R&R for Vets 2024 November News: As we approach Veterans Day, R&R for Vets is proud to share remarkable stories of veterans whose courage and commitment have left a lasting impact. This month’s news highlights the strength of our community’s support and the power of coming together to uplift those who have served our country. We invite you to join us in celebrating these stories, which exemplify the spirit of service, resilience, and unity. Together, we honor and thank our veterans.
The Santa Fe Veterans Day Ceremony Canceled
The City of Santa Fe’s annual Veterans Day event scheduled for Monday, Nov. 11, at the Bataan Memorial located at 400 Don Gaspar St. has been canceled.
The American Legion Post 1 lunch will be held as planned, and the VFW Post 2951 lunch will be held as planned.
Mary FoxNMSNCS – Santa Fe National Cemetery
Thank you for Sponsoring Wreaths and Volunteering for National Wreaths Across America Day. I am this year’s Wreath Placement Coordinator for NMSNCS – Santa Fe National Cemetery, and I am writing with information about our ceremony scheduled for December 14, 2024 (Wreath Placement Immediately Following Ceremony).
1) The deadline to order wreaths for this location is Thanksgiving Day. After that day, we cannot guarantee that your wreath will be included in the delivery for this year. Please order soon— and spread the word to your organizations or your friends and family to do the same. Click here to order, or click on any other organization that you would like to support with your wreath sponsorship R WREATHSACROSSAMERICA.ORG, then click on the word SPONSOR A WREATH – https://wreathsacrossamerica.org/pages/21141/Overview
2) The Ceremony will be held at the Gazebo as you enter the cemetery, on the right. Please arrive early, if you desire “close” parking. You can stay in your vehicle until it is time to get to the ceremony, which will begin at 10 AM.
3) Please bring your own chair, as there will not be any chairs provided except to the speakers, choir, and organization heads that will be placing the ceremonial wreaths.
4) Dress for the weather. Please stay warm, there is no protection from the elements at the ceremony.
5) Bring hydration. Please be sure you stay hydrated. We really do not want to see any visitor or staff faint due to lack of hydration or nutrition.
6) Please do not use the handicap plates inappropriately. If you can walk, please walk. There are so many visitors that cannot walk, and are not able to get close to the ceremony because others (taking advantage of someone else’s handicap plate) are taking up the handicapped parking. Please be responsible in your parking choices.
7) Please respect the cemetery. Please put trash in the trash cans, drive slowly, and park respectfully (to allow emergency vehicles to get around your vehicle).
8) Contact me if you need assistance ordering a wreath or have any questions or concerns about volunteering (WAASantaFe@gmail.com) Let me help.
Thank you very much for supporting NMSNCS – Santa Fe National Cemetery. Please click More Information for more about our mission to Remember, Honor, and Teach.
Mary FoxNMSNCS – Santa Fe National Cemetery
New Disaster Planning Resources: Prepare, Adapt, Survive
Our Education and Resources section is now live! Specifically focusing on disaster planning, it includes the Power Grid Outages and The Sunflower Chef categories. Even though we’re still building content, we continuously add valuable information. Moreover, preparation is essential with the possibility of a long-term power outage becoming increasingly real. Thus, planning for our daily functions empowers us to face this challenge effectively. Although life may change, preparing for potential disasters ultimately allows us to adapt and survive—just as our ancestors did. So, explore these resources today and take the first step in disaster readiness!
Disaster Preparedness: Our Purpose and Position
At R & R for Vets Inc., our mission has always been to provide support and resources to veterans, their surviving spouses, and the veteran community. Our Disaster Preparedness Project (two years in the making) is an extension of that mission, aiming to equip individuals with the tools, knowledge, and strategies to face potential challenges in emergencies (wildfires, radiation exposure, weather extremes, terrorism, EMPs, etc.).
We want to be clear: we do not claim to be disaster preparedness or survival training experts. Instead, we are a group of dedicated individuals sharing what we have learned through personal experience, research, and the expertise of others. We aim to provide information, checklists, and resources that empower people to make informed decisions for their preparedness.
Why We Created This Resource
As we worked on preparing our household for potential power outages, we realized how valuable practical advice and accessible information could be. This realization inspired us to expand our focus beyond our immediate circle to include the broader community.
Through our Education and Resources section, we:
Share curated content from trusted experts, such as instructional videos and articles.
Offer insights from our own hands-on experiences.
Provide checklists, tips, and strategies to help others get started with preparedness planning.
Our presentations and resources aim to inform and inspire—not to instruct as authorities. We encourage everyone to supplement this information with their research and to consult subject matter experts as needed.
A Collaborative Approach
We believe disaster preparedness is a collaborative effort. While we share what we know, we also learn from the feedback and experiences of those we serve. By fostering a community of shared knowledge (the Buddy System), we hope to contribute to a culture of resilience and mutual support. Our Disaster Preparedness Project is an extension of that mission, aiming to equip individuals with the tools, knowledge, and strategies to face potential challenges.
R & R for Vets Connects Donated Ramp to a Veteran in Need
In October, R & R for Vets received a call from a man whose wife passed away about a year ago. During her illness, he installed an eight-foot ramp in their home to help her reach the car more easily. A year later, he thinks someone else could benefit from the ramp, so he reaches out to see if our program accepts the donation. He wants to give back to a veteran in need, so he arranges for the delivery of the ramp.
Just days later, as if by fate, a family member calls us about their veteran brother, who urgently needs an eight-foot ramp upon his return from the hospital. The timing couldn’t be better—this donation is exactly what the veteran needs. R & R for Vets acts as the connection, enabling the family members to install the ramp.
With the holiday season here, it’s a wonderful time to consider giving. Do you have a ramp to donate? Imagine this gift’s impact on a veteran or surviving spouse in need this season. Contact us at info.rrforvets.org.
R & R for Vets Launches New Website to Strengthen Support for Veterans and Their Families
Last summer, with the guidance of Henry M. Lopez and support from the Santa Fe New Mexican, R & R for Vets proudly launched a new website, showcasing our mission to deliver essential veterans assistance through roof repairs, handicap ramps, disability remodels, and critical support for veterans and their families.
We’re deeply grateful to Henry for his generous donation of time, energy, and steadfast support. His dedication, inspired by his father’s Vietnam service, is a true gift to our cause of supporting veterans and families. As he begins his new venture, Lopez Integrated Tech, we extend our heartfelt thanks for his remarkable generosity and unwavering commitment to veterans assistance.
R&R for Vets 2024 November News – R & R for Vets Position on Participating in GivingTuesday this Year
Although we recognize GivingTuesday on December 3, R&R for Vets will not participate directly through Facebook this year. Instead, we warmly invite those who wish to support our mission to visit the ‘Donate’ section at the bottom of every page, where you can discreetly contribute. Notably, your generous donations directly support our local veterans and surviving spouses, assisting with essential needs such as roof repairs, accessibility ramps, handicapped bathroom remodels, and material assistance. Ultimately, every contribution makes a meaningful difference in our community, strengthening the lives of those who served.
There are additional ways to donate to R & R for Vets Org:
- Do you shop at Smith’s? By choosing our organization in the Smith’s Inspiring Donations Program, you make a real difference for us! Every time you shop, Smith’s donates to our cause at no cost to you. Thanks to your support, we receive a quarterly gift from Smith’s because you chose us as your preferred organization. Your thoughtfulness helps us continue our mission, and we are truly grateful for each contribution you make in this way. Thank you for shopping with purpose and for standing by us in such a meaningful way! (R & R for Vets, Org. – 501(c)3 )
Santa Fe Community College Hosts Veterans & Family Resources Fair and Appreciation Ceremony
SANTA FE, NM – You’re invited to join the Veterans Resource Center (VRC) at Santa Fe Community College on Tuesday, Nov. 5, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Jemez Rooms for a Veterans & Family Resources Fair and Appreciation Ceremony. Not only is this event free and open to the public, but it also offers new benefits and programs for veterans, support for veteran-owned businesses, education benefits, and family services. Additionally, academic programs and scholarship opportunities will be highlighted. Therefore, veterans and their families are strongly encouraged to attend and connect with valuable resources and support.
For information on participating organizations or to host an information table, contact Gary Logsdon at gary.logsdon@sfcc.edu or 505.428.1314.
R&R FOR VETS NOVEMBER 2024 NEWS: NOVEMBER VETERAN HOLIDAYS
November is National Military Family Appreciation Month
During Military Family Month, we thank military families for their tremendous contribution to supporting our service members, the military mission, and the nation. Military life imposes unique demands on them during these difficult times,…” READ MORE
1. Veterans Day – November 11
Summary: Veterans Day is a federal holiday dedicated to honoring all U.S. military veterans who have served in the Armed Forces. Originally celebrated as Armistice Day to mark the end of World War I, it was renamed Veterans Day in 1954 to recognize all veterans, both living and deceased, for their service and sacrifice.
Reference: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Veterans Day History
2. Marine Corps Birthday – November 10
Summary: The United States Marine Corps celebrates its official birthday on November 10 each year. This day commemorates the Continental Congress’s establishment of the Marine Corps in 1775. The celebration includes ceremonial events to honor the Marines’ history, traditions, and legacy.
Reference: U.S. Marine Corps. Marine Corps Birthday
3. Military Family Appreciation Month
Summary: Throughout November, Military Family Appreciation Month recognizes the sacrifices and contributions of military families who support the Armed Forces. Various events and programs are held nationwide to honor military families for their strength, resilience, and sacrifices.
Reference: U.S. Department of Defense. Military Family Appreciation Month
4. National Veterans and Military Families Month
Summary: National Veterans and Military Families Month was established to recognize the contributions of veterans and their families. Events and observances during this month highlight the commitment of military families and encourage the public to show appreciation for their support of service members.
Reference: The White House. Presidential Proclamation