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Returning troops in New Mexico were honored by VFW Post 11999. |
Scott Millar, Commander, Sacramento Mountain Post 11999, was astounded at the outpouring of support for the welcome home event his Post organized for a local National Guard unit in March.
What started as a simple burger fry for a few soldiers and their families soon took on a life of its own when the community of Alamogordo realized that 25 soldiers from its own Armory were returning from war.
In June of 2007, the New Mexico National Guard deployed 130 soldiers from C Co. 2/200 Infantry to Baghdad. Soldiers from several companies of the 2/200 Infantry were melded into one unit and deployed under C Co.’s banner.
“There were soldiers from all over New Mexico, Texas and Arizona in that unit,” says Millar. “We focused on the 25 soldiers from the D Co. Armory in Alamogordo because they lost their unit identity when they were deployed with C Co. Most people in Alamogordo were not aware that they had local Guardsmen in Iraq.”
Local businesses and members of the Alamogordo community pitched in to help with the event. Savory BBQ and all the sides were donated, as were decorations and manpower. US Representative Tom Udall (D-NM) stopped by the day before the event to thank volunteers as they decorated a vast gymnasium with balloons and banners.
He wasn’t the only New Mexico VIP to show up and lend support.
New Mexico National Guard’s Commanding General BG Kenny Montoya was scheduled to appear. Lieutenant Governor Diane Denish, State Representative Gloria Vaughn, and the Mayor Pro-Tem for the City of Alamogordo Chris Lujan all asked for the chance to join the festivities and welcome the troops back home.
“We estimate about 250 people showed up,” says Millar. “Everyone loved the BBQ and we had a country western band and DJ there to play music. Any food that was leftover was donated to a local homeless shelter.”
All returning soldiers received VFW Welcome Home Coins, VFW Certificates of Recognition, as well as special Certificates of Appreciation from State Representative Gloria Vaughn and the New Mexico House of Representatives. | 
