Military & Veterans’ Appreciation Day at the Legislature

Military & Veterans’ Appreciation Day at the Legislature

All were invited today to the annual Military and Veterans’ Appreciation Day at the State Legislature today from 8am to 1pm at the State Capitol Rotunda in Santa Fe.

The New Mexico National Guard and Reserve Unit members were honored at a special noon ceremony, featuring brief remarks by Governor Susana Martinez, New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services Secretary Timothy Hale and New Mexico National Guard Adjutant General Kenny Montoya.

Military and veterans’ service organizations, such as our own, had tables and exhibits in the Rotunda - it was so busy I didn't even get a chance to snap a shot with my camera!

January 24th, 2012

The annual Ag Fest Legislative Reception was one of the best ever this year! The affair was held at the Sweeny Convention Center so there was more room for all. It was a great opportunity to support and network with our New Mexico beef producers. We enjoyed sharing what we are doing to preserve our Cowboy Ways and Traditions by giving our young men and women veterans a new mission to Cowboy Up! with our NMCGA Program Partner ranches.

Fun Fact: The NMCGA has represented the beef industry in New Mexico and the West since 1914 and has members in all 33 of the state’s counties as well as some 14 other states. Way to go NMCGA!

Cowboy Up! volunteer instructor Chuck Franco with Cowboy Up! crew.

4-H was there with their awesome booth sharing all about 4-H projects.

American Cowboy - February's Issue

CLICK ARTICLE TO ENLARGE

Rick Iannucci and our Horses For Heroes, New Mexico, Inc. Cowboy Up! program is featured in American Cowboy's February 2012 issue. I took the liberty of replacing the photo that they mistakenly printed in the article along with correcting typos in our name.

Plans for Team Room/Bunkhouse Underway

Through the generosity of Double H Boots, The Miller Family Foundation and all the great folks who participated in our 2011 Cowboy Christmas Dinner Dance & Auction, as well as countless friends who have supported us across the miles thanks to Sirius XM Patriot Radio Host Andrew Wilkow of Wilkow Majority, we are proud to announce plans for our desperately needed Team Room/Bunkhouse are well underway.

Santa Fe Architect William Agnew generously lending his expertise to make this project a reality.





Rick Iannucci and William Agnew pace off the site in anticipation of general contractor Doug Langley breaking ground.

Cowboy Christmas 2011

A sold out crowd in their cowboy finery was on hand for this year's Cowboy Christmas. The Hilton Santa Fe Plaza was the setting for our guests who came from throughout the state and from across the country. Cowboy hats outnumbered neckties for a crowd that was anticipating a good time on a crisp winter night. What a better way to start off the Christmas season!

The silent auction had some amazing bargains.



Old friends and big hugs were plentiful.

Singleton's San Cristobal Ranch manager Grant Mitchell and his wife Connie visit with Senator Larry Larranaga.

Governor Susana Martinez and her husband Chuck Franco enjoy the evening with our dinner sponsors from Double H Boots, Vice President Steve Vickers and President Greg Crouchley.

Governor Susana Martinez and her husband Chuck Franco with their table guests Gold Star parents Don and Jo Ann Zembiec.

Horses for Heroes - New Mexico, Inc. President Rick Iannucci addresses a full house!



NM Veteran Services Cabinet Secretary Col. Tim Hale provided our prayerful invocation and blessing.

Sgt. Erik Schei is surrounded by fellow veterans, staff and Program Partners as he is inducted as the newest member of The Order of the Purple Wildrag! (Working Ranch Magazine - Jan/Feb 2011)

Cowboy Up! director Nancy De Santis does the honors.

Erik Schei showing his appreciation in the finest cowboy tradition.

New Mexico's First Gentleman and our very own Cowboy Up! volunteer instructor Chuck Franco spoke about his experience working with our program then introduced his wife Governor Susana Martinez.

Governor Susana Martinez speaking about the Cowboy Code and the Warrior Code.

Governor Susana Martinez leads off with a live auction item painted and donated by her husband the First Gentleman, Chuck Franco, while auctioneer Lisa Vahkaria and Cowboy Up! Graduate Emily Ruch get ready.

The floor is a buzz as the live auction progresses with a magnificent framed piece by Santa Fe artist Thom Ross of Due West Gallery.

Sgt. Kristy LaFrance and her dog Stella look on while Rick Iannucci describes her generously donated tapestry.

Sirius XM Patriot Radio Newtwork host Andrew Wilkow (Wilkow Majority) spoke briefly about his experience with our veterans when he rode with us at the Crossed Arrows Ranch.

First Gentleman and our Governor dancing to the sounds of Joe West and Friends.

Cowboy Up! program graduate and Navajo ranche, alroy Billiman and Darilyn Jackson.

Ricardo Cate of "Without Reservations" fame hands over one of his original cartoons to actor Wes Studi.

Rancher Henry McKinley and his wife Peg chat with NM Livestock Board Executive Director Myles Culbertson, Carl Hawkins of Hawkins Chuckwagon Fame, and Sylvia Wright.

Governor Martinez posing with our most helpful volunteers Tom, Channing, Kennedy and Lisa.

Joe West and Friends rocking out!

Maura Studi and our Cowboy Up! volunteer Wes Studi sits in with the band on bass.



Large animal veterinarian Larry Nolan visits with Bonanza Creek Ranch manager Steve Price and owner Richard Hughes.

The gangs all here! NM Cattlegrowers Association Executive Director Caren Cowen with Charletta Larranaga, Senator Larry Larranaga, Nancy De Santis, Rick Iannucci, Farm Bureau's Matt Rush, Janelle Duffy, NM Cattlegrowers past Preident Bert Ancell, Debbie Ancell and Myles Culbertson.

Merry Christmas!