In the “About Us” section, co-founder Ken Dettelbach shares his deep commitment to our community and its veterans. Ken, a two-tour Vietnam War veteran, is a shining example of dedication to giving back. Moreover, Ken gives back because he came back. And our organization’s unwavering commitment to honor and support our heroes propels us forward.

EMPOWERING OUR LOCAL VETERANS

At R&R for Vets, we serve the local Santa Fe community and the surrounding New Mexico area.  Above all, we focus on military veterans and their surviving spouses in need. Furthermore, our vision is clear: A Safe Home – A Dry Home. R&R for Vets offers roof repairs, ramps, interior repairs, disability remodeling, and emergency home services to veterans and their surviving spouses. These services are at no cost to them. Additionally, our organization improves the quality of life for those who have sacrificed for our nation and their families.

R&R for VETS: ABOUT US AND OUR REMARKABLE JOURNEY

Ken and I started our journey in 2016 at the Santa Fe Hispanic Chamber of Commerce After Hours Event. Subsequently, during a conversation with our Gateway Marketing client, J&S Services, a Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 996 member joined us.  He inquired about a contractor to help a struggling Vietnam veteran, which ignited our mission. Fortunately, the contractor with us stepped up. Most importantly, donated assistance from our business community and veteran organizations made this project’s success possible and set the stage for our organization’s birth.

In essence, we found ourselves discussing the need for an organization in our community dedicated to assisting veterans in need. In truth, Ken’s calling to support veterans led to our nonprofit’s creation and mission statement.

In a twist of fate, VVA 996 approached us again. The tragic loss of veteran Ernie Durr and the dire circumstances his widow faced reinforced our resolve. For one thing, we were still in the process of making an application as a 501(c)(3) and had no funding in place. However, with the support of VVA 996 and the American Legion, Post One, we embarked on successful fundraising campaigns and provided critical assistance to Ernie’s surviving spouse.

IT’S ABOUT US: PAVING THE WAY FOR  R&R for VETS

Our journey continued as we tackled the challenge of establishing a new nonprofit. In truth, we learned of SCORE, a resource that would prove invaluable to our cause. Above all, SCORE mentors guided us toward success. They introduced us to the Santa Fe Community Foundation, where we engaged in nonprofit education programs and participated in its fall nonprofit catalog. Thus, the dream of forming a nonprofit materialized in early 2017.

Moreover, after voting to receive the 2018 SCORE Business Newcomer Award, R&R For Vets Inc. received a SCORE Award for Business Excellence on September 12. This award goes to a business or nonprofit established for two years or less. R&R for Vets Inc. met the requirements for achieving notable success, financial growth, and organizational soundness. Additionally, its contributions to the local economy and mission accomplishments in its early development stages. Furthermore, on November 11, 2018, the Farrell Udell Award was presented to R&R For Vets Inc. during the City of Santa Fe Veterans Day Ceremony. The recognition was for its contribution to serving veterans in the Santa Fe community.

JOIN US IN OUR MISSION

Thus, as our services gained recognition, applications from veterans and their surviving spouses in need poured in, and the demand for assistance grew. We urgently require donations to meet these needs. Therefore, our community and local veteran organizations rallied, emphasizing our organization’s vital role. Your support is crucial to ensuring we can continue our mission of assisting those who have sacrificed for our country.

R & R for Vets is a Section 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All gifts to R & R for Vets are deductible as charitable contributions for federal and state income tax purposes. Under U.S. tax law, R&R for Vets has complete discretion and control over the use of all donated funds. The federal tax identification number is 81-4311655.

Unquestionably, in unity and gratitude, we move forward, empowering our local heroes and enhancing lives in our community.

Pam Scotty, co-founder of R&R for Vets, Inc.

R&RforVETS.org