Española Veteran Honored Nationally for #StillServing

Española veteran Chris “Archie” Archuleta is being honored for dedication to country and community in the VFW #StillServing campaign. The national Veterans of Foreign Wars #StillServing (vfw.org/stillserving) campaign recognizes veterans who continue to serve in their community after the military.

Archuleta is #StillServing by dedicating his post-military life to fighting veteran suicide. He has personally transported veterans experiencing suicide ideation to the local VA and to Peak Behavioral Health. He has partnered with the Albuquerque VA on the S.A.V.E. Our Heroes motorcycle ride for veteran suicide awareness. The acronym S.A.V.E. stands for the steps involved in suicide prevention: 1. Signs of suicidal thinking should be recognized. 2. Ask the most important question of all – Are you thinking of killing yourself? 3. Validate the Veteran’s experience. 4. Encourage treatment and expedite getting help.

Archuleta has held a suicide awareness and prevention class at the Española Library and given speeches at veterans day ceremonies and for the City of Española suicide awareness campaign.

Archuleta says he is #StillServing because it is his passion to assist veterans and their families, especially those who are struggling with mental health problems.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) launched #StillServing, a campaign to highlight the many ways America’s veterans continue to serve in their local communities after transitioning from the military, in February 2020. What started as an awareness campaign has become a social movement as veterans across the country continue to step up to share stories of how they are still serving. More than 1,000 veterans’ stories have been shared through news coverage, website features and magazine and newsletter articles.

The VFW urges Americans to visit vfw.org/StillServing to learn more about the campaign, make a shareable image honoring veterans in their lives, watch videos of VFW members making a difference and see a collection of user-generated content.

*2021 Veterans Civic Health Index