Focus on Artesia Fall 2014

FALL 2014

Honoring Our Veterans EXPE RIE NCE THE IR S TOR IES

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FROM THE EDITOR A GRATEFUL SISTER AND A GRATEFUL NATION FOCUS ON THE NAVY

COUNTRY BOY TO NAVY CORPSMAN FOCUS ON SERVICE WOMEN

LIFE IN THE MILITARY

FOCUS ON FAMILY SERVICE

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HUMMINGBIRD’S FAMILY LEGACY FOCUS ON MILITARY LIFE

PRIDE IN SERVICE

PHOTOS IN FOCUS - OUR VETERANS FOCUS ON HONORING VETS

VETERANS’ CEMETERY FOCUS ON VETERAN CARE

Q&A - NEW VA CLINIC

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FOCUS ON HISTORY

HONORING ARTESIA’S VETERANS FOCUS ON THE LIBRARY

BIG BOOKS FOR THE LIBRARY FOCUS ON MAINSTREET

DOWNTOWN LOWDOWN FOCUS ON THE CHAMBER FOCUS BUSINESS DIRECTORY

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ABOUT THE COVER

Veterans - Tony Chavez (Saluting), Brandi Shetterly, Clayton Menefee & Betty Skinner.

Photos by Jennifer Coats Photography

Staci Guy, Editorial Director - Jessica Kirk, Advertising Photography by Staci Guy, Jennifer Coats & Submitted Photos Special Contributors: Kyle Marksteiner, Melanie Butler Cardwell, Danielle Brady, Sameera Esquibel, Nancy Dunn, Rebecca Prendergast & the Artesia Chamber of Commerce FOCUS ON ARTESIA IS PUBLISHED QUARTERLY BY AD VENTURE MARKETING

Ad Venture Marketing, Ltd. Co. • 866.207.0821 • ad-venturemarketing.com All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without permission of the publisher is prohibited.

Every effort was made to ensure accuracy of the information provided.

The publisher assumes no responsibility or liability for errors, changes or omissions.

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F O C U S from the editor

OURBLESSEDNATION THERE ARE BELIEFS I CLING TO THAT, EVEN IN TIMES OF PERIL OR WHEN THINGS ARE TOUGH, I NEVER LOSE SIGHT OF.

STACI GUY

Editorial Director

FOCUS ON ARTESIA

Some of my beliefs are ones that were instilled in me as a child, and others I have formed on my own accord as I grew into my own person. Once I am convicted by something, you would be hard-pressed to change my mindset or in essence, my beliefs.

I read a poem one time about servicemen that made the journalist/ writer in me take note, and I’d like to share it with you: It’s the soldier, not the reporter, who has given us the freedom of the press; It’s the soldier, not the poet, who has given us the freedom of speech; It’s the soldier, not the campus organizer, who has given us the freedom to demonstrate; It’s the soldier, not the lawyer, who has given us the right to a fair trial; It’s the soldier who salutes the flag, serves under the flag, and whose coffin is draped by the flag, who gives the protester the right to burn the flag.

- Father Dennis Edward O’Brien, USMC As a writer and former journalist, I believe firmly in the freedom of the press as well as the freedom of speech. I believe we should all be able to speak freely without fear of death or persecution. (That’s not to say I believe there shouldn’t be consequences for our speech, but that’s another story for another day!)

I believe the American people should be able to receive information via newspapers, magazines, the internet or television without governmental restriction, subject only to the laws of

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FOCUS ON ARTESIA | FALL 2014

libel, slander, obscenity, sedition and so forth. In addition, I also believe wholeheartedly that we, as a people, should be able to worship whomever and however we so desire.

All that being said, I realize the things I believe in–freedom of the press, speech and religion–were made possible by the men and women who have served or are serving in our armed forces. If not for those brave servicemen and women, we would be in the same boat as the majority of the world, where those freedoms are envied but not enjoyed.

We salute you, veterans, for your service to our country. I hope when you read through the pages of this issue, you are filled with pride for your fellow servicemen and women. Most of all, I hope you understand just how grateful we are for your service.

God bless each of you!

- Staci Guy, Editorial Director A B O U T T H E E D IT O R

Staci Guy is the editorial director of Focus on Artesia. She can be reached at staci@ad-venturemarketing.com.

My friends, we are a blessed nation.

We are a minority nation in that our belief system is just that–ours. No one tells us how to worship. We can write a letter to the editor of our local newspaper and speak freely about our opposition to the government without being thrown in jail or tortured. Our children are free to live a life of their choosing without fear of being killed for being the wrong race or gender. I’ll say it again: we are a blessed nation.

Our blessings, though, have come at a price. Our blessings were bought with the blood, sweat and tears of our military personnel and their families.

Our blessings–our freedoms–were most certainly not free. We owe a great deal of gratitude to the men and women of our armed forces, which is why at Focus on Artesia, we wanted to dedicate an entire issue to them, our veterans.

PHOTO: Tony Chavez, with his daughter Natalie, read the names on the Baish Veterans Memorial.

Photo by Jennifer Coats

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A Grateful Sister and a

Grateful Nation

by Melanie Butler Cardwell

Major Keith Butler, son of Jack and Margaret Butler,

was killed in action in Afghanistan on May 10, 2014. He served his country with distinction for over 37 years. He served in the U.S. Army Special Forces as a Green Beret and in the United States Marine Corps. Major Butler was a 1975 graduate of Artesia High School, entering the Marine Corps after graduation.

He served four years in the Marine Corps and after being honorably discharged, spent a year in college at Eastern New Mexico University. Major Butler then reenlisted in the Army and after completing the Army’s Physician Assistant Program where he received a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska and a Master’s Degree from the University of Oklahoma, he joined the Army Special Forces.

He served with an elite unit as a medic and weapons specialist. His unit members called him “Doc.” Major Butler served in most of the conflicts that made headline history: Panama, Honduras, Somalia, Iraq and Afghanistan.

From an early age, Keith knew what he wanted to do with his life. He wanted to be a soldier. I remember him declaring that when I was about four years old and he never wavered in his desire to serve, feeling “called to this duty.” During his military career, Keith would complete the Army’s most rigorous training courses and receive many accommodations. A person might think that he was one of those people just born with bountiful talent and everything came easy to him. He was not. Keith had limited abilities, as he would laughingly tell you, and he had

an insatiable drive to prove to himself that he could accomplish whatever goal he set. He had an incredible work ethic, which combined with his incredible determination, allowed him to prove to himself that he could accomplish the task to which his sights were set. Not only did he accomplish his goals, but he excelled. His creed in life was that a person should do something not because it was easy but precisely because it was difficult, a challenge to better yourself in whatever area. His determination and work ethic were shaped early, first by his parents, and then refined by his participation in the Artesia football program. He learned discipline, pride, honor, tradition, and self-determination under the tutelage of head coaches L.G. Henderson and Mike Phipps.

Those foundational tenets of character served him well and helped him succeed in his long military career.

Major Butler was killed during his final tour in Afghanistan. He was to retire after this one, his 44th tour in Iraq and Afghanistan combined. I cannot begin to understand the irony of that situation, but I know that Keith lived a life of service that he chose and would not have chosen differently even if he had known this is how it would end. He loved this country and willingly gave his life for the ideals of freedom and liberty for which the United States still stands. I believe if he had any pride about his accomplishments, it would simply be that he performed his duty and served his country. He made this world a little safer for all of us. God bless Major Keith Butler and God bless the United States of America.

FALL 2014 | A COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

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F O C U S on the navy

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From Country Boy to NAVY CORPSMAN

by Staci Guy

L

ong before the internet was around, the average American tapped into a different source for information and research: the encyclopedia. Growing up in the desert southwest, Clayton Menefee relied on those encyclopedias to teach him as much about the ocean and the Navy as possible.

“When I was growing up, we had an encyclopedia set, and I nearly wore it out researching the Navy and the ocean,” Menefee remembered. “I saw a picture of a great big octopus, and there was a picture of a tornado--water spout--out in the ocean. I worried about it and read about it. Those pictures really stuck with me, and I was just really fascinated by it all.

Growing up around here, we prayed for rain all the time, but we didn’t live anywhere near water. For some reason, I was just really interested in the ocean.”

Another contributing factor in his decision to enter the Navy, he will tell you, was the bombing of Pearl Harbor in December 1941. “It really upset me a lot,” he confessed. “So it wasn’t long after that, a few months, when me and Filmore decided we wanted to join the Navy.”

Filmore Mallard, his friend who was a

California native transplanted in Hope, NM, was anxious to go into the service, Menefee explained. “We were seniors. Not long after school started, we both had nearly enough points to graduate,” he recalled. “We asked our principal and he took it to the super[intendent], who took it to the school board, and they approved us leaving school early to join the service.

They let us go ahead and graduate with our class too.” As was typical for the era, Menefee admitted they were too young to join on their own, so their parents had to grant their approval.

By the end of December 1942, Menefee and Mallard headed to boot camp in San Diego. Menefee didn’t know to what extent his life was going to change after completing boot camp.

“I thought I was going to get into communication, but at the end, when we got our assignments, they sent us to hospital corps school, where they teach you how to be a corpsman,” he stated.

And so began his life of service in the medical field with the United States Navy aboard the USS Solace, one of the country’s most famous hospital ships.

Dubbed the “Great White Ship,” the Solace had served as a cruise ship before the government purchased it and converted it to a hospital ship in anticipation of WWII. The Solace spent the biggest part of the war in the Pacific theatre and ran its last major operation in 1945 in Okinawa, even surviving a bomb strike by the Japanese. Menefee recalls bomb blasts

that hit “too close to home” during his time on the ship, but said the fear of death did not deter them from doing their jobs.

“I was an X-ray tech, and they put me in charge of Ward 1, which was the main surgery ward,” he shared. “Our ship would pull up when they were taking (invading) an island and we’d pull up about 200 yards off-shore. They had a little hut set up where they would stabilize them, just enough that they’d make it to our ship, and then they’d bring them out to us on a little boat and we would take them from there.”

The Solace contained five operating rooms–three for major surgeries and two for minor surgeries–and seven wards, as well as living quarters for doctors and nurses. “I was in the worst ward, where it was life and death,” he recalled. “As soon as we could, we would get them into surgery. It was hip and tuck. Of course we lost some servicemen there, but we did the best we could and we saved so many. We worked around the clock there for days.”

“I am proud of my service. I helped save a lot of lives on that ship,” he exclaimed, then he paused and added,

PHOTO LEFT PAGE: Clayton Menefee standing under the flags in Baish Veterans Park. Photo by Jennifer Coats PHOTO LEFT: Pictured is the USS Solace, a passenger cruise ship purchased by the United States Navy and later converted to a hospital ship just prior to WWII. PHOTO ABOVE: Clayton Menefee’s service photo in the U.S. Navy.

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“I say ‘I,’ but really it was ‘we.’ We saved a lot of lives.”

In addition to lending their services, Menefee and the other soldiers aboard the Solace were often called upon to give even more: their blood. “For a while, they were asking the crew, when they needed a certain type of blood, to donate, and it didn’t matter if you just donated a week or two ago either. You did what you had to do.” Soon after, though, universal Type O blood was discovered, and according to Menefee, “they flooded our ship with it, so we didn’t have to give as much.”

The fact that the Solace was a hospital ship was made evident, even to the enemy, by the big red cross on the top deck of the ship. The white deck was adorned with a red “cross” flag, which flew directly below the American flag.

“Any enemy knew we were a medical ship,” he noted, sharing, “One time an enemy bomber came over that lit about 500 feet in back of our ship. The ship felt shrapnel and nearly jumped out of the water.”

During WWII, it wasn’t uncommon for Kamikaze planes to strike American ships and troops. Menefee recalls instances in which some struck a little too close for comfort. “Several times they hit ships close to us,” he said. “When we were in among ships, blacked out (they would operate with very few lights on while taking patients), Kamikaze ships would come in and strike all around us.”

his way to vice president of Artesia Savings and Loan. He continued a life of service, dedicating many years to the Artesia City Council in various capacities, as well as the North Eddy County Red Cross, Valley Lions Club, Veterans of Foreign Affairs, and was a charter member of the local VFW. Menefee, now 91, is one of ten children, five of whom served in the military. Three of the Menefee children served in WWII, one in Korea, and one in Vietnam.

His father taught him to “do the best you can with what you’ve got” while he was growing up. “I grew up on a farm north of Hagerman,” he explained. “Once a year we’d buy a beef and once a year we’d buy a pig. We worked hard and had to scrape for everything we had. It was good training for my time in the service.”

and his current wife, Clara, for 14 years now, Menefee maintained he has lived a very good life. “Maxine was a wonderful wife and supporter for all those years, especially when I spent so much time at meetings and such. And then I married Clara and we have a lot of fun together. I have been really, really lucky. I wouldn’t trade my life for anything!”

Having been married to his first wife, Maxine, for 43 years before her passing,

It was a long, tiresome, yet highly rewarding 16 months spent aboard the USS Solace, Menefee will tell you. “I’m glad I served. I wouldn’t trade it for anything. We helped save a lot of lives and I’m proud of that.”

After being discharged from the Navy in 1946, Menefee returned to Artesia, where he went to work for First National Bank and eventually worked PHOTO TOP RIGHT: Pictured are the medals Menefee earned for his service aboard the USS Solace during WWII. PHOTO RIGHT: A shadow box full of memorabilia from his service with the Navy, presented to Menefee by his family on his 90th birthday in June 2013.

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FOCUS ON ARTESIA | FALL 2014

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F O C U S on service women

IN THE LIFE MILITARY

by Staci Guy

THE YEAR WAS 1964. BETTY K. SKINNER GRADUATED FROM ARTESIA HIGH SCHOOL IN MAY, AND LIKE THE REST OF HER CLASSMATES, SHE HAD A BIG DECISION TO MAKE: WHAT WAS SHE GOING TO DO WITH THE REST OF HER LIFE? “I wasn’t interested in going to college or in getting married or in staying here (in Artesia),” she shared, “So I decided I would join the Army. I went on active duty in September 1964.”

In the 60’s, life in the United States military was a far cry from the way we know it to exist today.

Dating back to the Revolutionary, Civil and Mexican Wars, women who wanted to see combat had to disguise themselves as men and enlist under aliases. As time

progressed, so too did the country’s mindset about women in the military, albeit slowly. During World Wars I and II, women’s roles increased. In 1942, the Army created the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps, renamed the Women’s Army Corps (WAC) in 1943, in which more than 150,000 women served. Similarly, the Navy, Coast Guard, Marines and Air Force also created groups in which women could serve their respective branches of the military.

Even today, Skinner still proudly identifies as a WAC. Having selected her service branch of choice, the U.S. Army, Skinner set out for basic training and clerical school in Alabama with the WAC. “We didn’t

handle weapons back then because it wasn’t allowed at the time,” she noted.

“But we did a lot of simulated training with bombs and weapons. I guess you can say we were treated more like ladies than soldiers back then.”

After basic training, Skinner made her way to her first duty station at Fort MacArthur in California, where she

PHOTO LEFT: Pictured is Betty Meador in her 1964 enlistment photo for the Army. She was fresh out of high school and had not yet married her husband, Tommie Skinner. PHOTO ABOVE: The Skinners, both of whom

served in the military; Betty Skinner, United States Army, and Tommie Skinner, United States Navy.

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worked in the property disposal office.

“I was there for nine months when I decided I wanted to go overseas,” she admitted. Due to military requirements at the time, Skinner had to re-enlist for another four years in order to serve overseas. “I was 19 at the time, but I still had to get my mother and dad’s permission.”

With her parents’ permission and orders from the Army, Skinner made her way to Heidelberg, Germany, where, following the advice of her detachment commander, she served two years in the computer division.

“The best move I ever made was listening to her when she encouraged me to stay in that position– computers–rather than going into clerical,” Skinner acknowledged, explaining that clerical positions were a “dime a dozen” back then and computer services provided greater opportunities for growth within the military.

for me!” Betty followed her husband to his new station in Rhode Island and began to adjust to her new role as wife and mother. “It was quite an adjustment for me being a dependent.

It was so different to be a civilian when my husband was in the Navy.”

From there the couple and their young family moved to Charleston, South Carolina, where they remained for 15 years. “I didn’t want to lose what I had worked for, so I decided to join the Army Reserves,” she stated. “I went on to serve with the 1182nd transportation detachment for 13 years, all in computers.”

Two years after her husband retired, the Skinners moved back to Artesia in 1985 so Betty could help take care of her ailing father. “I transferred to the

reserve unit here at 13th and Richey, and then in 1990 I was activated,” she recalled.

Being activated came as somewhat of a surprise to Skinner, due in large part to the fact that she was in her 50s at the time and on the brink of retirement.

But, the U.S. was at war–Desert Storm–and duty called, so in January 1991 she packed her bags and headed to Iraq. During her time in the Middle East, she handled water purification for bathing and cooking, with 15 troops under her leadership.

“We used to joke about Desert Storm being the old timer’s war,” she laughed.

“There were a lot of us old timers there, especially with the reserves.”

Besides the obvious difficulties of

PHOTO BELOW: Betty Skinner stands next to a piece of artillery destroyed in Iraq during her deployment in February 1991.

After serving in Germany for two years, Skinner was transferred back to the U.S. After a short stint in California, she put in for recruiting duty and was transferred to Amarillo, Texas, where she was in charge of recruiting for the Panhandle area. It was there she met her future husband, Tommie Skinner, who was serving as a recruiter for the Navy.

The two married in 1970, and shortly afterward, Skinner became pregnant.

Life as she knew it in the military was about to change. Big time.

“At the time, regulations stated that if you were pregnant, you couldn’t be on active duty,” she noted. “That changed a few months later, but it was too late

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staying in a foreign land with a brutal climate and a lack of amenities, Skinner faced additional hardships – those of a mother. “My son, Tommy, was in Navy Basic Training in Great Lakes, Illinois, and I only got to speak to him by phone once before I went to Iraq,” she shared. “It was very hard because going to a war zone you don’t know if you will come back or not.”

She continued, “My other son, John, was only in the eighth grade. I got to call him at school one day and the secretary went to get him when I told her I was calling from Iraq. It’s extremely difficult for mothers who leave their children.”

Finally, in 1993, not long after returning to the States, she retired from the Army. But her work for the United States military was far from over.

CIVILIAN WORK IN A MILITARY SETTING

In 1996, Skinner came out of retirement and went to work for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs at their clinic in Artesia. For the next 18 years, Skinner devoted her life to making sure other veterans received the medical care they needed and most certainly deserved. “I have enjoyed my work here immensely,” she affirmed during an interview at the VA Clinic in August. “I retired in December 2012 but I still volunteer here because I love it so much!”

Two or three days of the week, Skinner can be found at the VA Clinic lending a hand in any way she can. “It keeps me busy and gives me something to do,” she admitted. “We are like a family here. I love these people dearly.”

PHOTO: Betty Skinner and Clayton Menefee pause for a few minutes during the Focus on Artesia photo shoot to read the names on the Baish Veterans Memorial Wall of Honor. Photo by Jennifer Coats

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The people Skinner is referring to are the dedicated staff, most of whom are long-serving employees of the local VA clinic. They are the ones she credits with helping her through some of the most difficult times of her life.

“When my husband passed away in 2003, they were my life savers,” she proclaimed, pausing to choke back tears. “We’ve been through deaths, weddings, you name it. Four of them have been here since I came in 1996 and they mean the world to me. They were my support system when my son had a bad accident in 2012. It’s just hard to walk away from people like that.”

Looking back on her time in the Army, in the Reserves, and at the VA Clinic, Skinner is proud of her service and happy with the life she’s led. “I have enjoyed my life and I wouldn’t change a thing,” she asserted. “I’m proud to be a veteran and proud of those that serve.”

Baish Veterans Park

Out of great respect for the veterans of our county, Artesia MainStreet teamed up with the City of Artesia and local veterans in creating a design that enhanced Baish Veterans Park with the installation of the Freedom’s Fire bronze statue, flag holders and a Wall of Honor displaying names of veterans in our community.

This park is a place for remembrance, honor and reflection, and communicates that the community of Artesia cherishes the sacrifices and dedication of all of our country’s veterans. Completed in 2012, the park was designed by architect José Zelaya and constructed by Bradbury Stamm. The Freedom’s Fire bronze monument was designed by artist Beverly Paddleford. The park graciously welcomes visitors to City Hall and invites you to peruse veteran’s names or sit and enjoy the atmosphere.

Periodically Artesia MainStreet will open an application period to accept veterans’ names for addition to the Wall of Honor. The park is located on the corner of Fifth Street and Texas Avenue, in downtown Artesia.

For more information about Artesia MainStreet and Baish Veterans Park, visit www.artesiamainstreet.com or call the MainStreet office at 575-746-1117.

FALL 2014 | A COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

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F O C U S on family service

Hummingbird’s Family Legacy Lives On in the Air Force

by Danielle Brady

MANY OF YOU KNOW HIM AS THE FIRE CHIEF, BUT MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT HIS FULL LIFE OF SERVICE TO OTHERS BEFORE MOVING TO ARTESIA. J.D. Hummingbird has more than 28 years of experience in fire service, including a 20-year career in the United States Air Force. During his extensive career, he served in every role within the fire department; from the hydrant-man on the tailboard to chief of the United States Air Forces in Europe (USAFE) Fire Academy.

When asked about his military past, he said he came from a long line of proud servicemen and women. “My family, both on my mom’s and dad’s sides, has had someone in the military as far back as we can remember…since at least the Civil War. I have several uncles who have served in Vietnam, Korea and WWII. I have relatives who served in WWI and the Civil War and all the conflicts in between.

Unfortunately, we don’t have much prior to the Civil War regarding family military history.

We have had a member of our family serving in every conflict or war since then.”

His grandfather, who was in

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the Army during WWII, even has his name on a memorial commemorating the Battle of the Bulge in Belgium, which Hummingbird visited while stationed in Germany.

Hummingbird attended firefighter training at Chanute Air Force Base (AFB), Illinois in July 1985. He was stationed at Andersen AFB in Guam from 1985-1987. From there he was transferred to Eaker AFB in Arkansas from 1987-1992, where he met and married his wife, Kara. Kara attended Air Force training in Colorado in 1985 and was stationed at Eaker AFB as her first assignment. “Minus a few TDY’s (temporary duty) to attend advanced training, and my year in Korea, we were stationed at the same base. We lived in Thetford, United Kingdom (UK), about 15 miles from each base,” Hummingbird stated.

His wife retired about three months before he did, after more than 20 years of service, with both reaching the rank of Master Sergeant. In 1992 Hummingbird was deployed to the Gulf War; later that year the

Hummingbirds got their first taste of New Mexico green chiles and dry desert weather when they were transferred to Cannon AFB near Alamogordo.

Next, his family returned overseas, first to Osan Air Base (AB) in the Republic of Korea from 1995-1996, then to Royal Air Force station (RAF) Mildenhall, UK from 1996-1999.

From 1999-2002 the Hummingbirds were at Goodfellow AFB in Texas.

Hummingbird took over the USAFE Fire Academy at Ramstein AB, Germany from 2002-2005. Then they returned to the United States and were sent to Scott AFB, Illinois from 2005 until he retired on January 1, 2006.

The Hummingbird family includes five children: Lia, Tara, Drake, Kelsi and Kerrigan. Two of their children are continuing the family tradition of a life of service and are currently serving in the United States Air Force.

His daughter, Tara, is currently a staff

PHOTO LEFT: Fire Chief J.D. Hummingbird, left, receives an award for being named the New Mexico Fire Chief of the Year in 2013. PHOTO TOP: Fire Chief J.D. Hummingbird poses for a photo with his daughter, Tara Hummingbird.

Tara is following in her father’s footsteps serving with the United States Air Force. PHOTO TOP (SMALLER): J.D. Hummingbird and wife, Kara, are pictured here with three of their five children, Drake, Kelsi and Kerrigan.

FOCUSNM.COM

sergeant stationed at Buckley AFB in Aurora, Colorado. She joined directly after graduating high school in 2004 and was stationed at Elmendorf, Alaska and Langley AFB in Virginia before Colorado. His only son, Drake, shipped off the night of his high school graduation and is currently a staff sergeant. He spent prior time at Misawa AB, Japan and Joint Base LewisMcChord in Washington before his current tour at RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk, UK. Lia graduated from Penn State.

Kelsi graduated from Artesia High School in 2012 and is currently a junior at Eastern New Mexico University in Portales. Kerrigan is a high school senior, and according to her father, hasn’t decided whether she would like to go to college or into the military.

When asked about his greatest accomplishment, Hummingbird responded, “Wow…great kids and wife, but I am assuming you are talking about work-related. So, I would have to go with being named fire chief here. There were a lot of great things as a GI, but the Air Force really prepared me to manage a fire department. I have watched our department go from just a functioning department to being one of the top in the state. Not only in equipment and facilities, but we have a lot of talented and committed professionals on the floor.

Not to mention my staff, who actually did all the work, is second to none. I don’t think there are any other chiefs who have better than I do.”

Hummingbird took over the helm of the Artesia Fire Department in July 2006.

“This is the longest I have ever been in one place in my entire life,” he confessed. “My dad was with the Department of Interior and we moved around a few times [when I was] a kid as well.”

Hummingbird has essentially built the Artesia Fire Department (AFD) from the ground up. Upon his arrival,

the AFD employed 12 people; there are now 35 full-time employees, including 14 paramedics. There were no paramedics at all prior to his arrival. His dedication and hard work are now being recognized across the state and country, too. He helped design and supervise construction of the Artesia Public Safety Complex (PSC). The PSC includes the new Artesia Fire Station, which won the Gold Medal Award for Shared Facilities given by Fire Chief Magazine in 2011.

Part of this accomplishment included being featured on the cover of the national magazine.

He also designed and oversaw the construction of the early warning system for the City of Artesia. Under his leadership, the AFD improved its ISO rating from a five to a two in 2013 (based on the evaluation of such criteria as community water supply, communication capabilities, training, equipment and staffing), which is also when he was selected as New Mexico’s Fire Chief of the Year by the New Mexico Fire Chief ’s Association.

Hummingbird will be the first to tell you that he and his family have it pretty good here in Artesia, though he and Kara also miss being in the military.

He revealed, “Every so often we reminisce and wish we were still active duty. It’s getting to see someplace new every few years we miss the most.” That love of travel and seeing new places also rubbed off on their kids. “As you can see from the places I’ve been, the kids pretty much grew up in Europe. They missed some unique American traditions, but even they will tell you that they wouldn’t trade it for the world. They got to...experience so much. They got to see and do more than most Americans ever will.”

His youngest daughters, Kelsi and Kerrigan, asked him after being in Artesia a few years, “’Where are we going next?’

They were a little disappointed when we told them we’re not military anymore. We won’t be moving anytime soon. They enjoyed the new places too.”

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F O C U S on military life

Pride in Service M I S T Y H A R D C A S T L E ’ S M I L I TA RY J O U R N E Y

by Sameera Esquibel

O thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand Between their loved home and the war’s desolation.

Blest with vict’ry and peace, may the Heav’n rescued land Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation!

Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just, And this be our motto: “In God is our Trust.”

And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

- FRANCIS SCOTT KEY, 1814 These powerful words written by Francis Scott Key in 1814 are part of the original lyrics to what we know today as our national anthem. It so richly describes the patriotism of our country and of the servicemen and women who support the very freedoms which we enjoy. This very anthem, forged with the bravery and courage of those who believed in fighting to protect the cause of maintaining such freedoms, has passed through the sands of time, generation after generation, with the same mission and resolve to preserve this conviction at any cost. These servicemen and women are also known as our nation’s veterans.

Misty Hardcastle, a local Artesian, is a third-generation military service member. Her paternal grandfather retired from the United States Army as a Chief Warrant Officer, and her father was honorably discharged from the United States Air Force as a Buck Sergeant. With great pride, she recounted her family’s honorable military history. Although her family had such a notable legacy of service, she was not initially eager to carry on that tradition, however.

In May of 2000, unsure like so many other 20-year-olds of her life goals, Hardcastle enlisted in the U.S. Air

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Force at the formidable direction of her father. She completed her basic training at Lackland Air Force Base (AFB) in San Antonio, Texas followed by tech school at Goodfellow AFB in San Angelo, Texas. She completed four tours of duty at Grand Forks AFB in North Dakota, Osan Air Base in South Korea, Royal Air Force Station Lakenheath in England and Eglin AFB in Fort Walton, Florida.

Hardcastle shared that although being afforded the opportunity to travel the world was one of the benefits of being in the military, it was also one of the toughest duties for her to carry out during her military career. The holidays without her family were especially difficult. With tears welling in her eyes, Hardcastle recalls being in South Korea one Christmas, sitting at home on her living room floor eating a hot dog and talking to her family on the phone. With only the vivid memories of a plentiful Christmas dinner made by her mother, stockings hung by the fire and the comfort of her family’s presence, her new reality was that she would be spending the holidays alone.

There was, however, one thing that at times lessened the burden of being away from her home and family: relationships with her fellow comrades. She went on to explain that there is a bond established between one another because of the time spent serving together as well as hanging out together during their down time.

While serving in the Air Force, Hardcastle trained and served with the Air Force Fire Department. She recalled a time during her duty in South Korea when their team was able to rescue 120 people while responding to a terrible fire in a dorm room on base caused by a space heater. The fact that as a team they successfully put out the fire with no lives lost was a testiment to their selfless care for one another and the passion they shared for their job.

As Hardcastle shared this story, it was apparent that this particular incident intensely resonated within her. She went on to explain that she lost a cousin in a fire and the tragedy that impacted her family was a driving force in her decision to serve in the Air Force Fire Department.

Hardcastle’s military career also included serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2004 and Operation Enduring Freedom in 2005, to which she volunteered to return and serve. In her candidness, she shared that she volunteered to go back to such an aggressive war primarily for the pay, as she was doing her best to continue to save money. Her service in Iraq, however, was not necessarily on the front lines, though she was still in the midst of on-going war.

She said her experiences while serving there had a lasting impact on her life. In all her stories about her travels, her experiences serving in the fire department and even some about serving in Iraq, Hardcastle revealed immense, undeniable confidence and courage. By the end of her career in the Air Force, she had achieved the rank of Senior Airman. As she proceeded to share the story of her last day in the military, however, what it was like to drive away from the base that day, what it was like for her to immerse herself back into civilian life, rank no longer mattered. I saw a completely different person emerge from this story, of a woman unsure of her future.

Hardcastle affirmed my

thoughts by sharing that integrating back into civilian life was one of the toughest journeys she endured when she left the military. She said that two months after she was discharged, it finally became reality. She was not on leave.

She was not going back. In that moment of reality, she realized that she had lost her sense of security. She attributes the feeling of insecurity to not having the military structure that had become the very fabric of her day-to-day life.

It took her time to learn how to function as part of a family again and in other relationships, but she said being in the military made her a better person regardless.

In her search for purpose, Hardcastle found her identity in serving and making a difference in the lives of other people. This very ideology of selfless service seems to be ingrained. Even during some of her most challenging times, such as being without her family, battling the stigma and politics of being a woman in the military or being in the midst of war, when I asked if she would do it all over again, she said without pausing, “In a heartbeat!”

Today she is enjoying life in Artesia with her husband, Josh, and their son, Payton, and is expecting their second child.

She is employed by Holly Energy Partners, a local oil and gas company, as a senior administrative assistant for the Regulatory Department. And to this day, she is still a proud supporter of the United States military.

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PHOTOS IN FOCUS OUR VETERANS

1 • Adam Barrera, United States Army, 2004-2014, and Hoby Barrera, United States Marine Corps, 2001-2005 2 • Daniella Rios, United States Marine Corps, 1994-2007 3 • Brandi Shetterly, United States Marine Corps, 2000-2004 • 4 Cadet John D. Bannister, Army Air Force, 1942-1945 5 • Refugio C. Cervantez, United States Army, WWII 6 • Ernie Brown, United States Air Force, 1966-1970 7 • Christopher Pearson, Army Ranger, 1997-2000 8 • Josh Sneed, United States Army, 2003-present; currently stationed in Hawaii 9 • Dale Rutherford, • United States Navy, 1973-1980 10 Jack Case, Jr., United States Army, 19651968 11 • Jack Case, Sr., United States Army, 1944-1946 12 • Juan Zamarron, United States Marine Corps, 1998-2001 FALL 2014 | A COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

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13 • 2nd Lieutenant David Solano, currently serving in the Oklahoma National Guard; attends University of Oklahoma 14 • Lucinda M. Garcia, United States Air Force 15 • Milo Schoonmaker, United States Marine Corps, 1999-2003 16 • Lucinda M. Garcia, left, and Paul M. Garcia, father and daughter 17 • Merrell Tidwell, August 16, 1944 – January 21, 1945 18 • Ottie H. Speir, Jr., United States Navy, 1972-1976 19 • Hector F. Vasquez, United States Navy, 1978-1998; and Tony Vasquez, United States Navy, 19781982 20 • Tony Chavez, United States Army, 2002-2011 21 • Toribio Heredia, United States Army, 1968-1971 22 • Leo A. Rivera, United States Army, 1973-1978 23 • Brothers - Specialist Ruiz, middle, and Pfc. Ruiz, right, pictured here in Afghanistan, 2009-2010 24 • Tim Howard, United States Army, 1998-2006 25 • Ottie H. Speir, Sr., United States Navy, 1944-1946 26 • LTC Leonard M. Witcher, United States Army, WWII 27 • William M. Jackson, United States Navy, 1954 28 • Tara Hummingbird, United States Air Force, 2004-present 29 • Xavier Anaya, United States Army, 2001-2004, Army Reserves, 2004-2013 FALL 2014 | A COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

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F O C U S on honoring vets

Veterans’ Cemetery

Coming to Area

by Kyle Marksteiner

E

ddy County’s war heroes will soon be laid to rest much closer to their loved ones. The Veterans Cemetery at Sunset Gardens, in southeast Carlsbad, was recently selected as one of four proposed sites for a rural veterans’ cemetery.

The decision was seen as a victory for Eddy County veterans, who have been working on the project for years. Adon Rodriguez, chairman of the Carlsbad Veterans Cemetery Board, was one of the leaders of the effort. The nearest veteran cemeteries are currently located at the Santa Fe National Cemetery, Ft. Bayard National Cemetery near Silver City and Ft. Bliss National Cemetery in El Paso.

Betty Skinner, with Artesia’s American Legion, praised the effort. She said her husband is buried at the cemetery in Santa Fe. “That’s way too far,” she observed. “It would be much better if he was closer.

Everybody is really enthused about finally getting one to this part of the State.”

She added that having a veteran’s cemetery in Carlsbad will be much easier for family members planning funerals or who want to pay their respects to their loved ones.

“It’s very worthwhile, and it is nice that we are getting something in this part of the state for veterans,” she stated.

in New Mexico right now, there are a lot of areas where it is a long drive for families to go back and honor and memorialize those veterans or family members who want to be buried in a veterans’ cemetery.”

Acting on the VA’s new philosophy, the state began developing a much broader plan that included looking at up to 10 cemeteries in the state to serve as veterans’ cemeteries. The VA’s overall goal is to have such a cemetery within 75 miles of all residents.

The State ultimately decided to put together a package calling for the addition of four veterans’ cemeteries.

“We had town hall meetings with the Governor and Lieutenant Governor,” Hale recalled. “We gathered data for each of the different regions, including the availability of land and the number of veterans. We put that into a weighted decision matrix.”

According to New Mexico Department of Veterans Services Secretary Timothy Hale, the State had New Mexico’s 2014 capital outlay been considering adding a cemetery to Ft. Stanton, New Mexico, for years. Recently, the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) had a shift in program philosophy. “They want to try to serve more of the rural areas,” he declared.

“Looking at our model NM Dept. of Veterans Services Secretary Timothy Hale

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PHOTOS: Construction at Carlsbad’s Sunset Gardens, one of four sites recently selected by the State for

a rural veterans’ cemetery.

bill authorized the State to spend $600,000 to design and construct regional veterans’ cemeteries statewide. The funding is basically a down payment to start the projects, to be reimbursed by the VA once the cemeteries have been inspected and approved.

submitted applications for all four cemeteries by July 1, and the VA is currently going through the entire national list to come up with a ranked prioritization process. The VA will soon publish a prioritized list and then examine congressional funding for the year.

Carlsbad, Angel Fire, Fort Stanton and Gallup were selected.

“It’s our great dream that we would meet all criteria and get four cemeteries right off the start,” Hale stated. “What we’re asking right now is for citizens to write their congressmen and let them know why this is so important to the state.”

“The southeastern portion of the state has been very underserved in a number of ways,” noted Hale.

“We wanted to make sure we have a cemetery down there. This will serve Eddy County, Roswell, Hobbs and the area.”

Families can move remains from one cemetery to another, Hale noted, but they would have to pay for the service themselves. The VA does pay for the gravesite tombstone.

New Mexico is the tenth largest state, Hale added, and family members of veterans currently have to drive five or six hours to hold a funeral or visit a loved one. “This is something they’ve earned,” Hale emphasized. “If we don’t get everything funded this year, we will go back next year and do it again.”

The ball is now in the court of the federal government. The state

Dagmar Youngberg, in the Carlsbad office of the New Mexico Department

of Veterans Service, said the VA will soon visit the cemetery to conduct soil testing.

The VA’s National Cemetery Administration maintains 131 national cemeteries in 40 states as well as 33 soldiers’ lots and monument sites. Many states have established state veterans cemeteries. Eligibility is similar to that of VA national cemeteries, but may include residency requirements. Eligible spouses may also be buried at the cemetery, and there are some exemptions for dependent children.

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F O C U S on veteran care

Q&A

with Sonja Brown, Chief - Public Affairs New Mexico VA Health Care System

About the New VA Clinic FOR YEARS, ARTESIA’S VA CLINIC WAS LOCATED IN THE BLUE QUAIL SHOPPING CENTER ON W. MAIN STREET. EARLIER THIS YEAR THEY BROKE GROUND ON A NEW, FREE-STANDING FACILITY FURTHER WEST ON MAIN STREET AND IN JUNE THEY OPENED THEIR BRAND NEW DOORS FOR BUSINESS. They celebrated the grand re-opening with a ribbon cutting and open house on July 3. The clinic is now located at 2410 W. Main Street.

nearly double the square footage of the old location, the new clinic has more rooms available for telemedicine appointments.

We had some questions, and Sonja Brown, chief public affairs officer with New Mexico’s VA Health Care System, was kind enough to oblige.

What services does the VA clinic offer?

Who is eligible to use the VA clinic?

Any veteran who is currently enrolled for health care with the Veterans Health Administration, part of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Why build a new facility?

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What types of health care professionals are on staff at the VA clinic?

Health Technician, nurses, doctors (standard for all VA clinics)

What are the benefits of using a VA clinic as opposed to other health care options?

What makes the new facility unique?

The Artesia clinic has approximately 2,300 unique patients and typically sees between 70 and 80 patients a day.

FOCUS ON ARTESIA | FALL 2014

Veteran Mark Davis tries out the new computers located in the lobby of the new VA clinic.

Services offered for veterans at the new clinic include primary care, primary mental health, and laboratory. Other services are being expanded at the new location through telemedicine.

Our expansion of telemedicine services for our veterans was a major reason. This includes telemental health, telenutrition, and teleretinal, which is targeted to our diabetic patients. We also wanted to provide better parking for the veterans. This new clinic is one of several that we have opened recently across New Mexico to better serve our veterans.

The new clinic is free-standing, compared to the former clinic which was part of a strip shopping center.

The new clinic has parking spaces in front and back for patients and staff and shares those spaces with no other business. The floor plan for the new clinic is much more user-friendly.

Restrooms are now located in the main lobby. Wheelchair access also is much better in the new facility. With

Clinic physicians, Dr. Lisa Yearwood (Army) and Dr. Gary Farmer (Navy), show off their fun side in the global media room at the clinic.

Pictured outside the new clinic, from left, are staff members Allen Wood, RN; Kim Miller, AO; Yvonne Thurman, lab tech; Sharon Polly, RN; Robbie Pearson, LPN; and Julie Jenkins, clinic director.

These clinics are staffed by VA personnel, who are trained to the specific needs of our veterans. Also, VA clinics exclusively serve veterans.

Approximately how many people use the clinic on any given day/week/month?

For more information about the VA Clinic located in Artesia, call 575-746-3531, or visit http://www. albuquerque.va.gov/locations/ ArtesiaClinic.asp. Clinic hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; closed on Saturdays, Sundays and federal holidays.

The global media room at the VA clinic affords patients the opportunity to receive specialized medical care, such as retinal and dermatology, from doctors in Albuquerque without ever leaving the clinic thanks to advances in technology.

Staff and patients alike benefit from the teleconference room at the clinic, which is set up to allow for telecommuting with health care professionals and VA health care workers across the country.

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F O C U S on history

Honoring Arte

by Nancy Dunn

T

he Artesia Historical Museum and Art Center began an annual Veterans Day exhibit and reception, “Honoring Artesia’s Veterans,” in 2007. This event featured photographs of Artesia veterans, past and present, along with an exhibit of military objects from the Museum’s collection.

From 2007-2012, this event was held in the Museum’s old Art Annex building in partnership with the

annual Veterans Day program at Baish Veterans Park. It traditionally opened with a reception directly following the program, and the exhibit remained on display for several weeks.

The Museum was unable to hold this event in 2013 due to the Art Annex’s imminent demolition. The new Museum Multi-Use Building was still under construction on Veterans Day 2014, but plans are already underway to revive this event for next year.

“Honoring Artesia’s Veterans” will

PHOTO: “The Ultimate Sacrifice” section with two burial flags - from past exhibits at the Artesia Historical Museum and Art Center. Photo courtesy of the Artesia Historical Museum and Art Center.

open on Veterans Day 2015, directly following the program at Baish Veterans Park. A reception will be held with light refreshments, and the exhibit will be open during the lunch hour. The 2015 photographic Wall of Honor will be on display as well as never-before-seen military objects from the Museum’s collection.

Please plan to join us on Veterans Day 2015 as we thank our veterans for their efforts!

PHOTO: Two recruiting posters (reproductions), one from the Spanish-American

War and one from the Vietnam era. - from past exhibits at the Artesia Historical Museum and Art Center. Photo courtesy of the Artesia Historical Museum and Art Center.

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sia’s Veterans 2

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PHOTO #1: Sallie Chisum’s father, James Chisum, served in the Confederate Army during the Civil War. Many of the earliest Anglo settlers in southeast New Mexico were displaced Southerners, starting over after losing everything in the war. Photo courtesy of

PHOTO #3: Margaret Naylor served in WWII as a military nurse. Photo courtesy of the Artesia Historical Museum and Art Center.

PHOTO #4: Eddington “Ed” Gage served in WWI, where he fine-tuned his already-sharp shooting skills. Photo courtesy of the Artesia Historical Museum

the Artesia Historical Museum and Art Center.

PHOTO #2: Gladys Thompson Stafford served in WWII in the WAC (Women’s Army Corps). Photo courtesy of the Artesia Historical Museum and Art Center.

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Trivia courtesy of military.com.

OF THE 43 U.S. PRESIDENTS, 30 served in the Army, 24 during time of war.

Two earned the rank of five-star general (George Washington and Dwight Eisenhower) and one earned the Medal of Honor (Theodore Roosevelt).

LESS THAN 28% OF AMERICANS between the ages of 17 and 23 are qualified for military service. That’s only about one in four.

THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE employs about 1.8 million people on active duty. It is the largest employer in the United States, with more employees than Exxon, Mobil, Ford, General Motors, and GE combined. Also, the DOD owns 29,819,492 acres of land worldwide.

THE UNITED STATES has 737 military installations overseas alone.

THE USAF’S F-117 FIGHTER uses aerodynamics discovered during research into how bumblebees fly.

THE U.S. NAVY’S BELL-BOTTOM TROUSERS are commonly believed to have been introduced in 1817 to permit men to roll them above the knee when washing down the decks and to make it easier to remove them in a hurry if forced to abandon ship or when

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washed overboard. In addition, the trousers may be used as a life preserver by knotting the legs and swinging them over the head to fill the legs with air.

THE U.S. ARMY WAS IN CHARGE of exploring and mapping America, and the Lewis and Clark Expedition was totally an Army affair. Army officers were the first Americans to see such landmarks as Pike’s Peak and the Grand Canyon.

THE COAST GUARD SEIZES 169 pounds of marijuana and 306 pounds of cocaine worth $9,589,000 every day and they are smaller than the New York City Police Department.

THE U.S. MARINE CORPS (USMC) MOTTO, “Semper Fidelis,” was adopted in 1883 as the official motto. It is Latin for “Always Faithful.”

THE NICKNAME “LEATHERNECK” originates from the stiff leather stock that early Marines wore around their necks, probably to protect the jugular vein against saber blows.

THE ENGLISH BULLDOG is the unofficial mascot of the USMC, symbolizing the ethos of the Marines’ warrior culture. The USMC earned this unofficial mascot during World War I, when many German reports called the attacking Marines “teufel-hunden,” meaning “devil dogs” from Bavarian folklore.

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F O C U S on the library

by Rebecca Prendergast

H

ave you noticed that the roundabout in front of the library is a little‌empty? Well not for long. Artesia MainStreet has been hard at work over the past several months creating a statue that captures the spirit of youth and the importance of reading and education. Called The Foundation, the bronze sculpture will feature children reading atop a monumental stack of books, some classics, some popular. Each book represented in the base stack has been published in several editions and in a multitude of languages. We can also examine how Artesia looked as a community at the time of each book’s publication,

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tracing our history according to the literature we enjoyed at the time.

Artesia MainStreet and Friends of the Artesia Public Library debuted a contest to help select what books the readers on the statue are holding. In 25 words or less, students were asked to describe their favorite book and why. The entries were spectacular,

and although the public will have to wait to see what books were selected until we unveil the statue, we can say with confidence that they were great.

We owe a great big thank you to the students who submitted entries and the teachers and librarians who helped facilitate this contest. This statue will make its permanent home in front of the library this winter.

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Interested citizens have the opportunity to donate to the bronze sculpture as well. Contributions to our newest work of art will be recognized at the roundabout. We appreciate your donations as we work hard to revitalize downtown.

For more information about the Friends of the Public Library, call 575-748-5595 or find them on Facebook. For information regarding contributions, visit www.artesiamainstreet.com to view our fundraising brochure or call 575-746-1117.

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F O C U S on mainstreet

Downtown Lowdown OUT OF GREAT RESPECT FOR THE VETERANS

of our county and our country, Artesia MainStreet teamed up with the City of Artesia and local veterans to enhance Baish Veterans Park with the installation of the bronze Freedom’s Fire statue, flag holders and a Wall of Honor displaying names of past and present veterans in our community. This park is a beautiful place for remembrance, honor and reflection, demonstrating that the community of Artesia cherishes the sacrifice and dedication of all veterans. We invite you to celebrate Veterans Day on November 11 at 11:00 a.m. in the Baish Veterans Park as new names are dedicated to the Wall of Honor.

REBECCA PRENDERGAST Executive Director

ARTESIA MAINSTREET

Completed in 2012, the park was designed by architect José Zelaya and constructed by Bradbury Stamm.

The Freedom’s Fire monument was designed by artist Beverly Paddleford.

The park graciously welcomes visitors to City Hall and invites you to peruse veterans’ names or simply sit and enjoy the atmosphere. Artesia MainStreet will periodically open an application period to accept veterans’ names for addition to the Wall of Honor. The park is located on the corner of Fifth Street and Texas Avenue in downtown Artesia.

In addition to the design of the park, Artesia MainStreet has been proud to work with the students of Artesia High School over the past several years to remember our veterans in a lasting way.

The Artesia Veteran’s History Project (AVHP) aims to interview (audio and/or video) and photograph Artesia veterans, collect original correspondence and visual materials, archive interviews and photos at the Artesia Historical Museum repository and send interviews and photos of WWII veterans to original collections at the Library of Congress. Artesia MainStreet recognizes the importance of recording and storing the oral histories of our local veterans and has partnered with history students at Artesia High School to capture these

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FOCUS ON ARTESIA | FALL 2014

oral histories before they are lost. Each student is matched with a veteran, and from a list of suggested questions, a dialogue begins. The AVHP works with facilitator Jennifer Duff, an oral historian and photographer. An Artesia resident and active member of the community, Duff guides the students in their interviews.

Through their hard work, we are able to capture the history of veterans who have participated in every major conflict involving the United States since WWII. The students learn from someone who has seen it firsthand about the reality of war, life in the military, and how those experiences impact life. These interviews are stored digitally at the Artesia Historical Museum for the public to listen to and learn from, and portions of the interviews will also soon be available on Artesia MainStreet’s website.

Jennifer Duff and

Artesia MainStreet have worked closely with Artesia Public Schools to make this project part of the class curriculum, and we are proud to be involved in expanding the knowledge of New Mexico history in our local students. With grants from the Xcel Energy Foundation, the AVHP has gathered momentum with countless individuals who are personally invested and want to recognize our veterans.

Artesia MainStreet is proud of our veterans and the students who collect their oral histories and make them available to future generations.

F O C U S on the chamber

HOMETOWN HERO PROGRAM The staff of the Artesia Chamber of Commerce has the pleasure of working with all kinds of people throughout the community every day. We love to see the variety of everyday heroes in Artesia who help us and others by volunteering time and energy, often quietly and without recognition. It is time to recognize special people in our community on a regular basis.

Therefore, the Artesia Chamber of Commerce and Devon Energy Corporation have teamed up and are proud to announce our HOMETOWN HERO PROGRAM. This new program gives us the opportunity to recognize those in our community who give their time and energy to making a difference in Artesia.

While we at the Chamber often feel we know everyone, our better senses tell us otherwise. We look to you, our supporters and friends, to give the Hometown Heroes program some thought and send in a nomination to us. Your nominee doesn’t have to be the usual, not necessarily the largest financial contributor or most-recognized

name. Your nominee may be one person, a couple, or maybe an organization that has done something outstanding for Artesia.

Maybe it’s a quiet but endlessly committed volunteer. Maybe it’s the one person who pushed a great idea forward without giving up.

The Artesia Chamber of Commerce and Devon Energy Corp. will recognize a Hometown Hero once each quarter. A selection committee will review your nominations and make selections.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Please call the Artesia Chamber of Commerce for more info and a nomination form at 575-746-2744.

FALL 2014 | A COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

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F O C U S on the chamber

ARTESIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE BUSINESS OF THE MONTH PROGRAM The Artesia Chamber of Commerce recently began a Business of the Month program to give us the opportunity to celebrate a success or milestone with a Chamber member business, or just have an opportunity to say “Thanks!” to a business who is dedicated to Chamber and civic success. The program was unveiled in March. The Chamber staff, together with the Artesia Trailblazers, will surprise the selected member by presenting a window cling to celebrate the honor.

Listen to member station KSVP and check out the Artesia Daily Press to see who next month’s Business of the Month will be.

JUNE 2014

BENNIE’S WESTERN WEAR

205 W. Main Street Bennie’s Western Wear is a staple of downtown Artesia and has been since 1947. Not only is Bennie’s a timeless business for our community but also has unwavering good customer service that will always make you feel welcome. A great place to go for men’s, women’s and children’s clothing, boots and jewelry. They now carry firearms and ammunition!

Open Monday-Saturday 8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.. Thank you for being a valued member of our community and the Artesia Chamber of Commerce.

Photo by: Artesia Daily Press

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FOCUS ON ARTESIA | FALL 2014

JULY 2014

AUGUST 2014

409 Commerce Road Deans, Inc. has always been a strong supporter of Artesia and a significant contributor to the special quality of the community.

Deans family and employees developed a love of fireworks as a hobby and eventually organized the Sons of Thunder Pyro Team, which provided state-of-the-art, professional fireworks shows for many of Artesia’s special occasions for many years. July seemed a most appropriate month to honor Deans, Inc. as our Business of the Month for all the years they have spent going above and beyond to do what they could for their community, including celebrating our freedoms and independence. Thank you Deans, Inc. for being a valued member of our community and the Artesia Chamber of Commerce!

715 E. Main Street Murdock Machine Shop has been in business since 1951.

The local company was started by a father and passed on to his son. Today Murdock Machine Shop is still faithfully serving Artesia’s oil business, by providing quality small machine fabrication and related work.

Murdock Machine Shop is a true family operation providing local customer service to an industry that is critical to our community, state and nation.

Thank you for being a valued member of our community and the Artesia Chamber of Commerce for more than 60 years!

DEANS, INC.

Photo by: Artesia Daily Press

MURDOCK MACHINE SHOP

FOCUSNM.COM

F O C U S on the chamber

MEET THE CHAMBER STAFF WELCOME NEW CHAMBER MEMBERS! HAYLEY KLEIN

Executive Director

DEBBIE

VICKIE

VAN DER VEEN GROUSNICK

Director of Administration

Events & Marketing Coordinator

KELCEY McCALEB Membership Coordinator

MICHAEL BUNT

Artesia’s Economic Development Director

THE STITCHING POST

502 W. Texas Artesia, NM 88210 575-616-1032

FUEGO WIRELESS 4011 W. Main Street Artesia, NM 88210 575-748-1241 www.fuegowireless.com

HARVEY & SIMONS CPAS, LLC 212 W. Main Street Artesia, NM 88210 575-736-4670 www.cpasnm.com

B LUE LILY

313 W. Main Street • 575-746-2238 The Artesia Chamber of Commerce and Trailblazers celebrated the re-opening of Blue Lily under new ownership June 21. Blue Lily has Retail Therapy Wednesdays every week providing refreshments and great sales to relieve the stress of the week and adding a fun spin to shopping downtown Main Street! Blue Lily is a great place for fun sales and great styles.

BEAL LS

1700 W Main Street • 575-746-3441 On September 4 the Chamber of Commerce and the Artesia Trailblazers helped celebrate the ribbon cutting and grand opening of Bealls’ new expansion and remodel. With the expansion, the department store now boasts a makeup counter and a separate shoe department! Stop by the new store today!

VICKIE GROUSNICK INDEPENDENT PAMPERED CHEF CONSULTANT 575-513-4290 dvgrousnick@yahoo.com

BEALLS

1700 W. Main Street, Suite B Artesia, NM 88210 575-746-3441 www.stagestores.com

MARVIN BAUM

CERTIFIED RISK MANAGEMENT CONSULTANT 575-706-3867 www.seeyourlegalplan.com/262354

E D DY C OUN TY FAIR

Artesia Trailblazers and Artesia Chamber of Commerce celebrated the opening of the 69th Annual Eddy County Fair the week of July 21-26 for a full week of award winning agriculture, family fun, and good ol’ fashioned hard work. Don’t miss out on the funnel cakes, carnival, and exhibits that always come around this time of year! Photo by: Artesia Daily Press FALL 2014 | A COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

37

F O C U S business directory Serving South Eastern New Mexico Since 1947

Sunday Morning Worship @ 9:30am Wednesdays: Elevate Youth Service, Harvest Kid’s & Adult Small Groups.

Contact the church office for times & locations.

(575)746-6195

404 W. RICHEY • ARTESIA, NM Check out our website at

www.HarvestFellowshipArtesia.com for all other events, Bible studies and services.

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PODIATRY

TEAM! Y O U R A G H P O D IAT R Y

Dr. Marino & Dr. Olivo

Joseph P. Marino, DPM

Dominick Olivo, DPM, FACFAS

BOARD CERTIFIED IN PODIATRIC SURGERY

BOARD CERTIFIED IN PODIATRIC SURGERY

Dr. Marino is a graduate of Rutgers University and New York College of Podiatric Medicine. He completed his residency at St. Barnabas Hospital, Bronx, New York.

Dr. Olivo is a graduate of New York College of Podiatric Medicine and completed his residency at Union Hospital, in New Jersey.

Please call today, to set up an appointment:

Please call today, to set up an appointment:

575.736.8282

575.736.8105

575.748.3333