New Mexico VETERANS LEGACY PROJECT: The New Mexico Department of Veteran Services (DVS) initiated the NM Veterans Legacy Project (NMVLP). Ken Dettelbach brought the New Mexico Veterans Legacy Grant Program (NMVLGP) to New Mexico. The focus was to tell the stories of veterans in New Mexico’s National Cemeteries. And since Dettelbach had the experience, it was a natural choice for him to create a state cemetery program modeled after the NMVLGP.

The funding for the NMVLGP was a grant from the VA’s National Cemetery Administration. Santa Fe Community College (SFCC) administered the NMVLGP. Dettelbach and Gary Donado took on significant roles in the Outreach Committee, particularly in education. It made sense for Dettelbach and Donado to develop the NMVLP. The DVS suggested that the initial project focus on the Fort Stanton State Cemetery.

FORT STANTON, SITUATED IN NEW MEXICO, HOLDS NOTABLE HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Military History: Established in 1855 as a military post, Fort Stanton served as a protective outpost for settlers and travelers in the region. It played a significant role in historical events. Such were the Indian Wars and the Civil War. Also, it served as a training center for Buffalo Soldiers and African-American troops on the Western frontier.

Indian Wars: During the Apache Wars, Fort Stanton played a central role in the government’s efforts to manage and pacify Apache tribes. Participating in conflicts with the Apache were leaders like Geronimo and Victorio.

Healthcare History: In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Fort Stanton functioned as a tuberculosis sanatorium. It joined facilities in the Southwest to provide relief for tuberculosis patients in the region’s dry climate.

Veteran Cemetery: Fort Stanton State Cemetery serves as the final resting place for numerous veterans. The cemetery is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by military servicemen and women.

Cultural Heritage: Fort Stanton’s historical significance extends to its architectural and cultural impact on the American Southwest. It has been carefully preserved and is now a state historic site.

Education and Research: Fort Stanton’s historical sites and cemetery offer valuable opportunities for education and research. Moreover, it contributes to understanding the region’s military, medical, and cultural history.

In summary, Fort Stanton and its state cemetery are pivotal to our history. And it is due to their involvement in military conflicts, healthcare, and cultural development in the American Southwest. They serve as a testament to the diverse history of the region and the individuals who lived and served there.

NM VETERANS LEGACY PROJECT – FROM BATTLEFIELD MTO HOMEFRONT: NMVLP SHEDS LIGHT ON NEW MEXICAN VETERANS’ LIVES

During a visit in the fall of 2023, Dettelbach and Donato discovered that many of the soldiers interred at Fort Stanton had families living nearby. Through these families, there exists a wealth of content for telling the stories of these veterans. Additionally, local resources include Lincoln County newspapers and the Lincoln County Historical Society.

The stories of New Mexican veterans offer profound insights into the human experience, encompassing vulnerability, strength, and bravery. The NMVLP offers an opportunity to delve into their journeys beyond their moments of recognition. For many veterans, the phase of their lives following military service is equally captivating from a narrative perspective.

FROM CLASSROOM TO CEMETERY: NMVLP LAUNCHES EDUCATIONAL INITIATIVE IN 2024

Dettelbach and Donado will collaborate with students and educators from the Fort Stanton School District and neighboring districts. They aim to inspire K–12 students to engage in archival research. Additionally, the students will interview the families and close associates of individuals buried at the cemetery. Furthermore, the goal is to create narratives that chronicle the lives of 20–30 veterans.

In 2024, the program will begin its first phase. As it advances, the NMVLP will seek funding opportunities to grow the team. Funding is necessary to train educators and students, organize classes at cemetery sites, and publish articles in multiple newspapers. Sharing these stories with the residents of New Mexico will require the development of a robust website and social media presence. Please keep an eye out for updates regarding the NMVLP’s progress. As the NMVLP evolves, the responsibility for administering the program will eventually transition to R & R for Vets, a 501(C)(3) organization.

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