Thanksgiving 2025: Alamogordo’s Living Story of Gratitude

Alamogordo’s story began in 1898, when the railroad carved a path into the desert and visionaries planted cottonwoods to shade wide boulevards. What was once a desert oasis grew into a community defined by resilience, and later by the proud presence of Holloman Air Force Base, White Sands Missile Range, and Ft. Bliss. These institutions brought not only defense and innovation, but also a culture of service that continues to shape our traditions.

This Thanksgiving, we pause to reflect on just a few of the people who embody that spirit of gratitude and civility and work daily to make Alamogordo a better place to live, work and thrive.

We see it in Mayor Susan Payne and Mayor Elect Sharon McDonald, whose leadership has guided Alamogordo through troubling times but with a focus on sustainability, civic growth and revitalization. We hear it in Commissioner Warren Robinson, once a pastor, now a civic leader, reminding us that civility toward one another is the foundation of community.

We feel it downtown on New York Avenue, where Nolan Ojeda as leader of Alamogordo MainStreet and merchants like Maria Martin at Mia Collectibles and Alice Weinman with her daughter Barbara at Victoria Alamogordo keep New York Avenue relevant and moving towards a vibrant renewal. Their storefronts are more than businesses—they are gathering places of tradition, proof that traditions and renewal can coexist.

We taste it in the resilience of Monica Gorisek of MoniCakes, who survived the ups and downs of business with 15 years in baking and now also encourages newcomer Infinity Sweets Bakery, to join the frey as a new dream brought to life by Rachael and Ryan Anderson. We celebrate it in the courage of entrepreneurs like Cindy Nowaczck, whose Our Little Country Store anchors the 1200 block across from Wells Fargo, and Joanne Scarmella, whose 1200 Block Pop Up Emporium and soon-to-be Jo’s Workshop remind us that new dreams are always possible no matter ones age.

We honor it in the miltary and now civic service of Scott Fredricks and Ryan Nowaczck, who send off veterans on Honor Flights and welcome them home with a salute that only Alamogordo can deliver. And we see it in the sweat of city crews and construction partners, rising with the sun and laboring through heat, rain, and snow to improve our infrastructure and small business that invests in Alamogordo.

Gratitude is alive in our nonprofits. Michelle Gill of Thrive challenges us daily to be better neighbors and to indeed "thrive."  Tresa VanWinkle, through CAPPED, promotes preventive health and holistic wellness, even building the Trinity Turtle Healing Labyrinth Park as a sanctuary for reflection. Love INC of Otero County embodies compassion-led service, providing food, clothing, and support to families in need. And With Many Hands Alamogordo, led by Courtney McCary-Squyres, has transformed blighted properties into community gardens, partnering with city leaders to revitalize neighborhoods like Chihuahuita. Their “blight to bounty” projects show how food, nature, and civic pride can flourish together. And Community Power New Mexico, guided by voices like Evan Ross Lambert, offers its free Tool Library—a shed of hope where neighbors borrow tools to build, repair, and dream, proving that empowerment can be as simple as sharing what we have.

It is alive in our cultural revival. Holloman volunteers gave over 2,600 hours to revitalize the Side Street Art Alley and restore the Dudley School into a community center. Chris Jones, with Otero Arts, has become a cornerstone of cultural life, while Rochelle Williams and Claudia Powell advocate for literatue, dance and the arts as vital threads in our civic fabric. Joe Lewandowski recognized nationally for leading the excavation of the infamous Atari cartridges in 2014, continues to serve through the Tularosa Basin Historical Society, ensuring our history is preserved and shared. It is alive in the determination of Debra Lewandowski, spotlighted in the 2nd Life Media Community Spotlight series, who exemplifies “getting it done.” Her tireless work in civic and historical preservation shows how one person’s determination can ripple across the community, inspiring others to act and with her husband and family demonstrates it is a "family affair."

It is alive in our athletes. Coach Bob Sepulveda, who will turn 90 in February 2026, continues to inspire generations. A decorated athlete who still competes recently in the Lady of the Mountain Fun Run and in the Senior Olympics, he proves that resilience and community leadership never age. Rene Sepulveda, two-time Olympic trials contender, and the memory of Benny Garcia, Olympic athlete, remind us that discipline and pride are part of Alamogordo’s DNA.

It is alive in our educators and leaders. Russel Juntilla Hortilano, honored with the 2025–2026 Outstanding Project Lead The Way National Teacher Award, places Alamogordo among the nation’s best in STEM education. Judy Rabon, former APS Board Chair, is given tribute for her steady hand in governance and transparency and still spiriting a vision for what is best for Alamogordo's students with quiet determination. And Dr. Stephanie Hernandez, Acting City Manager, bridges higher education and civic leadership, proving as an example that accessibility and opportunity are the true measures of progress and a gold standard for rural communities.

It is alive in our faith and compassion. Pastor James Forney of Corinth Church and the weekly inspirational words of JD Walker on KALH remind us that gratitude is a practice. Kimmie Jordan, also located in the 1200 Block of New York Avenue is described as "one of the most compassionate people in Alamogordo", she continues to serve in mental health rehabilitation, deeply valued by her clients and an example to many. We give thanks for Lynn and Scott Kimball, whose Blue Sky Counseling brings healing and hope.
Their impact on Alamogordo shines bright, guiding lives with compassion and strength. Sunny Aris, through Animal Village NM, transforms her weekly “Pupdate” into a celebration of rescues and adoptions, moving people to foster and volunteer.

And it is alive in our heritage. The Mescalero Apache Tribe shares its culture and reverence for nature, reminding us that gratitude is not only about what we have, but about how we honor the land and traditions that sustain us.

Alamogordo’s traditions are rich—from chile roasting and apple harvests to bilingual celebrations that unite families across generations. While national politics and economic uncertainty may unsettle us, what steadies us is the passion of our locals—our friends, neighbors, and townsfolk—who make today the best it can be and tomorrow even better.

As we reflect, let us remember:

• “Gratitude turns what we have into enough.”
• “What if, today, we were grateful for everything?” – Charlie Brown
• “Start with thanks; let that energy push you toward the next brave thing.”

This Thanksgiving, Alamogordo reminds us that gratitude is not passive—it is active. It is lived in the service of leaders, the resilience of merchants, the sacrifice of veterans, the vision of nonprofits, the faith of pastors, and the labor of workers. It is shared across cultures, traditions, and generations.

And that, perhaps, is the most awe‑inspiring tribute to the spirit of Thanksgiving that being our people.

Note: Article and Commentary by Chris Edwards and approved by the Editorial Board of AlamogordoTownNews.org and the editorial review board of streaming KALHRadio.org. Mr. Edwards is a recognized author, business leader, journalist and influencer based in Alamogordo, New Mexico.

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