It was a brisk morning in early September when over 60 motorcycles roared to life in Albuquerque, New Mexico — a powerful rumble that echoed far beyond engine noise. This wasn’t just another ride; it was the start of the annual “Be the One” New Mexico S.A.V.E. Run, a Veteran-led effort to raise awareness, build community, and save lives.
For twelve consecutive years, the New Mexico American Legion Riders (ALR) have organized this ride not as a thrill-seeking event but as a mission with meaning. Participants roll out from the Raymond G. Murphy Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center and journey nearly 190 miles to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Angel Fire.
At the heart of this mission is the idea that connection and awareness can save lives.
What Does S.A.V.E. Stand For?
The acronym S.A.V.E. isn’t random — it’s a deliberate framework for suicide prevention:
-
S: Signs & Symptoms
Watch for shifts in behavior — isolation, mood swings, or increased substance use.
-
A: Ask the Question
Sometimes the most important step is simply asking, “Are you thinking of harming yourself?”
-
V: Validate Feelings
LISTEN without judgment, reinforce that struggles matter.
-
E: Encourage Connection
Help the person find resources and community.
This framework gives participants and supporters a clear, memorable tool in their mental health toolkit.
A Ride With Deeper Meaning
For many involved, the event is personal.
One rider, Jesus “Zap” Zapata, carries the memories of two friends lost to suicide — deeply shaping his commitment to this cause. “When we ride, we’re riding for a purpose that’s bigger than us,” Zapata said.
But the ride isn’t just symbolic. Each stop along the way — and especially at the end with the Vietnam Veterans Memorial — becomes a moment of reflection, conversation, and shared resolve. Veterans, families, riders, and local community members gather not just to honor sacrifice but to actively foster connection and support.
Community Support and S.A.V.E. Training
S.A.V.E. proactively teaches skills that go beyond the ride, offering training that equips people to recognize when someone might be in crisis and how to respond thoughtfully.
Christina Camacho, a behavioral health social worker and liaison for the S.A.V.E. Ride, highlights how these connections matter: “We empower people to recognize warning signs and connect Veterans to life-saving resources,” she said.
Their efforts have real impact — the program supports hundreds of Veterans through suicide prevention rosters and community follow-ups, showing the far-reaching value of putting connection before isolation.
A Call to Action
The message from the American Legion Riders is clear: Don’t wait to be asked before you reach out — be there for someone. Whether it’s a casual check-in, a cup of coffee, or sharing training on the S.A.V.E. framework, every connection can make a difference.
As participants like New Mexico ALR leaders emphasize, supporting Veterans is not a one-time event. It’s a continuous journey — one that can begin with a motorcycle ride and carry forward into everyday acts of care and presence.
Final Thought
If there’s one takeaway from the S.A.V.E. Run and its community support network, it’s this: awareness turns into action, and action can save lives. For Veterans and their families, one conversation — one check-in — can be the difference between despair and hope.
Leave a Reply