Colorado Springs is this week hosting the first ever U.S. Navy Week, with more than 50 active duty sailors visiting the area for a series of events in conjunction with the Pikes Peak Regional Air Show.
The visiting sailor contingent includes Pueblo East "Eagle Empire" alumnus (Class of 1994) Dr. Neva Fuentes, a Navy captain.
After an active career at East that included playing on the Eagle softball team, Dr. Fuentes went on to earn multiple degrees -- from Colorado State University Pueblo, Gonzaga University, the U.S. Naval War College, the University of Rhode Island, and Boise State University -- and an officer's commission.
In all, she has more than two decades of health care experience, which includes a time at Parkview Medical Center. Through the Navy Nurse Corps, she currently serves as Dean of Academic Affairs at the Tri Service Medical Education and Training Campus (Joint Base Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio).
Dr. Fuentes was inducted into the Golden Eagle Hall of Fame in 2023.
Colorado Springs Navy Week brings sailors from across the fleet to the area to emphasize the importance of the Navy to Colorado Springs, the state of Colorado, and the nation.
Throughout the week, sailors are participating in various community events across the area, including engaging with students across multiple high schools and at the Pikes Peak Boys and Girls Club, volunteering through Care and Share Food Bank for Southern Colorado, and visiting the Space Discovery Center, and US Olympic and Paralympic Museum.
