February 2013

February 19th, 2013

AG FEST

L to R: Soon to be named, Jeff Witte, Director/Secretary of Agriculture of NM, Rick Iannucci, Executive Director with Cowboy Up! participant Eric Yorty and Cowboy Up! Graduate Chris Chaisson (front).

Ag Fest is hosted by New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau and coincides with NM Legislative Session in Santa Fe.  It showcases food and agriculture products from NM, as well as being a great setting to mix and mingle with legislators, state capitol staff and elected officials.

February 21st, 2013

VETERANS DAY AT THE ROUNDHOUSE

Horses For Heroes - NM, Inc. Cowboy Up! was out at the round house to honor World War II Veterans!  Military & Veterans' Day at the Legislature is presented by the New Mexico Department of Veterans' Services and Military Affairs to encourage military personnel and veterans to attend the Legislative Session to discuss concerns with their legislators.  

Major General Franklin Miles with Horses For Heroes - NM, Inc. Executive Director Rick Iannucci & Brian Johnson US Army (ret.). 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.

American Gold Star Mothers Brunch at the Ranch

We were honored today with a visit from one of our program partners, The American Gold Star Mothers, Albuquerque Chapter (and a couple dads too!). After a great brunch we had a chance to show them the progress of our Warrior bunkhouse and most importantly our Gold Star Wall where we will honor those who have fallen, as we will never forget their sacrifice. Brass dog tags with their loved ones name will be mounted beneath the large Gold Star and when a mother or a loved one visits for the first time they will be given the second brass dog tag as a rememberance and in honor of their gallant hero.

Tour of the Great Room.

West Gold Star Wall.

Left to right: Becky Christmas, Executive Director Horses For Heroes Cowboy Up! Rick Iannucci, Patricia Merville, Jo Ann And Don Zembiec, AGSM Albuquerque Chapter President Kay Coleman, Michelle and Bob Bowman.

Learning From Tragedy

February 4th, 2013 Andrew Wilkow talks with former Navy Seal and Mentor to Chris Kyle, Eric Davis, and Exec. Director for Horses For Heroes Cowboy Up! Rick Iannucci about why PTSD is so misunderstood.

Site Visit: Springer Correctional Initiative

On January 24th, 2013 a site survey was conducted to analyze carrying capacity and range suitability for our upcoming Cowboy Up! Springer Correctional Initiative.

A Bill is currently in NM State Legislature in support of this project is being sponsored by Senator Pete Campos and Rep. Nick Salazar.

Working Group left to right:  Rancher Landon Newton, Colfax County Commissioner and Springer resident, Warden John Sanchez, Bill Sauble, Colfax County Commissioner and New Mexico Livestock Board Chairman, Dr. Manny Encinias, NMSU Rangeland expert and Rick Iannucci, Executive Director Horses For Heroes – NM, Inc. Cowboy Up!