• SCOTT JOHNSON

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

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.