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 tell it, the whole idea of using equine therapy and dogs to help people contending with hypersensitive conditions such as PTSD, ADHD and autism wasn’t too difficult to arrive at. “[In] about three sodas and a notebook, we had our start.  We identified how we could help the people we wanted to help.”

Kasehagen says the idea came from an article he saw in The American Legion Magazine about “Project Warhorse” in Canada.  “That was my first real look at equine therapy that was in a set format for veterans for depression and PTSD.”

The two agree that there is something special and healing about horses.  Butler says horses are hypersensitive and that’s one of the reasons they are so good for healing. “We’ve had guys who come out and rub on the horses and cry.”

Kasehagen says, “There’s a lot to be said for when you’re feeling anxious, depressed. Spending time with a horse is good medicine.”

Asked if he personally suffers from PTSD, Kasehagen described some of the things he’d seen. “My entire career with the navy was spent as a fleet marine force corpsman.  I took care of marines my entire career.  As you can imagine they make lousy travel agents…take you to wild and wondrous places. During those years in service, spending time in Somalia, Rwanda, Burundi, during the bad years. The late ‘80s and ‘90s were not very comfortable in general.  We did non-combatant evacuations from embassies.  Places like Sierra Leone. We evacuated Sierra Leone a couple of times, as I remember.”

He continued, “We did a lot of humanitarian missions, too.  You were taking care of people in some of the worst situations that you can imagine…from natural disasters to out and  out civil wars.  You rendered what aid you could.”

Does he find it depressing, heartbreaking? “All of the above.  Some of that hung on and still does to this day. It never truly goes away. You just learn to live with it, compartmentalize it, and hopefully get on with life.  That’s where equine therapy comes in.

“There’s a sense of calm when you’re with a horse. Not necessarily riding it, but just brushing, rubbing on a horse,” he continued. “There’s a therapeutic thing of being with such an incredible animal…It’s healing...It takes your mind to a different place...It has a very calming effect.  It surprised me in quite a lot of ways.  There’s a lot to be said for spending a couple hours with a horse…letting things fall off of you, so to speak.”

Kasehagen said the first thing for him was talking to his neighbor, Butler about it.  It became fairly apparent that there wasn’t a lot available for vets in the Four Corners area.

The two vets decided horses and dogs were going to be part of the healing process for veterans, their family members, and other people undergoing stress, emotional pain and anxiety in their lives.  In the nearly three years they have been in operation, Rockin J Reawakenings has helped draw veterans out of isolated situations and embraced them with a sense of community.

Michael Griego, who served on the USS Little Rock from 1972 to 1975, says he’s gotten to the point that he wants to volunteer at the ranch.  He lives alone at Blue Water Lake and claims to have found camaraderie at the ranch. “It’s made me want to be outgoing a little bit more than what I am. When I go to the ranch I don’t get as nervous and stressed.  I have a place to go to to relieve that stress.”

Matt Metzler, also living in Blue Water, is a veteran of operations in Somalia.  He found out about the ranch by word of mouth. “I live in the mountains. It’s given [me] a little more social interaction; meeting new people,” he said. “It’s brought some energy back. It’s reminding me of different things I have to offer. It revitalizes that. It gives me a lot more to look forward to.”

Metzler says that little by little he’s coming out of his shell.  He said, “Horses intimidate the heck out of me. Learned to lead ‘em around and [was] giving them treats. Takes your mind out of your daily grind and the horses are gentle.” He hasn’t ridden one yet, but he figures maybe in another year, he’ll try riding. He says that hasn’t stopped his daughter, though.

“My youngest daughter got to ride on a horse.” He said, happy to note that his daughters love the ranch.

That’s something Kasehagen says is primary.  “It’s not just the veterans, you have to include the family with this.”

Butler agrees.  When asked about the ranch’s mission he says, “Community and kids are our priorities.”

In addition, Rockin J Reawakenings has instituted a program called “Step-Up.”  It’s designed to assist veterans who are homeless and down on their luck.  It offers a meal, and training to help them get a job. It includes interview attire, resumé writing and coaching about interview skills.  In some cases it includes teaching veterans a trade.

Plans now are to get insurance companies to help cover services and become a horse therapy clinic.  Kasehagen says they are evaluating equine programs including the PATH program for horses, which has been around 50 years.

Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.), a federally-registered 501(c3) nonprofit, was formed in 1969 as the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association to promote equine-assisted activities and therapies (EAAT) for individuals with special needs.

Both Butler and Kasehagen emphasize that their programs are community-inclusive and allow for people not related to the armed services to take advantage of what they offer.  They both tell stories about pre-teens who have come to the ranch depressed to the point of suicide, to experience healing.

The Equine Therapy program provides a varied group of horses to ride, handle and care for, and trainers to help with furthering skills.  The program is based on learning how a horse thinks and how, by being able to guide that horse, both the horse and the handler can overcome obstacles.

The ranch’s newest program involves horses who have fallen through the cracks. The ranch accepts equines who are slaughter-bound and works to give them a new purpose.

Another form of healing offered at Rockin J Reawakenings has to do with the dogs at the ranch.  Asked what their jobs are, Butler offered a lighthearted, “mostly chasin’ bunnies.”  But he added that the dogs are wonderful companions and friends to those who visit.

The service dogs program at the ranch assists clients by matching them with emotional service animals through purchase or rescue. Kasehagen talks about developing focused plans for the dogs. Not only are they a source of comfort, but he and Butler are considering training service dogs at the ranch.  “We’re in the process right now of being approved by Medicare, Medicaid.”

One of Rockin J Reawakenings’ challenges is getting the word out that the ranch exists.  Butler and Kasehagen visit local areas carrying a supply of fliers. Word of mouth has drawn some people to their numerous meetings, cookouts, Easter egg hunts and other events.  They also have a web site with a schedule of programs and events at https://rjreawakenings.homesteadcloud.com/

As they build and move forward, Rockin J Reawakenings is looking for help. Donations from horse feed and waterproof winter horse blankets, materials for a greenhouse, flower beds, and lumber are all on the list of items that will help them grow. Additionally, you can find them on Paypal, and on Amazon smile, so people making purchases can donate automatically.

All in all, Rockin J Reawakenings Veterans Center and Ranch is offering something special to the community.  Butler describes it this way, “[We want] to help bring the community together and heal the souls within it. So people can feel safe and productive and obey the law.”

Kasehagen describes that something special using a term from Navy medicine, ‘standing by ready to assist.’

“We’re trying to help our friends and neighbors, the best way we know how.”

For more information contact https://rjreawakenings.homesteadcloud.com/; email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ; Jess Butler (505) 409-7764; Mark Kasehagen (505) 331-2260.

By Beth Blakeman
Associate Editor

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 May 24.

Multiple speakers took the stage, all wanting to voice their thanks to the veterans at the ceremony and to remember those who have passed on.

Mayor Jackie McKinney was one of those speakers. He said everyone present at the courthouse square had been touched by someone’s military service in some way.

“It does a person’s heart good to see you all come out,” he said. “It’s a lot to give one’s life for their country.”

Next to speak was New Mexico Lt. Gov. Howie Morales, who said that there is no other place he would rather be on Memorial Day than Gallup.

“It is an honor to serve alongside senators and representatives,” he said. “There is no higher honor than service to others.”

Rep. Patricia Lundstrom, D-Gallup, said the ceremonies at the courthouse square and for the new Gallup State Veterans Cemetery will let people see that Gallup will never let veterans down.

“The national cemetery for all veterans and their families is something new to be proud of,” she said.

Next, Sen. George Munoz, D-Gallup, the grand marshal of the ceremony, was given a commemorative plaque on behalf of the Gallup McKinley Veterans Committee.

“Something rang true today: there are two people who will lay their life on the line, Jesus [Christ], or a soldier,” Munoz said as he accepted the plaque.

Jess Butler, Navy veteran and co-founder of the Prewitt veterans organization Rockin J Reawakenings, spoke with the Sun about what Memorial Day means to him.

“Memorial Day has a special meaning…That is about the top of my list.  It means everything to us. We’re thankful for the guys that stand on that line and protect us. We’ve seen these people and we know that they’re there.  Not just this day, and not just because it’s a national holiday.  A lot us have seen those guys not come back, and that cements that in your mind a little better.”

THE NEW VETERANS CEMETERY

The ceremonies continued later in the day at the site of the new Gallup Veterans State Cemetery, located at 333 Cemetery Drive off Hasler Road, south of McKinley County Juvenile Detention Center.

The new cemetery is part of the State Veterans’ Cemetery Program, a statewide initiative to construct additional state veterans’ cemeteries across New Mexico within the next five years.

The program was launched in 2013 by Gov. Susana Martinez, with the goal of seeking construction funding through the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Cemetery Grants Program.

Despite heavy winds, the crowd at the ribbon-cutting ceremony was enthusiastic in showing support for veterans, past and present.

Speakers from the courthouse square ceremony were also present to address the crowd at the cemetery.

“This is a great day for Gallup and the surrounding area,” McKinney said.

“The cemetery will be an everlasting monument to the veterans who put the security of our country before their own,”  he said.

“It will be an eternal resting place [filled with the] dignity and honor they have earned,” he added.

McKinney said the city council had to pull off a remarkable feat to get the property needed for the cemetery, but the council eventually came through.

Last fall, the City of Gallup placed an advertisement for bids for the construction of the road to the cemetery site. The project construction, including earthwork, called for 870 feet of new road, drainage channel, 885 feet of new water lines, sewer lines, and a force main, and was projected to cost just over $318,000, with an additional $250,000 for project development.

The road construction project was awarded to TLC Plumbing & Utility, of Albuquerque, during the Gallup City Council’s Nov. 27 regular meeting. Two legislative grants and city bond funds made up the price of the project.

The cemetery and adjacent sites were constructed by White Sands Construction under Huitt-Zollars, Inc.

George Eisenbach, director of the Veterans Cemetery Grants Program at the Department of Veterans Affairs, was present to address the crowd about what the cemetery means for veterans.

“A veteran dies two deaths: once when they take their last breath,” he said, “and once when no one speaks their name. I urge you all to continue to talk their names.”

When Munoz took the stage, he spoke about how he and Morales worked together on the project in the state legislature.

“The legislation passed the house and came to the senate,” Munoz said. “Then Senator Morales said there’s a chance for New Mexico to do something locally for veterans.”

Lundstrom said that it would have been easy to walk away from the project after other location sites did not pan out, but the city did not give up and was ultimately able to make the project work.

Addressing herself to the veterans, Lundstrom said, “If you want to always be regarded with the highest level of respect, come to Gallup.”

Majority of McKinley County cases were dismissed

A recent report illustrates the many DWI arrests each week in McKinley County. Sometimes these DWIs result in tragedies. One crash in particular, on May 14, resulted in two fatalities.  Alcohol is believed to have been a contributing factor in this case.

This recent report, the New Mexico DWI Court Monitoring Project, produced by Mothers Against Drunk Driving and the New Mexico Department of Transportation, shows in numbers and graphs how serious the problem has become in several New Mexico counties, McKinley in particular.

For starters, drivers who operate a vehicle under the influence or while intoxicated in McKinley County appear to have roughly a 66 percent chance of having their cases dismissed by the court.

Between July 2017 and July 2018, 365 cases were monitored. Of that number 216 were dismissed and 25 received deferred prosecution.

What is the reason for this?

Maura Schanefelt, DWI program manager for McKinley County, said some of the results appear worrisome. But, she added, it is also important to consider the methods at play.

“The MADD report does state it’s not a statistical analysis,” she said in a May 21 phone call. “The report should be taken as an observation.”

The reasons listed in the report for case dismissal include statute and procedural issues, initial DWI investigation issues, plea deals, and defendants who were found to be either incompetent or deceased.

However, the two largest factors for cases being dismissed were issues with evidence, and cases ending with hold open agreements, an arrangement where the defendant has an option to complete a victim impact panel, community service, and DWI school. Under that agreement, defendants can get their cases dismissed.

Eighty-eight cases were dismissed due to evidentiary issues such as insufficient evidence, suppression or exclusion of testimony, or a lack of completed pre-trial interviews.

However, Schanefelt added that lowering the number of cases dismissed by the courts will be difficult because of the number of factors in play, including the judges, prosecutors, and public defenders, law enforcement agencies, and any jurisdictional issues.

The Sun attempted to reach out to elected District Attorney Paula Pakkala to ask about the removal of hold over agreements, which the Sun discussed with her in December 2017, but phone calls were not returned as of press time.

IS THE HOLD OPEN AGREEMENT JUST A SLAP ON THE WRIST?

One of the biggest contributors to cases being dismissed is the aforementioned hold open agreements.

Lindsey Valdez, program director for MADD New Mexico said that while some DWI convicts could fulfill the terms of the hold open agreements, it is important they are then monitored through devices like vehicle ignition interlocks, essentially breathalyzers for their vehicles.

“If someone is convicted of DWI, it’s important they have [a vehicle ignition interlock],” she said.

Despite the intent of hold open agreements from the county courts, the program has some naysayers.

Ray Calderon, a member of the DWI Planning Council, spoke May 22 about how he feels about these agreements.

“With this agreement, there is no conviction on [the driver’s] record,” he said. “It’s like a do-over.”

Calderon said it is important to note that only McKinley County lists the hold open agreements on the MADD report, while other counties keep the cases open until they can settle the matter in court.

“What’s showing here is in McKinley County, you have a chance of just walking away from [the DWI],” he said.

The process of hold open agreements has led to cases being dismissed, and then the perpetrator being arrested a short time later for another DWI conviction, Calderon said.

“If perpetrators had to pay bigger fines, [and were assigned] more community service, and were more rigorously managed, they would have thought more about not drinking and driving,” he added.

Despite his criticisms, Calderon also wanted to stress that he does not mean to attack the prosecutors, public defenders, or any elected official by speaking about the agreements, but that he wants what he views as a potential loophole to be covered.

“They’re doing a thankless job up there, but they’ve got to stop this,” he said.

GATHERING THE INFO

Since its inception in July 2016, DWI cases in six New Mexico counties were monitored by MADD. MADD representatives are physically present during DWI court proceedings. They observe the processes and case outcomes.

Valdez said court monitors get as much information as possible during proceedings in order to present an in-depth view of those cases.

“It depends on each county and the district attorney,” she said in a May 21 phone call. “Some [county databases] are more accessible than others.

“If we can’t glean the information from [county] resources, it will go under the umbrella of insufficient evidence,” she added.

Regarding the number of cases being dismissed due to uncompleted pre-trial interviews, the report said the officers in question are either unable to attend the interviews, or respond to requests to schedule them.

LEARNING MORE

Meanwhile, Schanefelt said the high case dismissal rate may be disturbing to the public. However, she added that readers are encouraged to learn what the context and full meaning of the report is before they begin reacting to it.

“We want to let the community know about the report,” Schanefelt said. “Come and ask questions. Talk to us and learn more about the report.”

Readers are encouraged to visit the DWI Program office at 2105 Hasler Valley Road to learn more about the program and get details about the MADD report.

The next DWI Planning Council open meeting is slated for July 11.

As for Michael Baca, and the May 14 crash, Gallup Police say charges are expected to be filed.

For more information about the McKinley County DWI Program, visit https://www.co.mckinley.nm.us/156/DWI-Program or call 505-726-8249.

By Cody Begaye
Sun Correspondent

Staff Reports

Sen. John Pinto, D- McKinley/San Juan, has passed away. He was 94. Gallup first responders received the call shortly after 9 am May 24. Pinto was not breathing when responders arrived, and they were unable to revive him. He was surrounded by family.

Pinto served as a Democratic member of the New Mexico Senate since 1977, making him the longest-serving member in the Senate. Pinto represented the 3rd District, which includes the Four Corners area and spans much of western San Juan County, in addition to a portion of western McKinley County.

He served in the U.S. Marine Corps as a Navajo code talker during WW II.

According to the Navajo Nation, Pinto was born near Lupton, Ariz. in 1924. He attended a Bureau of Indian Affairs boarding school in Fort Defiance, Arizona and received his bachelor’s degree at 39, and a master’s degree in elementary education from UNM.

In 2001, he received a congressional silver medal of honor for his service as a code talker. For 28 years he worked for the Gallup-McKinley County Schools system. As president of the Gallup Indian community center from 1950 -1970, he helped feed the homeless and the less fortunate families of Gallup. On May 17 of this year, Pinto received an honorary doctoral degree from Navajo Technical University, the largest tribal college in the United States

Here are some statements from state and tribal dignitaries on the passing of Sen. Pinto, starting with his family:

"The family of Doctor Senator John D. Pinto is saddened to announce his passing.  He passed away the morning of May 24th in Gallup New Mexico surrounded by his family.  He dedicated his life to public service. He was a Marine, Navajo Code Talker, longtime New Mexico State Senator, and family man.  He worked tirelessly throughout his lifetime to serve the Dine people. The family would like to express their gratitude to his constituents and fellow legislators for allowing him to serve, it is what truly made him happy. He was 94 years old."

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham:

“John Pinto’s towering legacy stretches far beyond the borders of New Mexico, and his loss will be felt across not only this nation but the world. A Marine and Navajo Code Talker, he played a crucial role in winning the Second World War, preserving freedoms for Americans and many more people worldwide. The debt we owe for that service, and the service of all Code Talkers, can never be repaid. A senator for more than 40 years, he represented his constituents with grace, wisdom and tenacity. Through the relationships he built and respect he earned, he was able to secure innumerable crucial investments for New Mexico communities, in particular Native communities. His record of service is unblemished, and his unwavering commitment to his people will forever serve as a shining example. I will miss his good humor, and I offer my deepest condolences to his loved ones, his family and friends."

Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez:

“On behalf of the Navajo people, we offer our condolences and prayers for the family, friends, colleagues, and many others who had the honor of knowing Sen. John Pinto. 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. We will miss hearing and seeing him sing “The Potato Song” that brought smiles to so many faces over the years. 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 Pinto is now with our Creator.”

Attorney General Hector Balderas:

"I am truly saddened by the passing of Senator Pinto. I will miss his inspirational view of the world and his kindness. Senator Pinto led New Mexico through some of its most important periods of progress. He honored his state as its longest-serving senator, and his nation as a Navajo Code Talker. My prayers are with his family.”

Navajo Nation Chief Justice JoAnn B. Jayne:

We have truly lost a legendary man. Senator Pinto was one of the Navajo people’s most honored and respected men, not only in modern times but of all time. His service to our people was unsurpassable having been a Navajo Code Talker and the longest serving state Senator in New Mexico. A man who fought for his people, his efforts most recently brought state funds to support the building of justice centers for our Navajo Nation. We will continue to reap the benefits of his service through all that he brought to our nation. Our people cannot thank him enough for a lifetime of service. Rest well, Senator Pinto, for you have earned it."

New Mexico Senate President Pro Tem Mary Kay Papen

“There will forever be a void on the Senate Floor without John Pinto, but his presence will be felt here forever. He taught all of us how to lead with humility, tenacity, and heart. Today we mourn for his family and the Native American community that he served with such caring dedication.” 

24^th Navajo Nation Council Speaker Seth Damon:

In a life dedicated to service, Senator Pinto exhibited a compassion and warmth for all whom he touched. While his contributions to the Navajo People and the citizens of New Mexico are too numerous to list, the impact he made in the soul of the Navajo People and New Mexico citizens as a leader will continue for generations. Thank you, Senator Pinto, for your devotion to the betterment of your constituents and the sacrifices you made for your country.

New Mexico Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth:

"This is an extraordinary loss to Senator Pinto’s family, the state of New Mexico, the country and anyone who know and loved him. It was an incredible honor to serve with Senator Pinto.”

New Mexico Senate Majority Whip Mimi Stewart:

“Senator Pinto led a most incredible life, and I am proud and honored to have worked alongside him. His friendship and heart will be missed in the Senate and the loss will be felt for years to come, but he leaves us with a legacy that will be remembered for generations.”