On June 6, 2015, 48 people registered and rode in the second annual PVT Cruz’n For Vets. These riders were joined by many others along the scenic route through the beautiful New Mexican mountains. The event was a great success as the American Legion Post 28 received a combined fundraising total of $2,800.

Post Commander Jimmy Montoya explained that the American Legion was founded on four pillars of service; Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation, National Security, Americanism, and Children and Youth. Montoya said, “The post is going to use the funds to kick-start a scholarship fund in order to serve the Children and Youth pillar.”

The event began with a color guard and blessing of the riders at Peñasco Valley Telephone corporate headquarters, located at 4011 W. Main in Artesia, NM. The New Mexico Youth Challenge Academy presented the colors.

The cruisers headed west, up the mountain, stopping at the first checkpoint, which was the PVT office located at 2682 US Highway 82 in Mayhill, NM. Riders then headed to the Western Bar and Café located at 304 Burro Ave. in Cloudcroft, NM. They then stopped at Quarter’s Bar located at 2535 Sudderth Dr in Ruidoso, NM.

Many riders commented that the ride between Cloudcroft and Ruidoso was gorgeous. The clear day riding through the scenic roads less traveled in the mountains was a new experience for many. Some riders did not even know that this quality of fun road existed right on their doorstep. It was New Mexican scenery at its best.

Once riders arrived in Roswell, they were greeted by PVT’s resident card-shark, Pauline Huerta. She dealt fun-run hands at lightning fast speeds. Once all the hands were registered, it was determined that Jessie Snyder was the high-hand winner. Neil Wiggins rode up from Carlsbad and won the 50/50 split drawing.

In addition to the fun-run prizes, many people won a variety of prizes from the sponsors of the event, which included Budweiser, Central Valley Electric, Delcom, Sacramento Plumbing, The Lodge Resort and more.  There were two trips to Las Vegas that were won by lucky participants that were courtesy of KBIM, The Country Giant.

The day ended with a meal at Post 28, but the party started right after everyone had eaten. A pair of local rock bands, ULOA and HomeGrown Boyz played a concert well into the night.

Overall, the event was a success, with riders having fun, and the money raised forming the seed money for a scholarship program. Eastern New Mexico University-Roswell came in and offered their assistance to the American Legion to help establish the scholarship program.