R & R for VETS QUINTANA FIRE RESTORATION PROJECT: Imagine sitting in your living room with your spouse, peacefully watching TV, when suddenly there’s a deafening noise—a pop like a gunshot. You look up and see flames bursting from the ceiling. In a panic, you shout, ‘Fire!’ Your wife acts quickly, rushing outside to shut down the propane tank. You make a desperate call for help, but the reality sinks in. You live in the remote Pecos wilderness, far from any fire station. Helpless, you watch as the home that has been in your family for generations burns to the ground. In that devastating moment, you lose nearly everything, including two cherished dogs. By and large, this heart-wrenching ordeal is the painful story of veteran Phillip Quintana and his wife, Dianna.
To “begin with the end”
“In a time of feeling there is no hope, R and R for Vets came and gave us hope. A section of our home is being restored, and it all began with a new roof. Winter came with rain, snow, and wind. This is how we felt mentally. With the new roof, we were able to see sunshine. Thank you, R&R for Vets. THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH! God Bless you.” – Phillip and Dianna Quintana.
FROM TRAGEDY TO HOPE: R & R for VETS QUINTANA FIRE RESTORATION
After losing their home, Phillip turns to Ascent Bible Church for assistance. There, Larry Socea takes on the role of Restoration Project Manager and reaches out to various individuals and organizations for help. Larry’s first outreach effort targets R & R For Vets, where he requests a new roof for the only salvageable part of the original structure, covering about 800 square feet. At this time, the Vetting Committee quickly approves the application. It should be noted that Northway Roofing is selected for the project and goes the extra mile by significantly reducing costs, and making a substantial contribution. Larry meticulously manages the project from start to successful completion. Additionally, R & R for Vets provides funding for the necessary electrical work after the roof replacement. Notably, insurance is unavailable to the Quintanas due to their remote location, leaving their only hope in turning to the community.
HONORING GENEROSITY: PARTNERS WHO MADE A DIFFERENCE
Below is the email we received from Larry six months after the fire:
“Thank you, Ken and Pam, and all of the support R & R for Vets provided. This was definitely a team effort. They hope to move in very soon, less than six months after the devastating fire. That is a remarkable feat.” – Larry Socea
This ‘remarkable feat’ becomes possible only through the generosity of the organizations supporting R & R For Vets. We extend our deepest thanks to the Las Campanas Community Endowment Fund and the Santa Fe Community Foundation. Moreover, this project was accomplished with the support of American Legion Post 1, the Roadrunner Chapter – Military Officers Association of America, and receive significant help from local churches.
ABOUT PHILLIP QUINTANA, A LOCAL AMERICAN VETERAN
Philip Quintana serves in the Navy from 1970 to 1976. Initially, his assignment is to a destroyer tender designed to provide maintenance support to a convoy of destroyers and other small warships. His last ship is the USS Iwo Jima. Please watch this five-minute video that reflects on Phillip Quintana’s story. Soon after receiving an honorable discharge, he marries Dianna. They fostered 30 children on their wilderness property. https://www.c2f.usff.navy.mil/lhd7
TURNING DREAMS INTO REALITY: THE POWER OF TEAMWORK – R & R for VETS FIRE RESTORATION PROJECT
This story vividly shows how teamwork and cooperation transform the seemingly impossible into reality. R & R for Vets is dedicated to showcasing such stories on our website to highlight the impactful results of supporting our cause. We urge you to join our mission in offering local veterans and their surviving spouses the priceless gift of “A DRY HOME – A SAFE HOME.” Your contribution can have an urgent and direct impact. Please donate today and help change a veteran’s life.