MAW 2008

MAW is a 501(C)3 corporation founded in the spring of 2008 for two reasons: to create a bond of respect and appreciation between the civilian and military populations and to further the economic growth of the Ruidoso and Ruidoso Downs area.

MAW 2008 combined two major events: the official inauguration of the Ruidoso Military Discount Program and the retirement of the F-117 Stealth Nighthawk.

That weekend, April 11 & 12, 2008, every branch of the U.S. Armed Forces participated. Complimentary lodging was arranged for 200 military personnel; over 400 complimentary meals were served, and 2500 people watched and became participants in the hands-on demonstrations. A helicopter flew in from White Sands Missile Range. Hundreds of rockets were shot into the air by New Mexico Air and Space Museum & they floated to the ground in parachutes, immediately becoming a trophy of young and old alike.

The winners of the Essay Writing Contest, “How can I stand up for America” gave children from pre-school to 12th grade the opportunity to express their appreciation for the troops.

More than 500 American flags were flying in Ruidoso and Ruidoso Downs that weekend. Red, white and blue bunting and banners were on display along the major routes. Men removed their hats and women placed their hands over their hearts when the flag passed by. That weekend united residents and visitors and civilians and military into one patriotic common front of “Support Our Troops”. Then in a thunderous roar, two small figures materialized into a sight that took some to their knees and brought many to tears... two F-117 Nighthawks flew directly overhead at approximately 2000’. On the belly of one of the planes was the American flag.

During MAW 2008, Ruidoso and Ruidoso Downs opened their arms to the military. Lodging, dining, retail and entertainment was offered at discounted rates. Businesses proudly displayed a decal that declared them to be a Military Discount Program member.  MAW sponsors and businesses offering discounts were acknowledged online, www.ruidosomaw.org.  

MAW 2009

MAW 2009 began Thursday, May 14 with a Golf Tournament. 44 teams played two single shotguns at Inn of the Mountain Gods Golf Course. Prizes were awarded for "Hole in One", "Closest to the Hole", and "Best Drive". Thursday evening, Holloman Air Force Base's Steel Talons Honor Guard posted the colors at the ENMU Graduation at Spencer Theater. Flying J Wrangler fed thirty military golfers, White Sands Missile Range SAPPERS, and Steel Talons a BBQ dinner at Mountain View Christian Camp.

Friday, May 15, the Military Convoy arrived at the "Y" in Ruidoso at 10:00 AM escorted by the American Legion Riders, NM Chapter 8.  Ruidoso Police picked up the convoy and escorted it through town where groups of spectators lined the streets, waving flags and saluting the flags. At White Mountain Recreational Complex, "soccer field", the troops began erecting Military City and were fed lunch in the "Feed The Troops" shelter.  A Sailor, Marine, Soldier, and Coastie arrived and were trained by the Holloman AFB Steel Talons Honor Guard on "Joint Service" posting of colors.  Military City closed at 5:00 PM, and the troops retired to Mt. View Christian Camp. They participated in sports competitions and were fed dinner. Taps was played at sundown. Troops gathered in the Dining Hall for music, entertainment, and table tennis tournaments. Eight serious fires were reported in Lincoln County, and prayers were sent up for moisture to save the crops and forest.

Saturday, May 16, the troops were fed breakfast and were on the field at 8:00 AM. It was very overcast and there was heavy moisture in the air. Colonel Jeffrey Harrigian, HAFB Commander, 49th Fighter Wing was on the radio to the pilots of two F-22 Raptors that circled over Ruidoso. After 90 minutes, still unable to break through the cloud cover, the planes were directed to return to the Base. At 10:00 AM on the stage of the N.M. Space Museum tractor-trailer, Mayor Ray Nunley welcomed the Troops to Ruidoso, proclaimed the second week of May as MAW week and presented HAFB a key to the City, received by Colonel Harrigian. Brigadier General Greg Zanetti was introduced and spoke to the crowd about his time at Guantanamo as Commander. Colonel Harrigian presented the awards to the winners of the Essay Writing Contest, "What the U.S. Armed Forces Means To Me".

At 2:00 PM there was a Reception at Inn of the Mountain Gods, emceed by Perry Champion. The Steel Talons posted the colors. Barbara Westbrook sang the National Anthem, and the Steel Talons presented the POW/MIA table. General Zanetti, and Colonel Mike Stapleton, 49th Fighter Wing Operations Commander shared the stage as guest speakers. A social followed the program.

The SAPPERS, from White Sands Missile Range, conducted battles on the soccer field, maneuvering through concertina wire, behind an  APV, a tank-like vehicle that opens from the back. After each battle, the tank door opened and spectators were taken for rides. There were two drunk driving programs on the field. Ruidoso's DWI Program had trikes that allowed spectators, wearing special glasses, to experience their driving capacity under simulated drunk driving conditions. Alamogordo also had their DWI program that was a track and go-carts. When the spectator had been around the track twice, the instructor simulated different alcohol levels. Mayor Nunley did fairly well, veering off course only a few times. His competition, Millie Woods. knocked down six pylons, went completely off course, under the orange tape and was caught heading due south for Tularosa. Several veteran groups participated. There was a simulator airplane that tooled around the field, and a Explosive Ordinance Robot carried a can of soda from one side of the field to the other. There were also carnival rides nearby.

The troops closed Military City and retired to the Campground for a grilled chicken and Cornish hen dinner and homemade ice cream. KVBA TV filmed the interview of winners of the Essay Writing Contest. A band entertained the troops from the stage. Table tennis competitions resumed from the night before.

Sunday, breakfast was served at the Campground, followed by an optional worship service led by Jeromy Ray, Youth Director of First Baptist Church of Ruidoso. At noon, the troops broke camp, and while spectators watched, the troops prepared to leave. As in 2008, there was a lot of high-fives, hugging, exchanging of contact information and lots of tears as the convoy departed. Spectators followed the convoy out of town, waving small flags, and shouting, "We love you".

Once again, MAW has successfully led residents of Lincoln County, and visitors, to honor and show tribute to the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces. Shamrock Foods donated 2100 pounds of groceries that was prepared as meals and served to 300 troops by four local churches: Angus Nazarene Church, Gateway Church of Christ, Community United Methodist Church, First Assembly of God with many volunteer servers from other churches and social groups.

Lodgers offered complimentary rooms. Restaurateurs offered complimentary meals and beverages, and businesses stepped up to give of their time and services to make MAW 2009 a success. Thank you one and all for your generous cooperation. And a collective THANK YOU to the men and women who put themselves in harms way to protect the rights and freedom of all AMERICANS. GOD Bless the USA.