Not Forgotten Outreach: Enhancing Veteran and Family Comradeship
This story is important to me because it helps amplify veterans’ services designed with the family in mind—not just the veteran.
Guest Blogger: Miranda Onorio, U.S. Army Veteran and Veteran Advocate
New Mexico's charm is contagious, especially in the north-central Taos region during the winter. It takes just a nanosecond to fall head over heels for the illuminated panoramic views, cottonwood trees, historic adobe structures, eccentric earthships, Taoseños culture, and their artist colonies.
No matter the season–whether mapping the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway route, feeling the vibrations of the Rio Grande Gorge bridge, exploring the oldest inhabited community of Pueblo de Taos, hiking the Carson National Forest mountain peaks, or enjoying a getaway at one of four ski areas– the valley offers room to breathe with a spectacular view.
This veteran-friendly community includes the Taos Veteran organization Not Forgotten Outreach, Inc. (NFO). NFO facilitates healing through recreational, therapeutic, and farming activities. Their story began in 2013 with a grieving family who lost their fallen hero, 32-year-old U.S. Army Sergeant Paul T. Sanchez from Irving, Texas.
SGT Sanchez was killed in action in Baghdad, Iraq, from an improvised explosive device that detonated near his vehicle on January 14, 2007, during Operation Iraqi Freedom with the 543rd Military Police Company, 10th Mountain Division. His family created an open, relaxed environment that concentrates on mental, emotional, and physical healing activities. With a dedicated space, all elements work together to overcome physical and mental barriers.
Explicitly designed for active duty, reservist, national guard, veterans, their families, and Gold Star Families of our fallen Heroes, their VetCor staff teach at their Farm's Community Garden about horticulture, agriculture, and business education. With dozens of therapy animals, a hydroponics room, and acres for crop growing, their farm helps everyone reintegrate gracefully and productively into America's rural communities as successful farmers.
NFO's Executive Director Patrick Millon says, "We currently have 12 community gardeners renting 150 square foot plots. Five of which are veterans with free plots. The goal is for all to succeed and be self-sustainable." Million looks forward to more veterans, families, and seniors "filling the parking lot."
NFO partners on projects with other Veteran organizations in the Taos area, such as AmeriCorp, University of New Mexico-Taos, and Veteran Off-grid. For example, NFO and Veterans Off-grid collaborated and were awarded a VA Together With Veterans program grant. This grant paid $1,000 toward the total cost associated with the Military Family Appreciation Week ski Taos event.
Million said, "This grant not only helped raise awareness about rural suicide prevention for veterans but also built relationships to grow a tight-knit Veteran community. And there is nothing better than a day on the slopes to take a step toward preventing and helping with mental health and whole health in general."
With grant funding arranged in collaboration with NFO, Veterans and their families participated in the annual Military Family Appreciation Week, January 17-22, 2023, at Taos Ski Valley.
Celebrated as a top recreational event in the Taos Valley, NFO hosted Military Family Appreciation Week, held the second and third week in January annually. They celebrated their 10th year in operation and 9th year skiing at Taos Ski Valley. Veterans from all over the southwest came to Taos, mainly from Texas, New Mexico, and Wyoming.
Paris, Texas, Army Veteran Steven Estes stated, "Not Forgotten Outreach is a life changer for me and my wife, Rachel. Taos ski resort here is beautiful. It's like a world away from a world. It's a perfect opportunity for both of us to get out and mingle with other veterans and spouses. I get to get things off my chest that sometimes I might not be able to do anywhere else."
Estes sees the value in a Veteran retreat that encourages family participation. "Rachel gets to meet other spouses that felt her same emotions," Estes says. "Seeing her in her element is good for my soul because she's been through a lot, too."
Vietnam Veteran S.L. Waller Jr. also has been back on the mountain for the ninth time with NFO. "I keep coming back, bringing my family and friends. We call it our annual boys' trip. It is hard to pass up the discounts and the camaraderie with other Veterans. Also, the group makes it easy with how appreciative they are and making all of us feel welcome." Waller travels from the Dallas area every year and has been to every ski event NFO has hosted.
Nestled in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Veterans enjoy 60% off tickets and is a perfect spot for families whether advanced, intermediate, or beginner skiers.
With the help of the grant, Veterans and their families received $50 lift tickets ($75 off the average ticket) at this year’s event. Veteran family members 6 & under skied for free with a paying adult, and 80+ skied for free all week long.
You can find NFO and their VetCorp team at 610 Paseo Del Pueblo Norte, Taos, NM 87571. Also, check out Veterans Off-grid's impressive eco-friendly Earthship-inspired homes at http://www.veteransoffgrid.org/.
Barbara Howard Tweed, NFO board member stated, "It is essential to know your son or daughter may not return the same way they left. Building family, that is what NFO's mission is all about!”
