The Salvation Army Called in for FEMA Training Exercise Near Santa Fe

August 17, 2017
SCOTT JOHNSON | scott.johnson@usw.salvationarmy.org | (480) 415-4911

SANTA FE, N.M. – The Salvation Army Santa Fe Corps recently participated in Vigilant Guard, an annual exercise that takes place in 10 Federal Emergency Disaster Agency (FEMA) regions across the country. The exercise’s purpose is to ready New Mexico National Guard forces for responding to catastrophic domestic disasters.

This Vigilant Guard exercise simulated the Rio Grande Rift scenario, a FEMA study of a geologic break in the Earth's crust that is about five miles deep and filled with volcanic residue. The simulation started with a 7.0 magnitude earthquake, which resulted in a train derailment that caused a hazardous chemical spill in nearby Lamy.

The Salvation Army stepped in and fed an amazing 160 first responders in just a two-hour period.

“When we were contacted about participating in the exercise, our canteen was having some work done, but we were able to secure a big barbecue grill for cooking and gathered a large supply of food and drink,” said Salvation Army Santa Fe Corps Officer Capt. Ned Ortiz. “In times of need, The Salvation Army will find the means necessary to do God’s work.

“It was a great experience to be involved and watch the first responders in action, and we are very proud of the contributions of our Salvation Army team.”

As new Salvation Army officers in Santa Fe, Captains Ned and Mary Ortiz want the community to know The Salvation Army is not only there to respond to disasters, but to provide other vital services such as church worship, emergency shelter and financial assistance, food and nutrition programs, transitional housing, music and arts programs, and more.

For more information about The Salvation Army Santa Fe Corps, visit our website, call (505) 988-8054, or stop by our location at 525 W. Alameda St.

About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army annually helps more than 30 million Americans overcome poverty, addiction, and economic hardships through a range of social services. By providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from drug and alcohol abuse, and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at 7,600 centers of operation around the country. In the first-ever listing of “America’s Favorite Charities” by The Chronicle of Philanthropy, The Salvation Army ranked as the country’s largest privately funded, direct-service nonprofit. For more information, visit www.SalvationArmyUSA.org. Follow us on Twitter @SalvationArmyUS and #DoingTheMostGood.

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The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.
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