MAMF partners with the Albuquerque VA and New Mexico Service Organizations to Raise Awareness

Contact:  Ron Bassford                                                          For Immediate Release

Public Affairs Specialist                                                                 September 6, 2019

NMVAHCS to Host 2nd Annual Suicide Prevention Motorcycle Ride

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The Raymond G. Murphy VA Medical Center will be hosting its second annual New Mexico Veterans S.A.V.E. Motorcycle Ride to help promote suicide prevention awareness throughout our state. 

“Suicide is something I have personally experienced. A high school friend committed suicide, and when I was in my early 20s, another good friend took his life,” said Richardo Vallejos, State Road Captain for the American Legion Riders, Chapter 22. 

This years’ ride will take place in Northern and Southern New Mexico. Approximately 50 motorcyclists from Albuquerque through the northern route; Tijeras, Espanola, and Taos, around the “Enchanted Circle,” and the ride’s final stop will be in Angel Fire, New Mexico. Approximately 50 more motorcyclists will also participate in the southern route which will start at the American Legion Post 10 and wind itself around Las Cruces and end at the local Veterans Memorial Park.  At each stop, suicide prevention information will be available to both riders and members of the local community. 

The American Legion Riders of New Mexico will be coordinating the route/s. 

The 2nd Annual motorcycle ride from Albuquerque to Angel Fire will take place on Saturday, September 7, starting at the Raymond G. Murphy VA Medical Center, with a kick-off ceremony at 730 a.m. and kickstands up at 8 a.m.  There will be a remembrance service on Sunday morning at the Angel Fire Vietnam Memorial. The motorcycle ride in Las Cruces will be on September 8, starting at the American Legion Post 10 (1185 E Madrid Ave.), with the kick-off ceremony at 830 am and kickstands up at 0900. The ride will end at Veterans Memorial Park and will be followed by a memorial.

“With this ride open to the public, we hope to increase awareness that suicide can be prevented, and services are available to veterans across New Mexico,” said Christina Camacho, NMVAHCS Social Worker. 

This ride also coincides with September being suicide prevention month and the Department of Veterans Affairs campaign of #BeThereserves as a reminder that we all have a role to play in preventing Veteran suicide.

For more information/questions about the S.A.V.E. motorcycle ride, volunteer opportunities, or to donate, please contact Christina Camacho at (505) 265-1711, ext. 3056.