R&R for Vets 2024 November News

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.

Veteran’s Day Ceremony at the Bataan Memorial – November 11, 2024

As we gather to honor Veterans Day, we pause to remember not only the courageous service of our veterans but also the profound sacrifices made by their families, who stood beside them through every hardship. We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to the families of our veterans. Here in New Mexico, our veterans carry a legacy of resilience and dedication deeply woven into the fabric of our state. We thank each veteran and family member for their unwavering commitment and sacrifice. Your service is not forgotten, and we are forever grateful.

Submitted by Gary Donado (Mayor’s Veterans Advisory Board): Veteran’s Day will be celebrated with music commencing at 10:30 am. and the Ceremony beginning at 11 am at the Bataan Memorial on the NW Corner of the Bataan Building (same location as last year). Of particular note is that Col Williams (VAB Chair) is the MC; the Reading of Governor’s Proclamation is the Lt. Gov Howie Morales; Keynote is DVS Cabinet Secretary Jamison Herrera, BGen (retired) and all of the readings will be by veterans representing the various Posts here in Santa Fe (MOAA, VFW, Legion Post 1 & 12), benediction and Closing Prayer will be by Rev Rick Iannucci.  The Music will be by the SF Concert Band and Zia Singers.  Color Guard is SFHS NJROTC. 

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.

R&R for Vets 2024 November News

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.

R&R for Vets 2024 November News

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 )

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!

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

R&R FOR VETS NOVEMBER  2024 NEWS

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