Recognizing the John D. Rider Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 11999 and Their Mountain Assault Retreat

Floor Speech

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Mr. VASQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the John D. Rider Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 11999 for their work supporting our veterans and servicemembers through their annual Mountain Assault retreat.

Originally called the Warrior in Transition event, the program was established in 2011 with the retreat goal of providing ill and injured servicemembers a chance to step away from the rigorous demands of recovery. It has since evolved into the Mountain Assault and allows soldiers to decompress and rehabilitate with the help of the great outdoors.

This year commemorates the twelfth anniversary of the Mountain Assault retreat hosted by members of the VFW Post 11999. Every year, this retreat allows around forty servicemembers and their families from the Fort Bliss Soldier Recovery Unity to take a healing and peaceful trip to Sacramento Camp near Cloudcroft, New Mexico. Through extensive fundraising and community support, the VFW provides meals, lodging, outdoor activities, and a supportive environment so that servicemembers can focus on healing, reconnection, fellowship, and strengthening family bonds.

The retreat takes place in the Sacramento Mountains at about 7,500 feet of elevation, providing a secluded and tranquil setting for soldiers and families to focus on their wellbeing and rehabilitation. The goal is to help reduce isolation amongst injured servicemembers and remind them that they are supported, valued by the community, and appreciated for their sacrifices.

VFW Post 11999 also supports their community through its Buddy Poppy program, scholarship competitions, community service projects, and veteran initiatives. In 2017, the Mountain Assault received the national Fred C. Hall Award, recognizing the dedication of its volunteers and community partners. With broad community support, fundraising, and donations, they have successfully continued their mission through the Warrior in Transition and Mountain Assault events for fifteen years.

On behalf of the people of New Mexico's 2nd Congressional District, I would like to congratulate VFW Post 11999 for fifteen years of fulfilling their mission to support our brave men and women on their road to recovery. We are thankful for their work supporting our servicemembers, and we wish them continued success.

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