Americorps volunteers welcomed to Fort Bayard 041917

Water 5 Team members from left are Heather Thompson, Kendall Bailey, Eli Voights, Rebecca Smith, team leader Brittany Donovan, Tony Le Calvez, Emmanuel "Manny" Garcia-Neyers, Luke Anderson and Sarah Talmadge. They said it was the first time they had been welcomed with a banner.Photos and article by Mary Alice Murphy

On Wednesday, April 19, 2017, state and local officials, as well as members of the Fort Bayard Historic Preservation Society and other interested community members welcomed nine members of the Water 5 team of Americorps NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps), who will work on stabilizing the buildings at Fort Bayard National Historic Landmark.

Santa Clara Mayor Richard Bauch said: "The village feels privileged to host these young people. I am impressed by these fine young individuals."

Village Trustee Olga Amador read a letter from Sen. Tom Udall welcoming the Americorps members. In the letter, he said 4,500 Americorps and Senior Corps members have worked on projects in New Mexico. The entire program participants have provided 12 million hours of services and earned scholarships for their service.

New Mexico General Services Department Cabinet Secretary Ed Burckle traveled to Fort Bayard to welcome the youths. "The General Services Department owns Fort Bayard among the 750 buildings in New Mexico the department owns. This is one of the historic properties we own."

"We haven't been able to take care of Fort Bayard the way we would like to," Burckle said. "We did get an ad in the Wall Street Journal asking for anyone who was wanting to create a public/private partnership to take over the fort, but we got no viable offer. It's best to get a public/private partnership to bring economic development and jobs while preserving the history."

He said the department created a memorandum of understanding with Santa Clara to be able to get things going. "We are turning a corner, with the ability to start a new era."

Burckle introduced the department's General Counsel Alexis Johnson and the Department of Health's George Morgan, who accompanied him to Grant County. He described the Historic Preservation Division as "the glue that wants to preserve the historic value."

To the Americorps members, he said: "Accept my sincerest appreciation for the work you're about to do. We're standing by to help you, Mayor, to make this a successful operation."

Bauch introduced Dave Chandler, who wrote the grant. He also introduced Sen. Howie Morales, as always a friend to the village.

"I appreciate the vision you have for Fort Bayard and the village," Morales said to Bauch. "I thank Priscilla (Lucero, Southwest New Mexico Council of Governments executive director) for bringing everyone together."

Morales said Fort Bayard is home to him. "On my way in, I stopped at the little cottages, at the one my grandfather lived in. He was a custodian for the old hospital. I grew up out here. I want Fort Bayard to be stable for Santa Clara, Grant County, New Mexico and the U.S."

To the Americorps members, Morales said: "We truly welcome you to your home for the next three months. I look forward to seeing the campus become like I remember it growing up here."

Bauch introduced Rep. Rodolpho "Rudy" Martinez as "intimately familiar with Fort Bayard, as he was once in charge of the facility."

"Today is a special day," Martinez said. "We are looking at Fort Bayard and what it will be in the future. With your help, we will make this place protected and better for those who visit. My friend and I used to ride our bicycles from Hurley to sell the newspaper. Then we sold a product like a salve for hands. I remember how it was, and wait to see how it can be with the plans proposed and the mayor's vision. Also very instrumental in keeping this effort going are Dr. and Mrs. Bell."

He said Fort Bayard is a national historic site and a state historic site. "We also have the second national Veterans Administration cemetery in New Mexico here at Fort Bayard. This is a huge opportunity to preserve what people will learn about when they visit."

Brittany Donovan, team leader for Americorps Water 5, said the group would be serving at Fort Bayard through the beginning of July. "We are as excited as you are," she said.

Americorps is part of a larger family of service corps, and one of 28 from the Southwest region, headquartered in Denver.

"We look forward to restoring and giving presentations to schools about Fort Bayard," Donovan said.

Bauch thanked all who helped make it possible. "The young people will provide the labor. We will provide the materials. I thank the community for all its contributions and to Freeport, a great friend to the village. It will take several thousand dollars."

For those wishing to donate to the stabilizing of the buildings at Fort Bayard, they are invited to send checks to Friends of Fort Bayard, PO Box 316, Santa Clara, NM 88026.