Novemnber 2, 2023 | The Taos News
Veterans are stronger together
The need to show veterans, active military and their families that their country and community are there for them will always be a strong one as long as there is military conflict. Taos County has a higher than average veteran population and a higher than national average suicide rate, making the mission of advocating for our veterans in Northern New Mexico crucial to public health and the well-being of every citizen, regardless of veteran status. When one citizen of our community suffers from profound isolation or chooses self-harm, it has a deep ripple effect in the community that can sometimes last for decades.
When one citizen of our community suffers from profound isolation or chooses self-harm, it has a deep ripple effect in the community that can sometimes last for decades.
Together With Veterans Taos, Veterans Off-Grid and Not Forgotten Outreach are pleased to announce they will be hosting a lunch for veterans on Veterans Day (Nov. 11), from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. This Veterans Appreciation Lunch will be hosted by the Farm at Not Forgotten Outreach at 610 Paseo del Pueblo Norte. The event is free and open to veterans and their families.
The three organizations hosting this event share a common theme: Community. Tightening and strengthening the community of Taos will not only facilitate important dialogues, contribute positively to public health and make Taos a better and safer place to live for all, it will make it easier to honor and assist those who made the choice to serve our country.
The lunch will feature a band and will be catered by a number of area eateries. The lunch will happen, rain or shine, and will not involve long speeches, polls or paperwork. The point of this lunch is to have a great time and show appreciation to those who served and the families who support them.
Together With Veterans (TWV) Taos is a community-based suicide prevention program for rural veterans. The program partners with veterans in Taos and their communities to implement a peer-informed strategic plan toward reducing veteran suicide. Together With Veterans is funded by the Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration and Office of Rural Health.
Taos has enjoyed a TWV presence since 2022 and has conducted several high-profile meetings as part of the TWV strategy.
Together With Veterans Taos has endeavored to involve the entire community and is proud to have several committed Taoseños on its steering committee.
Veterans Off-Grid is a veterans organization in Carson that trains veterans in a variety of skills, including sustainable home building. At present, this organization houses several veterans and provides free training and resources to veterans that need them.
Not Forgotten Outreach is a veterans organization centrally located in the Town of Taos. It teaches agricultural skills to veterans in a 6-month program called VetCorps. They support participants in this training with behavioral health offerings such as equine therapy, yoga and art.
Together, leadership at these three organizations is looking forward to hosting the special Veterans Day event and expressing their gratitude to the veterans and veteran families in Taos County.