[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 108 (Monday, June 29, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E625-E626]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE JOHN D. RIDER VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS POST 11999 AND 
                     THEIR MOUNTAIN ASSAULT RETREAT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. GABE VASQUEZ

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 29, 2026

  Mr. VASQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the John D. Rider 
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 11999 for their work supporting our 
veterans and servicemembers through their annual Mountain Assault 
retreat.
  Originally called the Warrior in Transition event, the program was 
established in 2011 with the retreat goal of providing ill and injured 
servicemembers a chance to step away from the rigorous demands of 
recovery. It has since evolved into the Mountain Assault and allows 
soldiers to decompress and rehabilitate with the help of the great 
outdoors.
  This year commemorates the twelfth anniversary of the Mountain 
Assault retreat hosted by members of the VFW Post 11999. Every year, 
this retreat allows around forty servicemembers and their families from 
the Fort Bliss Soldier Recovery Unity to take a healing and peaceful 
trip to Sacramento Camp near Cloudcroft, New Mexico. Through extensive 
fundraising and community support, the VFW provides meals, lodging, 
outdoor activities, and a supportive environment so that servicemembers 
can focus on healing, reconnection, fellowship, and strengthening 
family bonds.
  The retreat takes place in the Sacramento Mountains at about 7,500 
feet of elevation, providing a secluded and tranquil setting for 
soldiers and families to focus on their wellbeing and rehabilitation. 
The goal is to help reduce isolation amongst injured servicemembers and 
remind them that they are supported, valued by the community, and 
appreciated for their sacrifices.
  VFW Post 11999 also supports their community through its Buddy Poppy 
program, scholarship competitions, community service projects, and 
veteran initiatives. In 2017, the Mountain Assault received the 
national Fred C. Hall Award, recognizing the dedication of its 
volunteers and community partners. With broad community support, 
fundraising, and donations, they have successfully continued their 
mission through the Warrior in Transition and Mountain Assault events 
for fifteen years.
  On behalf of the people of New Mexico's 2nd Congressional District, I 
would like to congratulate VFW Post 11999 for fifteen years of 
fulfilling their mission to support our brave men and women on their 
road to recovery. We are thankful for their work supporting our 
servicemembers, and we wish them continued success.

[[Page E626]]

  

                          ____________________