Soldiers, Families enjoy Military Appreciation weekend

By Lisa Blevins, Public Affairs Specialist, WSMR, N.M.November 5, 2010

Zip line
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

WHITE SANDS MISSILE RANGE, N.M., Nov. 4, 2010 - More than 650 active duty Soldiers Military Members and their Families were treated to a weekend of relaxation and fun by Lincoln County and the Ruidoso community in New Mexico Oct. 15-16.

The Military Appreciation Weekend, Heroes Weekend, offered a variety of activities and free or discounted lodging as a way to say thanks to the military and introduce them to the wonders of Lincoln County New Mexico.

Military Appreciation Weekend, usually held mid to late April, has been supported by Holloman Air Force Base, Cannon Air Force Base, Kirtland Air Force Base, White Sands Missile Range, the New Mexico National Guard and Fort Bliss, Texas since 2007.

Events include static displays, aerial events, music, and live demonstrations. The special heroes weekend, which is spearheaded by MAW President Millie Woods, included zip-line and paint-ball held at the Cook Canyon Ranch and Conference Center, a free pancake breakfast, an F-22 fly-over, music and car show at the Sierra Blanca Regional Airport, plus other discounted events throughout Ruidoso and other communities within Lincoln County. "For the past three years the Military have come to Ruidoso to set-up displays and educate us on what they do, but that was work. It's time they were treated to a weekend to relax and enjoy and not have to work. This weekend is truly for them," Woods said when asked what prompted the special weekend for the Soldiers and their Families.

A favorite event was the CCR zip-line. Soldiers and Family members lined up waiting to be harnessed and snapped onto a long cable. The confident and adrenaline junkies just simply took a deep breath and off they went, soaring across the canyon to the other end, where they got help to remove the gear. Others took a little coaxing but landed at the other end exhilarated and yelling "I did it!" As each person walked back down, Woods was there to give them a big hug and make sure everyone was having a good time. "This is a great event. Wonderful people doing great things, veterans helping veterans. You look at Millie and you see America," said White Sands Missile Range Garrison Command Sgt. Maj. Reggie Daniel.

According to CCR Manager, Shauna Dickerson, approximately about 80 people were placed at the ranch, including many of WSMR's 573rd Clearance Company "Outlaws." On Saturday night, the ranch provided sack lunches and a bonfire cookout, complete with gooey "smores". "It's been great," Dickerson said., "Anything we can do for military families is worth it." Donna Johnson from Alto, one of many residents who offered free lodging in their homes to the Soldiers and their families, was impressed by the experience. "Everyone has been so nice, it's a way for us to say thank you for all they do. We are definitely on board for next year," she said. Plans have begun for the 2011 Military Appreciation Weekend to be held April 29 and 30.

Military from WSMR and other installations in New Mexico and Fort Bliss, Texas met with Woods to coordinate their efforts for another stellar event. Woods said that she and and her committee want Ruidoso to be the military's "home away from home" and is already hard at work planning another heroes weekend for October 2011.