Combat Veterans roll into Thunderbird Inn

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Chandler Baker
  • Kirtland Public Affairs

Members of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association met with Team Kirtland Airmen at the Thunderbird Inn dining facility May 30. The veterans talked to the Airmen about looking out for each other in regards to suicide prevention.

The group rode in on their motorcycles as part of a country wide trip to meet with service members. The ride started at Naval Station Norfolk aboard the USS Wisconsin and will end at Naval Base San Diego aboard the USS Midway.

"We want to bridge the gap between those of us who've been there and done that, and the current generation of the military," said retired Petty Officer First Class Scott Horne, road captain for the ride. "We're hoping what we do will prevent suicides for both active duty and veterans. It helps us to share and helps the active member to learn from us."

After breakfast, the veterans rode to the New Mexico Veterans Memorial, where they had a chance to remember the fallen. They asked Airmen to sign flags they brought with them. Two of the flags will go to the naval vessels the veterans stopped at during their ride, and the third will go to the association's board of directors during the association's annual conference.

If you need assistance, there are many agencies on base willing to help you. The base chaplain is always available, and the Kirtland Mental Health office can be reached at 846-3305.

Anyone interested in the local CVMA Northern NM chapter can contact them through their facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/CombatVeteransMotorcycleAssociation4NMDetA/