Gallup to present Certificate of Appreciation

Rehoboth McKinley Christian Health Care Services has partnered with Dist. 1 Councilor Linda Garcia to remove “addiction debris” and overgrown vegetation at a former homeless camp near St. Joseph’s Shelter and Soup Kitchen at 400 N Fifth St. in Gallup.

The hospital’s Community Work Service organization cleared gated alleys adjacent to the shelter in June.

The clean-up was performed by a four-person crew from RMCHCS’ community organization, which is comprised of former addicts residing at the hospital’s Behavioral Health Treatment Center. The clean-up took three days with close to a ton of debris removed from two long...

The journey to Rockin J Reawakenings

Rockin J Reawakenings Veterans Center and Ranch in Prewitt, N.M., is named for two people whose first names start with the letter J;  Jess and Jori Butler. Butler was a diesel engine mechanic on the USS Frederick LST 1184.

Jess Butler and his wife Jori, who run a little jewelry shop in Thoreau, met another Navy veteran one day and found out Mark Kasehagen had also served on the USS Frederick, as a corpsman. Turned out they were neighbors.

The two veterans got together and started considering businesses they could partner in that would give back to the community. Butler said, “Community and kids are our priorities.”

To hear Butler...

Gallup hosts traditional events; dedicates new veterans cemetery

Each year, Memorial Day commemorations pull the community together as people reflect on and show their appreciation for the members of the military who serve their country past and present.

In Gallup, dubbed one of the most patriotic towns in America during the Rand McNally “Best of the Road” contest, it’s no different. Following the placement of wreaths at Hillcrest Cemetery and a parade, residents and visitors converged at the McKinley County Courthouse Square May 27.

 

COURTHOUSE SQUARE CEREMONY

The ceremony started with a moment of a silence for Sen. John Pinto, D-McKinley/San Juan, who passed away...

Sen. John Pinto, D-McKinley/San Juan, one of the nation’s longest serving Native American elected officials died May 24.

Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez said, “Words cannot express the sadness we feel for the loss of a great Diné warrior who served our country as a Navajo Code Talker and in the New Mexico State Senate for many years. He dedicated his life to helping others and he changed the lives of so many people for the better.

We will miss his smile, his humor, and his love and compassion for the Navajo people. On behalf of Vice President Myron Lizer, myself, and our families, we offer our thoughts and condolences. May we take comfort in knowing that Honorable John...