2908
djgosch@rockwellcollins.com
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