Vaquero Horsemanship Ranch Roping Clinic

This past weekend we took some of our veterans to see The Vaquero Horsemanship Ranch Roping Clinic with Drew Mischianti & Natalia Estrada courtesy of host, Clint Mortenson. With Branding season just around the corner it was good for our guys to see how traditional roping is done - it's something to aspire too, and what may lie ahead for some of our up-and-coming Cowboy Up! participants!

Military Order of the World Wars

February 8th, 2012

We were honored to be invited to speak at the Military Order of the World Wars meeting last night and we are proud to announce that they have endorsed our program!

Military Order of the World Wars was founded in 1919 by Gen. John "Black Jack" Pershing to promote the welfare of our nation. MOWW is run on a volunteer basis by commissioned and warrant officers of all branches of the military and annual conferences to encourage youth leadership. Working directly with schools, MOWW introduces students to leaders in government, industry and academia.

Major General Franklin Miles with Horses For Heroes - NM, Inc. Director Rick Iannucci. As a member of the Military Order of World Wars for 24 years, Miles has worked relentlessly to instill the ideals of patriotism, good citizenship and service to our country's youth. Miles served as the National Commander in Chief of MOWW from 1997 to 1998.

Click certificate to Enlarge

The New Mexico chapter of MOWW has managed to get over 37 students into West Point, the Air Force Academy and the Naval Academy in Annapolis.

Military & Veterans’ Appreciation Day at the Legislature

Chester Nez, 91, Navajo code talker, (center) with Cowboy Up! Directors Nancy De Santis and Rick Iannucci. Photo by: Chris Chaisson

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! - Thanks Chris!

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.