Journey-August2026#3

Journey gallup

The Free Community Magazine

2026 August #265

We are proud to be part of the

104th Annual Gallup Inter-Tribal Ceremonial

AUTO COMPLEX GALLUP, NEW MEXICO

220 S. Fifth St. Gallup, NM 87301 505-722-2271 1-800-523-7426 www.ricoautocomplex.com

At The University of New Mexico-Gallup, we live, breathe and embrace who we are and where we are in order to support you academically, socially and culturally.

This oasis of knowledge is a community within a community where you can grow and experience life and learning at an affordable cost close to home.

FULFILL YOUR LOBO LEGACY BECOME A LOBO CHECKLIST ✓ Step 1: Apply. Visit our website and submit an Admissions Application online. It’s easy.

THE DEADLINE TO REGISTER FOR FALL IS AUG. 7, 2026

Step 2: Advisement. Make an appointment with an advisor. We’re ready to guide you.

Step 3: Financial Aid. Talk about your options with a financial aid officer. We’ve got your back.

Step 4: Get excited! You’re on your way to becoming a Lobo. Woof, woof, woof!

GET STARTED TODAY Scan the QR code above or visit gallup.unm.edu.

BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS (BIA) Navajo Regional Office-Branch of Probate and Estate Services

IMPORTANT NOTICE to our BIA INDIAN ALLOTMENT LANDOWNERS

We need your help! Documents Needed to Process Probate Cases. The BIA Navajo Regional Office, Office of Probate is currently unable to proceed with numerous Probate cases of deceased Indian Allotment Landowners due to missing required documentation. To complete the probate process for a deceased Navajo Indian Allotment interest owner, the following documentation for decedent, and their family members, are needed: The BIA Office of Probate Services gathers information regarding decedents’ family and property and prepares it for adjudication by Office of Hearings and Appeals (OHA).

• Certificate of Indian Blood Submitting these documents allows the BIA Office of • Legal Adoption Documentation Probate to finalize case preparation. BIA will then forward the case file to OHA, and OHA schedules a BIA Probate • Marriage License Hearing date. After OHA issues a Probate Order, assets are distributed to heirs.

• Certificate of Death

• Birth Certificate

To keep your loved one’s probate process moving, come see us and submit your documents.

Here are a few dates to remember, mark your calendar & bring your documents to the following events and/or locations.

August 1, 2026

10:00AM-3:00PM MST Navajo Technical University Campus, Wellness Center, Crownpoint, New Mexico

LOCATIONS:

BIA Offices of Probate 8:00AM to 4:30PM MST, Monday to Friday (except Federal Holidays)

DOCUMENT COLLECTION EVENTS August 15, 2026 10:00AM-3:00PM MST Farmington Civic Center, 200 West Arrington Street Farmington, New Mexico

BIA EASTERN NAVAJO AGENCY (next to Post Office) Crownpoint, NM

September 12, 2026

10:00AM-3:00PM MST Gallup Community Service Center, 410 Bataan Veterans Street, Gallup, New Mexico

BIA SHIPROCK & TUBA CITY AGENCY Natani Nez Complex Bldg Highway 491, Shiprock, NM

BIA FORT DEFIANCE AGENCY Navajo Regional Office - 3rd Floor 301 West Hill Avenue, Gallup, NM

Also, please listen to the radio for future Document Collection Events not listed here.

Come meet our Team. WE ARE HERE TO HELP. Ahéhee’. Thank you.

For Information Call (505) 863-1291

(AGES 19+)

Diné weaver LOIS BECENTI

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offers weaving workshops every 4th Friday from 10am to 2pm. Bring your own supplies & material.

Located at the main library. (505)870-3832

Serving American and Mexican Food Breakfast Served All Day! Drive-thru Breakfast Burritos

2502 E HISTORIC ROUTE 66 GALLUP, NM 505-726-2800 • 505-297-8936 OPEN MONDAY THROUGH SATURDAY 7AM-7PM

August 2026

5

Thoughts From The West End August is a busy month in many places. These days, with how fast life moves and how much time we spend online, it can be easy to feel isolated.

Thankfully, some traditions still help us stay connected, creative, and thriving.

The 104th Gallup InterTribal Indian Ceremonial (GITIC) takes place this JulyAugust. For a community to carry on a tradition for 104 years is no easy feat. There is no doubt that maintaining a tradition of this magnitude has its challenges, but no matter the challenge, this ‘show’ has gone on, with only a couple of cancellations in its history. I was born and raised in Gallup; well, I lived out of town and still do, and I commute daily, but admittedly I had never attended this famous event, not even the parades. It wasn’t until recent years that I finally experienced the vibrant culture and events and had a glimpse into some of the hard work that goes into the long event. The GITIC doesn’t just last one or two days; it lasts over a week!

Community members have told me that in the 70s-90s, the GITIC was at its peak. People from all over the world came to Gallup to experience the authentic “Wild West”. The whole town got involved in all the goings-on, and everyone would start planning for the following year the day after the event concluded. Schools participated in poster-making, and there were many ways the community could get involved.

I thoroughly enjoy listening to tales of years long past and the glory that Gallup had, which captivated and enchanted so many people worldwide.

Of course, there have been obstacles; what good 6

August 2026

thing doesn’t have a bit of a challenge? Theodore Roosevelt said, “Nothing in the world is worth having or worth doing unless it means effort, pain, difficulty…”

Nonetheless, the event, more often than not, prevails and brings together incredible numbers of communities.

That is probably the most beautiful part of it all, bringing people together to share in culture, food, and art. Many relationships are born during this time, business and friendly.

Humans, whether we all like to admit it or not, we’re social beings; we need each other, we need connection. We need a village. We’re not meant to isolate ourselves and do it all, or figure it all out on our own.

I have learned that there are strong communities and friendships within this world of cultural festivities, and that the people are inspiring and fun. The artists who participate are incredibly talented; viewers get to experience a culture and a perspective they might otherwise not have seen before.

The volunteers who dedicate months and months of their time to ensure the series of events happens are something incredibly special. Be sure to thank a volunteer!

To finish, I hope you get a chance to enjoy some or all of the GITIC events this year.

Whether you live here and have never gone, are a tourist who found the event by chance, or traveled here just for it, I hope you go and have a good time.

Most of all, I hope you have a village or find one—maybe even at this event. You never know unless you try. Even in this digital age, we can still connect, create, and support each other.

104 W. Coal Avenue

505-722-9414

www.gallupservicemart.com Mon-Sat • 9am to 5pm

AUGUST CLASS SCHEDULE Saturday, August 1 • 9-4pm and Monday August 3 • 9-1pm $65

Radiant Star This is a 2-part class. Saturday you will work on the star and Monday you will work on the background for the star. Instructor: Jean Bitsui Level: Advanced Intermediate (This is a 4 color)

Saturday, August 8 • 9-4pm $45

Velour Tuck Blouse Instructor: Marjean Benally Level: Advanced

Saturday, August 15 • 9-1pm $25

Paper Piecing Block of the Month This a (6) month program. July-December 2026.

Each month you will complete (2) blocks. We will meet on the 3rd Saturday of each month.

Instructor: Laura Anderson Level: Confident Beginner

Saturday, August 22 • 9-1pm $25

Caught in the Middle Quilt This quilt is made GSM Class Policy: Payment in full AT TIME OF SIGINING UP for class. Classes that don’t have the minimum students signed up will be canceled a week before the scheduled class.

Please come to class fully prepared with sewing machine and ready to sew. Supply lists are provided at the time of payment. There NO REFUNDS unless class does not meet the minimum required students.

with 12 fat ¼’s. Instructor: Laura Anderson Level: Confident Beginner

WEEKLY MADNESS SALE

Every Monday GSM will buy the following collections on sale at 15% off per yard for the day. The sale runs from Monday through the Saturday.

August • 3-8 Patriotic • 10-15 Sports • 17-22 Selected Cowboy • 24-29 Widebacks (108”) • 31-September 5 Sewing

When you finish these puzzles, bring them to our office at 210 E. Aztec Ave, оr take a pic with your phone and email it to gallupjourney@gmail.com. Don’t forget to include your name.

sudoku July Master Finishers

Cindy M. Lucy Hoskie Lois Becenti DK & Footies Charleston Willie R Morris Beverly Abeita Dick Laliberte

W.G.Curley Thomas Gomez E. Pieras Jamie Atcitty-Begay A.David Marie L MITCH Maureen Bia

Contents 10

Gallup Farmers Market: A note from Dr. Hesidence

12

“Teufel Hunden” AKA: “Devil Dogs” by Kenneth Riege

16

A Soldier Who Helped Shape Gallup: A Conversation with Harry Mendoza on “The Forgotten War” by Bryanny Rich

20

UNM-Gallup Campus Partnerships Offer Fiber Optic Bootcamp

by Renaldo Fowler

24

For a Third Year, Church of the Holy Spirit (Episcopal) Contributes to Support Battered Family Services

26

Lights, Camera, Action! Filmmaker Spotlight by Kimberly Becenti

28

Finding Gallup Again by Colt Balok

30

Events

32

Sports Beat: Rain or Shine, Zia Rides—24 Hours in the Enchanted Forest by Amanda Spruell

33

Local High School Student Makes History

34

Red vs Blue by Jennifer Bates

Thanks to our Contributors: Dr. Hesidence Kenneth Riege Bryanny Rich Renaldo Fowler Kimberly Becenti Colt Balok

Amanda Spruell Jennifer Bates Cherille Williams Charles Horace Charlotte Ashley Edith Iwan

Publishers: Brenden & Bryanny Rich Daisy & Jason Arsenault Editor: Matthew Touchin Art Director: Christine Carter

36

Virgie’s Restaurant—Charlie Chavez by Jennifer Bates

38

Artisan & Musician of the Month: Katrina Benally by Cherille Williams

40

Ask a Doctor: National Public Health Week

42

Whatislife.Blog by Charles Horace

46

Dream Come True: A Memorable Day at Bo Nix Youth Football Camp

by Charlotte Ashley

48

Gardening in Western New Mexico by Edith Iwan

49

Celebrating Toby J. Henry (2020–2026)

50

Turquoise Man & Local Family Hotel—The Rest Stop Inn’s New Sand Painting

52

Asking Questions—Karla Ismay Interview about EDMR Therapy & Grant by Jennifer Bates

53

Roadrunner Physical Therapy

54

People Reading

56

Kid’s Corner

59

104th Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial Schedule

Do you have a cool local story you want to share with the Journey?

Send your story to gallupjourney @gmail.com

Gallup Journey Magazine (505) 879-8055 210 E. Aztec Ave. • PO Box 2187 gallupjourney.com • gallupjourney@gmail.com Don’t want to miss an issue? Subscribe to the Gallup Journey - one year $50.

Cover Photo: Elliott Morris (3rd grade) Captured RT66 and Gallup.

August 2026 Issue #265 All Rights Reserved. No articles, photos, illustrations, advertisements, or design elements may be used without expressed written permission from the publisher, Gallup Journey Inc. This publication is distributed with the understanding that the information presented is from many sources, for which there can be no warranty or responsibility by the publisher as to accuracy, originality, or completeness. It is distributed with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in making product endorsements, recommending health care or treatments, providing instruction, or recommending that any reader participate in any activity or behavior described in the publication. The opinions of the contributors to this publication belong to them and do not reflect the opinions of the editors or publishers.

Easy

Hard

August 2026

7

Change…

It’s not always welcome.

But, it’s natural.

Based on recent listener feedback and programming costs, KGLP is making some changes to its lineup.

We’re saving the best, but changing some of the rest.

Questions?

Email: manager@kglp.org

91.7 FM

Shop at Gallup’s Favorite Little Liquor Store for Wine, Craft Beer and Spirits

Rocket Liquor Store

Door Dash

1717 S. 2nd Street • 505-863-3172

Pick-up Delivery

Rocket Café 1717 S. 2nd Street • 505-722-8972

SPECIAL OLYMPICS NEW MEXICO-GALLUP AND AREA 6 would like to thank our community of Gallup businesses and friends for their generous 2025 donations!

D. Baca Jr. LLC Amigo Automotive Gallup Lions Club Peter & Janet Tempest

Butler’s Office Equipment & Supply Kiwanis Club of Gallup

RDC Insurance Agency Porter Dental Castle Furniture

Gallup Journey, Inc. Adobe Storage DAB, Inc. (Lebeck Family)

Francis and Delphine Pawlowski Mason & Isaacson, P.A.

Jo Ann Benenati Eileen Biunno

Gallup Welders Supply/Four Corners Welding Dr. and Mrs. Randolph Copeland John Peña Auto Glass & Construction Clifton Electric Company Dallago Corporation Gallup Lumber & Supply Genaro’s Restaurant Hollywood Orthodontics Perry Null Trading Company

Gabrielle Boucher Combined Investments, Inc. (RE/MAX) Grant Foutz Gallup Title Company Tony D. Gonzales, CPA, PA Judy Luranc Sweeney Troy’s Auto Sales

City Electric Shoe Shop Elizabeth Hardin-Burrola & Anthony Burrola

Michael Daly Elizabeth Windisch

Team Gallup Eagles assembles for the Parade of Athletes at State Summer Games, May 29, 2026.

Special thanks to Gallup and Area 6 Director, Janie Lee Hall, for her commitment to our athletes! Contact Janie Lee Hall for information and volunteer opportunities – 505-870-8707.

August 2026

9

Gallup Farmers' Market:

A Note from Dr. Hesidence My journey in farming began when I was 10 years old working on my grandparents’ farm. I would treasure the summers spent there far away from the suburbs where I lived in Pittsburgh, PA. My grandfather a mill worker at Hussey copper range would give me a vegetable to pick or weeding assignment in the morning and when he arrived home from his shift at 3pm we would pick together whatever was in season. We would then walk down the lane to my awaiting grandmother who would then prepare our bounty for eating at dinner or canning for the long cold winter. They imparted on me the importance of respecting the land and always enriching the soil for future crops.

Fast forward 45 years while living in Gallup I met my wife Paisley Gene Hillstrom in 2015 and she said all she wanted from me was to look out her front window and see paradise. At the time she had greasewoods with thick thorns and a muddy path from the highway 602. 1 took this as a challenge and began a decade long project of creating a garden of Eden. I started by clearing the land of all the thorny greasewoods, weeds, and trash. Next, I fenced in the garden to keep out dogs and deer. I then planned out an orchard with peaches, apples, pears, cherries, and plum trees. Each year planting ten or more fruit trees and bushes.

After 75 fruit trees I ran out of space to plant more, so I began to improve the soil for better production. I got free mulch from the county recycle center(dump) and free manure from the local ranches.

This all breaks down providing good nutrients and has to be replaced yearly, With the decline in

pollinators, statewide, we decided to invest in honeybees and gather the honey for sale at the local farmer’s market. Since the soil is so poor and alkaline I plant bushes and trees that grow in symbiosis with others, pulling up nutrients for the trees next to them, increasing the yield of fruit producing trees. With the short growing season, I decided to invest in a hoophouse (greenhouse). This extended my growing season by a few months. I use passive heating by placing 55-gallon black drums full of water along the sides that gather heat from the daily sun and radiate it back out at night. I use inexpensive trellises from cattle panels for vertical growing to save space and easier picking of vegetables. With all the produce My wife Paisley and I are able to can the excess. Ninety percent of the 100 cases we produce per year is then passed out to relatives and friends in the area with an emphasis on the elderly. My grandparents and parents instilled in me the belief that we should share the bounty we are blessed with. The Gallup farmers market we attend along with Jason from Tumbleweed Farms, Loren and David from Bulldog Mountain Family Farm and Carl from the Loman Farm provides an outlet for local growers to sellorganic produce. Our efforts are to educate others on local farming and different techniques we all use.

Doctor Hesidence is a board-certified podiatrist specializing in wound care, foot and ankle surgery, Podiatry medicine and hyperbaric medicine. He has practiced for over 30 years and started practicing in the area in 2009 and has been honored as a top podiatrist 7 times. He currently practices at

The Gallup Farmers Market runs from July 11th- October 10th 2026 8:30am to 11:30 am at the Courthouse Square in Gallup.

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NEW MEXICO • Gallup: 606 E Hwy. 66 — Ph (505)722-3845 • Milan: 305 Airport Rd — Ph (505)287-9454 COLORADO •Durango: 187 Bodo Dr. — Ph (970)247-1854 •Cortez: 101 N. Broadway — Ph (970)565-6547

111 North 3rd Street, Gallup Phone: 505-863-4448

FourCornersWelding.com

August 2026

11

“TEUFEL HUNDEN" AKA: “DEVIL DOGS” W While I admit that the June publication would have been a better month for this story considering that the Battle of Belleau Wood took place between 1-26 June 1918 I did not want to wait until next June.

Marine Corps lore and a recruitment tool dating back to July 1918.

I am honored that my family is a part of Marine Corps history as my grandfather served with the 1st Battalion/5th Marines or as they are called “The Fighting 5th.”

By Kenneth Riege USAF Veteran 1985 - 1993

The term “Teufel Hunden” was “reportedly” used by German Soldiers describing the Marines of Belleau Wood. It became so widely used and accepted that it has become a part of

These Marine Corps Recruitment posters were created by American Artist Charles Buckles Falls which shows an American Bulldog chasing a German Dachshund (AKA wiener dog) wearing a pickelhaube.

12 August 2026

Pvt. Paul Emerson Riege United States Marine Corps, 1st Battalion/5th Marines.

Visiting Belleau Wood and the battleground has become a “Rite of Passage” for Marines and the descendants of

those who fought there (which I will one day make myself).

Besides visiting the Aisne-Marne American Cemetery and Memorial one must also visit the Devil Dog Fountain and the 1775 Café De La Place.

This small café shown on the previous page has also become a pilgrimage for Marines. Inside (besides enjoying a beer) they have an amazing display of Marine Corps Memorabilia and challenge coins which I am honored to say my grandfather’s coin is a part of their collection.

This small yet unassuming fountain has become one of the top tourist attractions in Belleau France as Marines have drunk from her for years quenching their thirst while honoring their fellow “Devil Dogs.”

A few weeks ago, a Marine Corps Veteran whom I had met a few times sent me some photos of his trip to Belleau Wood.

When I see pictures like these, I am honored that the legacy of those Marines, like my grandfather, will never die. This dedication was exhibited a few years ago when I had the honor of meeting General James Mattis (USMC Retired).

After presenting him with my grandfather’s challenge coin he said, “Well sir you have the blood of Marine Corps Royalty flowing through your veins.”

This month’s Medal of Honor Quote comes from Raymond G. “Jerry” Murphy, Korean War MOH Recipient, USMC Retired and the namesake of the VA Hospital in Albuquerque. “Murphy” received his Medal of Honor on 27 October 1953 at the same ceremony as Hershey and became lifelong friends.

“We live in the best country in the world. It is our duty to love, guide, and protect it.”

Photo of that MOH Ceremony on 27 Oct 1953.

Hershey is to the far left and Murphy is to the far right.

See Page 46 for a very special message from Ken Riege!

August 2026

13

2026-2027 School Year

Teacher of the Month

Nominate your Most Influential Teacher!

You may nominate anyone you feel is a “teacher” in your life. Such as a preacher, music or dance teacher, your mechanic, or anyone who has taught you something of value and made a lasting impact!

One teacher will be awarded with a FREE ENTREE each month, goodie basket, and an article in the Gallup Journey!

Vote at 306 S 2nd St

306 S 2nd St Gallup, NM Save Time! Order Ahead (505)722.5017 Order Online www.gallupcamilles.com

Something Beautiful is...

14 August 2026

Blossoming at the C afe

Serving Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Welcome Back Teachers & Students!

Have a Great School Year.

Serving Your Favorite Cocktails Beer & Wine

Southwest New Mexican American

Call in for to-go orders

Welcome to the 104th Annual Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial

From the Don Diego’s Family

801 West Historic Route 66 • Gallup, New Mexico • 505-722-5517

FAITH.LEARNING.PURPOSE (5o5)863-4412 | www.rcsnm.org

We offer our students: Quality K-12 education Smaller teacher to student ratios Outdoor & hands-on learning Community-building opportunities Support systems Opportunities to grow spiritually, socially, and emotionally Tuition Assistance and additional scholarships available based on income

ADMISSIONS OPEN. APPLY ONLINE TODAY AT WWW.RCSNM.ORG SCHOOL BEGINS AUGUST 11, 2026*

August 2026

15

A Soldier Who Helped Shape Gallup:

A Conversation with Harry Mendoza on “The Forgotten War”

By Bryanny Rich

You may or may not be familiar with the name Harry Mendoza. Most notably, he served as Gallup’s mayor in 2007 and boasts a deeply impressive professional resume. But today, we are writing about a chapter of history more profound than Mr. Mendoza’s local political career.

Mr. Mendoza stopped by the Journey office to talk about a letter from the SABER, the official bi-monthly newspaper of the 1st Cavalry Division Association. The conflict that isn’t spoken about very much at all: the Korean War is the main topic of discussion. Coined as “The Forgotten War,” we are deeply honored that Mr. Mendoza took the time to share his letter and experiences with us and our readers.

Admittedly, I personally knew very little about the Korean War before our conversation.

Larry Hempfling D2/8 1968-1969 of the Saber wrote, “I think all will agree that this man is not only a survivor but a genuine hero.”

Harry writes on January 2nd, 1949; I walked in an Army Recruiting office in Gallup, New Mexico. I was told I was too young and needed my mother’s permission to join.

They gave me a form for her to sign, so I went outside to sign her name and gave it to the recruiter, and I was accepted.

After Basic Training at Fort Ourd, California I was assigned the 1st Cavalry Division, 8th Regiment 2nd Headquarters Company in Tokyo, Japan. Life was good until June 1950 when North Korea invaded South Korea. While in Tokyo U had time to finish my schooling and thus received my GED diploma. The 24th Division was the first to

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be sent to Korea, they were quickly run over. The 1st Cavalry and 25th Infantry Divisions quickly followed. They fought a delaying action the Naktong Perimeter. It was then that GEN Walker issued an order for the 8th Army to fight or die.

The 8th Cavalry went into this defensive position on Sept 1950. Meanwhile GEN MacArthur landed the 1st Marine Division at Inchon and cut off the North supply line. The 8th Army broke through at Puson, and the North retreated. The 2nd Battalion 8th Cavalry was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation for the defense at Naktong and subsequent breakthrough following the Inchon landing. The U.S. forces and the ROK pushed all the way to the Nala River. Seoul was declared liberated in Sept 1950. Everyone including GEN MacArthur thought the crisis was over. In November 1950, the Chinese crossed the Yala in mass human waves, there were thousands of Chinese blowing bugles, throwing grenades, and firing all kinds of rifles. They charged the 8th Cavalry and ROK and the 1st and 2nd Battalion of the 8th Cavalry abandoned positions as more human waves followed for the next 2 days. The 8th Cavalry was told to get out any way they could. COL Richard Cohen, our Battalion Commander, headed. South to higher ground and met up with some ROK Soldiers also trying to get out. COL Cohen ordered me back into the Valley below to search for any survivors. Needless to say, how I felt as I went around, I found wounded calling for help and the dead were all over. I did manage to find a few Troopers who were mobile and I asked them to follow me as I knew the way out.

It was a miracle I wasn’t hit as there was firing all around including from our own tanks. There were 27 Troopers that followed me out of the Valley. We went into a reorganizing area where we remained, I believe for the winter. We lost as many Troopers from the freezing cold as we did from the enemy. Rotation home started that spring. My CO at the time came to me and told me that since I was the oldest in the time served in Korea of the original 186 Troopers that weren’t wounded, killed, or captured, I would be the first to go home. I never mentioned that I suffered 2 broken ribs and still carry a piece of shrapnel in my right leg. There is a lot more to my story, but it is not as interesting.

While everyone knows (many books, articles, stories) about experiences in war, this is a dive into a perspective of a local individual. As we have lost most men and women to time, that have served in these historic wars, it’s imperative to preserve as many local living histories as possible and celebrate them while they can share. Let’s get some facts situated before diving further into his personal journey.

THE REALITY OF “THE FORGOTTEN WAR”

The Korean War (June 25, 1950 – July 27, 1953) was a brutal armed conflict fought on the Korean Peninsula between North Korea (supported by China and the Soviet Union) and South Korea (supported by the United Nations, led by the United States).

Why is it known as “The Forgotten War”? The background is complex—requiring lengthy books to truly unpack the weight and history. In fact, Mr. Mendoza lent us a hefty book by David Halberstam, The Coldest Winter: America and the Korean War. In short, and in layman’s terms, the reason this war has often been treated like a red-headed

stepchild comes down to a few key factors: • Squeezed Between Giants: It began just five years after the total global mobilization of World War II and preceded the highly polarizing, media-saturated Vietnam War. • Media Censorship: Unlike Vietnam, which became the first “television war” brought directly into American living rooms, Korea was heavily censored.

• The “Police Action” Label: President Harry S. Truman officially designated the conflict a United Nations “police action” rather than a declared war, legally downplaying its scale at home despite over 5.7 million Americans serving.

• An Indecisive Stalemate: The war didn’t end with a dramatic, victorious surrender like WWII. It ended in a grueling ceasefire (an armistice, not a peace treaty) that left the borders roughly where they started—at the 38th parallel.

• Domestic Exhaustion: After the massive sacrifices of WWII, the American public was experiencing peace-time fatigue, focusing heavily on post-war economic prosperity and suburban life.

Despite being labeled “forgotten,” the war was devastatingly intense. It resulted in roughly 3 million casualties, including over 36,000 American deaths, and permanently shaped modern global geopolitics.

AN ENTERPRISER FROM THE START

Long before he was a soldier, Mr. Mendoza was independent. His family owned a ranch in Magdalena, New Mexico. He was incredibly close with his grandfather. When his grandfather got a wartime job at the shipyards in San Pedro, California during WWII, a young Harry followed him.

At just twelve years old, he was working the train stations selling newspapers. “I made good money, and I always gave it to my folks,” Mr. Mendoza recalls with a laugh. “I’ve been independent since I was five years old!”

Eventually, his parents relocated to Gallup. While visiting them from California, Mr. Mendoza met a young woman, Berla, who, much later, would become his wife. He decided to stay in town, living and working at the historic Fred Harvey House.

Looking for greater opportunities, he walked into the recruitment office and enlisted in January of 1949—on the very day he turned 17.

LEARNING DISCIPLINE AT FORT ORD

Sent to Fort Ord, California for basic training, Mr. Mendoza remembers it as a grueling but transformative time.

“It was rough because I was a small guy and I had to compete with the big guys, but I got through it. They teach you discipline. That’s basically what they do. And you’ve got to be good—if you don’t complete your basic training, they kick you out.”

He recalls a drill sergeant who essentially taught him the art of keeping his mouth shut.

“I was seventeen years old. First thing they do in the morning, Reveille, five o’clock with everybody lined up. The Sergeant came up to me: ‘Soldier, did you shave this morning?’ I said, ‘No, sir.’ ‘Excuse me. Get you’re a** in there and shave!’ I didn’t even shave till I was twenty-eight!” he laughs. “I just said, ‘Yes, sir.’ I didn’t actually shave, I just went in and came right back out.”

CALLED TO ACTION

After basic training, he was sent to Tokyo, Japan, assigned to the Second Battalion Headquarters, Eighth Regiment of the 1st Cavalry Division. Life in Japan was good; Mr. Mendoza finished his education and received his GED. At the time, he had no understanding of the friction building in Korea—much less where Korea even was on a map.

Then came the word: they were deploying. They were told the goal was simple: stop the spread of communism.

The journey across the Pacific from San Francisco took about thirty days but the trip from Japan to Korea was swift. Waves of troops lined the decks dealing with severe seasickness, though Mr. Mendoza notes with relief that he thankfully never got sick. When they finally reached the shores of Korea, his primary feeling was simply relief to be off the ship.

He had no idea how quickly that relief would vanish.

“Johnny, I’ll never forget. He was the nicest guy in the world. Second day, he was dead.”

SURVIVING THE FRONT LINES

On his very first day in Korea, Mr. Mendoza was working as a clerk in battalion operations, still figuring out the layout of the land. He was sitting on the beach with a radio, monitoring the equipment coming ashore, when he noticed something strange. “I saw some sand hopping, jumping,” he recalls. He thought to himself, “Must be some frogs or something here.” Suddenly, a lieutenant rushed over, screaming, “You stupid so-and-so, get you’re a** up!

There’s a sniper shooting at you!”

Because Mr. Mendoza was holding the radio, he was the sniper’s direct target. The sand hopping around him was bullets hitting the beach. Seconds later, a soldier right in front of him was shot. “That’s just how lucky I was,” Mr. Mendoza says quietly.

The lessons came fast. He learned never to take his boots off, because an attack could happen at any second.

They were hit almost every night.

“That second day, we went up to headquarters. My sergeant, his name was John E. Burke, from Birmingham, Alabama. Him and the captain said, ‘You stay and set up headquarters. We’re going to go.’ I didn’t want to. I was afraid to stay by myself, to be honest with you. I said, ‘I want to go too.’ They said, ‘No, you can’t go. Somebody’s gotta stay here and monitor the radio.’ So, they took off.

When the captain came back later on, I asked, ‘Where’s John?’ He said, ‘We got attacked and he’s not with us anymore.’ I’m glad I didn’t go. Right then, I got promoted to corporal! Now, I was in charge of battalion operations.”

In the chaos of the war, promotions came rapidly out of sheer necessity. Within a few weeks, Mr. Mendoza went from corporal to sergeant—a swift rise in less than a month.

THE BRUTAL KOREAN CLIMATE

Beyond the enemy fire, the landscape and the weather were unforgiving. The terrain was incredibly mountainous.

When they arrived in the summer, the heat was stifling, but the winters were downright apocalyptic. Temperatures plummeted to 30 and 40 degrees below zero.

With no proper shelter available, survival became “do what gotta do.” Mr. Mendoza always kept a down sleeping bag with him and stuffed extra dry socks into his coat.

“That sleeping bag saved me,” he says. Many men simply froze to death.

The harsh conditions left a permanent scar. Mr. Mendoza states with absolute conviction: “I never wanted to go back again as long as I live, I still don’t. If they gave me a million dollars to go there, I wouldn’t go.”

Supply lines were severely lacking. Soldiers went without basic necessities, including food and paper. Mr. Mendoza recalls having to write letters home on the blank backs of old, discarded mail. When the military’s precooked, canned C-rations were available, they ate them.

But the ugly truth of the front lines was that soldiers did whatever it took to stay alive—eating things they weren’t supposed to and burning whatever they could find just to keep from freezing.

THE ROAD BACK TO GALLUP

When the armistice was finally signed in July of 1953, Mr. Mendoza wasn’t in Korea; he was in San Francisco.

He had re-enlisted and spent over a year stationed there training reserve officers as a Sergeant First Class. By this time, he was married and had a young son.

Always harboring a dream to see Europe, he applied for a transfer to Germany. He spent the last two years of his enlistment there before crossing the Atlantic twice more to return home to Fort Benning, Georgia. He was signed up for helicopter training, but a combination of holiday delays and bureaucratic frustration led him to ultimately decide against re-enlisting. It was a decision he initially regretted, but one he now views as a blessing.

“I was mad, and I always regretted not doing it, but I thank God that I didn’t. They were training helicopter pi-

lots for Vietnam at that time. That war was just bubbling up. I’m glad I didn’t, because I wouldn’t have survived another war. I don’t think I would. The Good Lord’s been good to me.”

Transitioning back to civilian life in Gallup wasn’t easy.

“I didn’t have a job. I had a wife and a baby,” he recalls.

“When I first came back, I went to work at Fort Wingate, but it was too much like the military. I only worked there for thirty days.” Money was tight, and he couldn’t afford rent in town. “I lived at Indian Village in Church Rock.

I knew the guy there. He gave me an apartment and charged me nineteen dollars a month, and those included utilities. Can you imagine that? He saved my life.”

Eventually, the Martin Lopez Agency offered him a clerical position, a move that launched a highly successful lifelong career in the insurance industry. From there, life blossomed. He bought his first local lot for a whopping $25 and built his first house for $9,000. Mr. Mendoza would go on to build eight more houses in the area, cementing his roots in the community he would one day lead.

A LEGACY WORTH REMEMBERING

When asked how he feels about the title “The Forgotten War,” Mr. Mendoza doesn’t mince words.

“I feel it sucks, because nobody ever mentions the Korean War. The only people that actually knew there was a war going on were the families that had men, sons, and daughters in it. They’re the only ones who knew. Nobody cared. And they still don’t care.”

He stresses that the sheer scale of the conflict is often lost on younger generations. “There were three times more people killed in Korea in three years than there were in ten years of Vietnam,” he points out, emphasizing the importance of honoring those who served.

As our conversation came to a close, Gallup’s former mayor left us with a timeless piece of wisdom forged in the freezing mountains of Korea and polished through a lifetime of hard work: “You need to work hard if you want to have anything.

Work hard and thank the Good Lord for whatever you do get. If you want to get anywhere and get anything, you’ve gotta work for it. Nobody’s going to give it to you.

You’ve gotta work for it—and thank God for whatever you get.”

August 2026

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3RD ANNUAL

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SAT. SEPT 12, 2026 Law enforcement, EMS, and teacher team Competitions!

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10k - 8am 5k - 8:10 am 1-mile walk/run 8:20 am 1-mile kids run - 10 am

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To Register, and for more information: scan the QR code, find the race on RunSignUp, or call or text 505-409-1046

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August 2026

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101 W. Aztec Ave., Suite A Gallup, NM 87301 1900 East Hwy 66 505-722-9121 Suite A in Butler’s Square www.rf-lawfirm.com 8-5 Monday and Friday

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August 2026

19

UNM- GALLUP CAMPUS PARTNERSHIPS OFFER FIBER OPTIC BOOTCAMP

By Renaldo Fowler GALLUP, N.M. — For community members like Michael Notah, 45, of Jamestown, learning about fiber optics offers not only the chance to transition into a new career, but it helps the region as a whole to close the digital divide.

Notah was one of 31 participants who received certifications from the Fiber Optic Technician Bootcamp hosted at The University of New Mexico-Gallup from June 8-12.

Notah said he was already familiar with fiber optics before joining the bootcamp, but he was new to the practical application of it and the technology used.

“I enjoyed the energy of the class,” he said, noting that he liked the hands-on portion of the training and collaboration with his peers. "It was motivating."

The free five-day training opportunity was made possible through a collaboration with Santa Fe Community College Workforce Development, America’s Job Center New Mexico, and UNM-Gallup Community Education and Workforce Development.

The course was free to eligible students thanks to the New Mexico Workforce Government Results and Opportunity (GRO) program and the Building, Energizing, and Connecting through Apprenticeships (BECA) program from the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions, funded through the U.S. Department of Labor State

Apprenticeships Expansion Formula (SAEF 2) grant program.

Uplifting the community

Fiber optics are ultra-thin strands of glass or plastic used to transmit digital data as pulses of light, particularly for delivering high-speed internet. Throughout the bootcamp, students learned the basics of fiber optics and practiced hands-on specialized skills.

After completing tests and a physical demonstration, students received three certifications from the Fiber Optic Association: certified fiber optic technician, certified fiber optic specialist in splicing, and certified fiber optic specialist in testing and maintenance.

Notah said he previously worked as an independent contractor for more than 10 years, which took a physical toll on his body. He said that earning the fiber optics certification gave him a “lifelong skill” that supports his future career goals and allows him to work in a more controlled environment.

Notah also believes that fiber optic training is important to the community, especially on the Navajo Nation, because it helps close the digital divide.

The Navajo Nation lacks access to highspeed internet across a large rural area.

According to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, less than 4% of the Navajo Nation population has access to even the most basic wireline broadband speeds.

“It’s important because it uplifts the community,” Notah said.

UNM-Gallup Community Education & Workforce Development Director Ashlee Velasquez said that learning fiber optics is important because it exists everywhere, including telecommunications, information technology and electrical work. She described fiber optic training as a “versatile skill” that is essential for the future.

Moving on to bigger, better things

Another participant of the bootcamp, Melvin Sanderson Jr., 60, of Window Rock, Arizona, said that earning these fiber optic certifications will help him advance further on his career path.

“It’ll help me to move on in life,” he said.

“A great start, new career. That’s what it’ll definitely do for me.”

Sanderson, who has 20 years of experience in telecommunications, earned two associate degrees from UNM-Gallup in the spring semester and enrolled in the bootcamp to learn more about fiber optics.

“I’m here for the better, the hands-on, the training, the certification,” he said. “To move on to bigger and better things.”

In addition to the hands-on portion of the bootcamp, Sanderson said he appreciated the course instructor, Tom Rauch, of BDI Datalynk, which is an Atlanta-based company that offers fiber optic training courses.

Sanderson described Rauch as “sensational,” crediting him for his knowledge and teachings.

Sanderson believes that this type of learning opportunity is important to the community as the need for fiber optics is growing.

He noted that local employers require certifications for technical work, and getting these certifications locally can help individuals qualify for employment.

Sanderson is now pursuing a bachelor's degree in business administration with a concentration in operations management.

An essential skill for the future

As the instructor for the bootcamp, Rauch’s goal was to provide students with a good foundation in fiber optics that will allow them to find employment in the industry.

Rauch is from New Jersey and has

For more information about UNM-Gallup, please visit gallup.unm.edu.

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August 2026

Students prepare for the future through five-day fiber optic bootcamp worked in telecommunications for 53 years.

He emphasized the importance of fiber-optic technology in the modern world and the need to enter the growing technology workforce.

“If you want to find work, one of the best ways you can find it is to have skills in the technology area,” he said. “The whole world runs off of fiber.”

With an overwhelming response from community members and employers, Velas-

quez hopes to continue offering fiber optic training next year at UNM-Gallup.

“The plan is to offer the same bootcamp with the same company,” she said.

In addition to earning their certifications, students received career support services such as resume building and career coaching. Students become part of a larger job network support system provided by BDI Datalynk.

Students were also invited to apply to

the Santa Fe Community College Broadband Pre-Apprenticeship training program offered in partnership with the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions.

To learn more about UNM-Gallup Community Education & Workforce Development and the programs offered, visit www. gallup.unm.edu/ce/.

Photos by Richard Reyes The University of New Mexico-Gallup

Instructor Tom Rauch teaches a class during the Fiber Optic Bootcamp at The University of New Mexico-Gallup on Friday, June 12, 2026.

Students Steven Harrison, left, and Melvin Sanderson Jr. work together during the Fiber Optic Bootcamp.

Students Michael Notah, left, and Brian Yazzie work on a fusion splicing exercise

More students, Sonnie Sam, left, and Uriah Hardinalso work on a fusion splicing exercise.

August 2026

21

PawnShop

Veteran owned and operated, Ted’s Pawn and Jewelry has been serving customers in the Gallup area since the 1960s.

The business has over 10,000 square feet of Native American arts, pawn space, firearms, jewelry, tools and much more.

Stop by for special deals on authentic Native American jewelry and other tools and treasures!

412 W. Maloney Avenue Gallup, NM 505-863-5902

Serving Gallup and Surrounding Areas Since 1946

WHO WE ARE

Unparalleled Insurance Services Bubany Insurance offers clients the best possible protection for all of their insurance needs. As one of the leading insurance agencies in the greater Gallup area, we have built quite the clientele by maintaining a strict customer-comes-first approach. If you are looking to do business with a top-notch agency that does everything in its power to ensure your satisfaction, contact us today.

Our staff is here for your every insurance need and will be happy to supply you with a free estimate.

OUR SERVICES AUTO • HOME • COMMERCIAL • BONDS • MOBILE HOMES • MOTORCYCLE • RV

311 S 3rd St, Gallup, NM 87301 • 505.863.3836

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August 2026

Sizzlin’ Summer Arts & Crafts Festival Gallup Arts Crawl

Saturday, August 8, 7-9 PM On Coal Avenue in Historic Downtown Gallup

ART123 Gallery: 66 Artists on 66 - LAST NIGHT

LOOM Indigenous Arts Gallery:

COME ONE - COME ALL! The final evening of “66 Artists on 66” Shop Route 66. Inspired original artworks and handmade souvenirs and gifts by 66 local artists!

Stained Glass by LaRae

Opening of New Exhibit

OFPL PlaySpace at ArtsCrawl August 8, 7 – 9PM • Outside OFPL Childrens’ Library 200 West Aztec Avenue, at Second Street

Join OFPL’s PlaySpace at ArtsCrawl for family fun and get creative! Build with our Big Blue Blocks and Dino Bones, made to inspire children to design new environments. Enjoy classic games like chess, checkers, dominoes, cornhole, and ring toss or try something different like badminton and shuffleboard! Draw with chalk and make giant bubbles. #OFPLatArtsCrawl #OFPLCreates Call (505) 863-1291 for more information.

gallupARTS Family Craft in El Morro Events Center

PLAYFUL POPSICLE Turn a paper tube into a piece of eye candy!

Faceless Band

Desert Rain Band

Dozens of Art and Craft vendors Food trucks DJ Benally Gallup Business Improvement District www.gogallup.com/events Arts Crawl information - Text or call: 505-413-6359 This event is sponsored & managed by Gallup Business Improvement District, Inc. a 501c3 Non-Profit Corporation

For a Third Year, Church of the Holy Spirit (Episcopal) Contributes to Support Battered Family Services Here are high-impact donation items that are typically very useful for our organization.

EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS (MOST NEEDED)

These run out fast and are always appreciated • Shampoo, conditioner, body wash • Deodorant, lotion, lip balm • Toothbrushes & toothpaste • Feminine hygiene products(pads, tampons) • Baby wipes & diapers (sizes 4–6) These items are critical because they support basic dignity and daily care for survivors.

HOUSEHOLD & CLEANING SUPPLIES

Many families leave with nothing and need to rebuild:

(June 22, 2026 ) Church of the Holy Spirit, the Episcopal Church for the city of Gallup, raised funds this spring for a third year in support of Battered Families Services of Gallup.

According to Vicar, Rev. Dr. Hilary Smith, members of the Church of the Holy Spirit and the community at large, raised a total of $1,000. They also collected boxes of everyday essentials, such as clothing and food and kitchen items for the families in need.

The contribution is made through a Church of the Holy Spirit outreach program called “Rosemary’s Project,” named for longtime member Rosemary Trimmingham. She seeded the annual fundraising project in 2024 from her loose change. A former teacher at Jefferson Elementary School, Rosemary currently resides at the Grants Wellness and Rehabilitation Center. In her honor, the congregation continues the initiative, which is also supported by community groups that use the church facilities.

Church of the Holy Spirit is the Episcopal Church for the City of Gallup 24

August 2026

and a mission church of the Episcopal Diocese of the Rio Grande with Rev. Dr. Hilary Borbón Smith as its vicar. CHS is home to a diverse, vibrant community with a commitment to fellowship, service, and spiritual growth. Sunday services are held at 10 a.m. All are welcome. For more information, visit the CHS website: https:// churchoftheholyspiritgallup.com.

Battered Families Services provides a safe environment for women, men and children in crisis, empowering them to advocate for themselves, change the way New Mexico addresses domestic violence, and working to eliminate family violence. The donated funds and goods will be used to address any emergency needs of the families they support. A list of helpful items is attached.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call the Battered Families Services 24/7 crisis line at 505-722-7483.

For more information, please contact Gail Browne, Church of the Holy Spirit, Clerk at (602) 341-8388 or gailbrowne22@gmail.com.

• • • • • • •

Laundry detergent & dryer sheets Dish soap & sponges Paper towels & toilet paper Trash bags Brooms, mops, buckets Storage bins & containers Bedding & Comfort Items Twin sheet sets, blankets, pillows • Towels & washcloths

CLOTHING & PERSONAL WEAR (Usually must be new or gently used)

• Women’s & children’s clothing (Limited Space available) • Men’s Clothing (needed more then women’s and children’s clothing at the moment) • New underwear, bras, socks Items are (usually preferred new or unopened, especially hygiene and underwear.)

• Jackets, hoodies, shoes • Baby & Children’s Items • Diapers, formula, baby food • Sippy cups, bottles • Toys, books, school supplies • Backpacks, lunch boxes • • • •

FOOD & KITCHEN ITEMS

Nonperishable foods (canned goods, pasta, rice) Fresh items (milk, bread, fruit when accepted) Pots, pans, utensils, dishes Gift Cards & Financial Support - Walmart, Safeway Albertsons - any local stores that sell any essentials, gas cards

GROCERY STORE GIFT CARDS

• These are powerful because they give survivors choice and independence.

OTHER HELPFUL ITEMS

• Cell phones (even old ones as long as they are unlocked) • Journals, pens, comfort items • First aid supplies (bandages, basic meds)

SHCHS All Classes 2026 Reunion

Dorothy “Martinez” Leyba (505) 870-4777 Mary Cullen (505) 870-4234.

Register today!

We look forward to seeing there!

Chairman Dario Chioda

SEPTEMBER 4–7, 2026

Get Your Kicks at the Sacred Heart Cathedral High School All-Class Reunion

BACK TO SCHOOL

SALE!

The Class of 1966 invites all Sacred Heart Cathedral High School alumni to cruise back to Gallup for a weekend 100 years in the making!

• Who: Classes of the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, and 2000s • Where: Gallup, New Mexico • Why: Because history like this only happens once!

• Friday, Sept 4,

Tentative Schedule:

10am-11am, is the Tour of Sacred Heart Catholic School 5pm-11pm, Re-meet & Re-greet at the KC Hall • Saturday, Sept 5, 5pm-12am, Celebration, KC Hall • Sunday, Sept 6, 11am-12pm, Mass, Diocese Retreat Center; 12:30pm, Breakfast, Veteran Helping Veterans Center • Monday, Sept 7, “Picnic In The Park”, Veterans Helping Veterans Center (indoors); ‘til we re-meet & re-greet again....2036!

Don’t be left in the rearview mirror—Mark your calendars now!

Rental Programs Now Available!

NO CREDIT CHECK • LEASING AVAILABLE • EARLY BUY OUT OPTION

1300 W MALONEY AVE SUITE #322 • 505.488.2041 MON-SAT 11AM-8PM, SUNDAYS 12PM-6PM

August 2026

25

Lights, Camera, Action!

- Filmmaker Spotlight

By Kimberly Becenti

Challenge #3 Winning Short Film "Victor’s Homecoming" Directed by Isaac Smith “Challenge #3: Scene 66 - Create a short film of any genre that includes a scene with Route 66!”

What inspired your location picks in your short film?

IS: I've always liked the old world of the '60s and '70s because it kind of reflects my personality. There was just a lot more life to everything back then. People talked more, shared ideas, and there were so many interesting people out on Route 66—bikers, truckers, and hippies. That old-world feeling was a big inspiration for the locations in the film.

What was the inspiration behind the product placement of the GALLUP JOURNEY? IS:

That was actually Quintana's idea. I

asked if he wanted to be featured in the film, and he was all for it. We stopped by his shop that morning, explained what we were trying to do, and from there he just ran with it. That whole scene really reflects his personality. He brought out the Gallup Journey magazine while we were getting set up outside, and we said, 'Ok, that works!'

Inspired by his travels between New Mexico and Minnesota, Smith transformed those experiences into a film that explores downtown Gallup through a personal and cinematic lens. More than just a creative project, the film marks a significant milestone in Smith's development as a filmmaker. In an interview, Smith and his family reflected on the filmmaking process and the journey of bringing his creative vision to life.

Smith's passion for filmmaking was inspired by his father, who attended film school at New Mexico State University in Las Cruces. Since then, Smith has continued to develop his craft through directing documentaries, stop motion projects, participating in Navajo Technical University's Film Club, and creating a short film for the LA SKINS FEST. Victor's Homecoming represents another step forward in his growing journey as a filmmaker.

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August 2026

What challenges did you run into while creating your short film?

IS: Finding actors was the biggest challenge.

We actually postponed filming for a couple of weekends because my grandma was hesitant about being in the film, but by the end, she told us

she had a lot of fun. We also had a few scenes planned that ended up falling through, which was discouraging, but it reminded me to stay flexible and adapt. It was definitely a learning experience. One scene I really wanted was to have my cousin play a local who misdirects the main character, which would explain why he was wandering all over Gallup, but it just didn't work out.

Any additional words from the family?

Family: "Watching Isaac take the lead on this artistic journey has been a neat thing to see.

He's become a strong director and producer, and it's been exciting to watch him bring his creative vision to life."

“Victor’s Homecoming”, along with the other films submitted throughout the year to the Gallup Journey Film Festival, including “Galloop AlterNative” directed by Tanya Chavez, will be shown on the big screen at El Morro Theatre during the Gallup ArtsCrawl in October.

Pictured from left to right: Melanie Herbert (Auntie to Director), Menell Large (Mom to Director), Isaac Smith (Director), Elijah Smith (Actor, Brother to Director) August 2026

27

By Colt Balok

FINDING GALLUP AGAIN GROWING UP, I NEVER THOUGHT

TWICE ABOUT GALLUP. It was just home. The place I knew every street corner of, every face at Safeway, every shortcut to the Cathedral. When you grow up somewhere, you stop seeing it. It just becomes the backdrop of your life.

It wasn’t until I left that I realized what I had been missing.

This year, America turns 250. Route 66 turns 100. When I started thinking about what those anniversaries meant, I kept coming back to the same question — one I had never thought to ask growing up: why Gallup? Of all the towns along the Mother Road, why did this place earn a line in one of America’s most famous songs? I came home to find out.

As a kid, I thought celebrities only lived in Hollywood. Then I started doing my homework. At Tanner’s Indian Arts — one of Gallup’s most storied trading posts — Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Robert Redford, and Eric Stonestreet (Cam from Modern Family) have all shopped. These weren’t people passing through. They were people who came looking for something specific — something they couldn’t find anywhere else.

That got my attention.

JOE TANNER

A Gallup legend. A Route 66 icon.

No one knows this city better.

I sat down with Joe Tanner, whose family has been at the center of Gallup’s cultural and commercial life for generations. What he told me changed the way I see the city I grew up in. Gallup wasn’t simply another stop on Route 66. Long before the highway arrived, it was already a crossroads — where the Navajo Nation, the Zuni, the Hopi, and waves of immigrants, coal miners, traders, and travelers all found themselves in the same space, building something together that couldn’t be replicated anywhere else.

“We are such a melting pot,” Joe told me. “We’re all one big happy family.”

I used to joke that growing up in Gallup felt like living in a different country. You’re surrounded by the Navajo Nation.

People eat frybread. You hear Navajo spoken at Walmart.

And the flea market? That actually was a different country. I called it home without ever fully appreciating what made it unlike anywhere else in America.

When I came back with a camera and a crew, I wasn’t just making a video. I was trying to answer the question that had been nagging at me for years — what did all those travelers see that I missed? What made Gallup worth stopping for?

The answer is the same thing that makes it worth visiting today. Gallup is one of the few places left in America where you can actually meet the artist. Not buy a reproduction. Not browse a gallery. Sit across from the person who made something with their hands and hear the story behind it.

People have been traveling here for that experience for over a century.

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August 2026

"A hometown isn't just a plae you come from. It's a place that's been quietly rooting for you the whole time you were gone."—Colt Baloc Route 66 introduced Americans to America. Gallup was one of the places that made the introduction worth having.

Throughout the day, cars slowed as they passed — horns

honking, windows rolling down, people calling my name from across the street and across the train tracks. Strangers walked up in parking lots to share how they had found their way into a new career, a new chapter, a new version of themselves. And then one man stopped me and recited our show’s tagline back to me word for word — “Become who you are called to be.” He knew it. Not just the exact words, but the meaning behind it.

They weren’t just saying hello. They were saying thank you.

And I realized something I never could have understood growing up here — a hometown isn’t just a place you come from. It’s a place that’s been quietly rooting for you the whole time you were gone.

I came home to tell that story. I hope you’ll come experience it for yourself.

WITH GRATITUDE To Matt Robinson and Delaney Santillanes with the City of Gallup — thank you for everything you do for this city.

Your dedication behind the scenes makes moments like this one possible.

To my incredible crew who gave their time generously to make this film happen — John Padilla, Allen Hrynick, Matthew Chavez, and David Ferry — none of this exists without you.

And Misty Tolson for casting.

To Mr. Frank Chiapetti, now City Manager, and Mrs. Linda Anderson — you saw something in me when I was just a kid from Gallup still figuring out who he was. I haven’t forgotten that.

To every fan who honked, waved, stopped, and showed up — you are the town that built me.

To my childhood best friends, Samantha Suzuki and Katelynn Thornton — they both have new last names now, but I just can’t bring myself to use them. Being back in Gallup brought every memory rushing back. You two are a big part of why that place will always feel like home.

And to Bryanny Rich, Publisher of Gallup Journey — how remarkable is it that we shared a classroom in elementary school, danced together in high school, and now get to root for each other as entrepreneurs? Thank you for giving me this page.

Watch the Adventures of Colt Route 66 episode at

Facebook.com/ColtBalok

August 2026

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August

Monday, August 3 6-8pm at ART123 Gallery Intergenerational Education Talking Circle Hosted by ATD-4th World, Indigenous LifeWays and gallupARTS. View digital stories created by young people about their school experiences, and join a community discussion on the history and future of education in Gallup. All are welcome!

Through August 8 “66 Artists on 66” at ART123 Gallery. Celebrate the Centennial of Route 66 Gallup-style, with a handmade souvenir shop and art show featuring 66 local artists!

ART123 is open extended hours through August 8: Tuesday - Thursday: 12-6pm Friday and Saturday: 10am-6pm

YES

Saturday, August 15 The August Show: Living Heritage at ART123 Gallery 22 local artists share work at the intersection of culture, history, and personal identity.

Show Opening: Saturday, August 15 from 12-6pm Artist Talk: Saturday, August 15 at 4pm Saturday, August 22 Watercolor Workshop: Fix and Finish, 1-3pm at ART123 Gallery Have a watercolor painting or two you need help perfecting?

Bring up to two unfinished pieces and teaching artists Dana Aldis and Mariea Hall will lend their services! $20/person. All materials included. Advanced registration required: www.galluparts.org/ watercolor Wednesday, August 26 Paint & Sip: Mountain Cottage w/ Apple, Elderflower & Mint Sparkle Mocktail 6-9pm at ART123 Gallery. $40/person.

All materials included. Advanced registration required: www. galluparts.org/paint-sip

NAME: ADDRESS: CITY: STATE:

ZIP:

PLEASE WRITE CLEARLY Allow A Few Weeks For Delivery Mail to: PO BOX 2025 Gallup, NM 87305

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August 2026

Friday, August 7 Friday Night Rides Cars & Coffee, 6-9pm, Camille’s Café 306 S 2Nd St. Gallup Saturday, August 8 McKinley Citizens’ Recycling Council 1:30pm 905 Henrietta (Ford Drive) Zoom access contact: betsywindisch@yahoo. com. Join others dedicated to Reduce, Reuse & Recycling of manufactured items!

Friday, August 28 Navajo Rug Weaving with Diné weaver Lois Becenti offers workshops every 4th Friday from 10am to 2pm. Bring your own supplies & material. Located at the main library. (505)870-3832

AUGUST Events at the Octavia Fellin Public Library and El Morro Theatre

I DO!

I want a copy of God's message of strenth, hope and love. (Psalms and Proverbs). I understand there is no charge. IT IS FREE!

OTHER HAPPENINGS

Route 66 Centennial Traveling Exhibit Wednesday-Saturday, 11AM – 5PM Rex Museum, 300 W Hwy 66 Celebrating the rich legacy of the Mother Road—America’s Main Street—the Route 66 Centennial Traveling Exhibit is open to the public from May 9 through December 31 at the Rex Museum. Drawing from the documentary film series Route 66: The Untold Story of Women on the Mother Road by project director Katrina Parks, the traveling exhibit combines large format interpretive panels, audiovisual materials, and

educational activities designed for youth and family audiences.

Together, these elements invite visitors to explore how Route 66 shaped American history, culture, and identity through the stories of the people who lived, worked, and traveled along it.

Please note: The exhibit will travel to Santa Fe from August 27 through September 1 and will reopen at the Rex Museum on September 2.

Call (505) 863-1291 for more information.

Save the Date 57th Annual Bi-County Fair Sept. 3-7, 2026 Prewitt, NM

Livestock shows, exhibits, vendor booths, contests, bull riding, Junior Livestock Sale, and Jr. Rodeo. Activities begin daily around 9 a.m.

For details, visit mckinleyextension.nmsu. edu or bi-countyfair.com.

Bi-County Fair

Spider-Man Sublimation Bookmarks (for Ages 12+) Monday, August 3, 4PM Children & Youth Library, 200 West Aztec Ave. Make a Spider-Man themed bookmark using OFPL’s MakerSpace equipment. Sublimate your SpiderMan themed bookmark in celebration of Spider-Man Day, August 1st, and the new Spider-Man movie coming out. Space is limited and registration is required. Call (505) 863-1291 for more information.

IRS Community Visit August 4 to August 6 8:30AM - 4PM Main Library, 115 West Hill Ave. The IRS will be at OFPL Tuesday, Face to face help with your tax concerns. IRS tax experts can assist you with tax law, payment arrangements and any forms you may need. Please bring your

government issued ID, any notices you’ve received and any requested documents so the IRS staff can assist you to the best of their ability.

Appointments can be made in advance by calling 615-250-5327.

Call (505) 863-1291 for more information.

End of Summer Reading Party (All ages) Join us at El Morro Theatre and Event Center on August 5th as we celebrate the end of our dinosaur adventures with Dino movies, food, games, and fun! Over the summer, we’ve dug into discovery with our Summer Reading Programs. Celebrate all that you’ve accomplished and come dig in with us! Unearth A Story, invited readers of all ages on adventures through the ancient and extraordinary — from the age of dinosaurs to the fascinating tools of paleontology, archaeology, and geology.

Call (505) 863-1291 for more information.

Children & Youth Library Closure Notice: The OFPL Children & Youth Library will be closed on Wednesday, August 5, while staff prepare for and support the End of Summer Reading Party at El Morro Theatre and Event Center.

The Main Library will remain open during regular hours. Patrons can also access eBooks, audiobooks, streaming media, digital resources, and virtual programs anytime at ofpl.online. Call (505) 863-1291 for more information HelloTech! - We Help You Use Your Technology Tools for members of the Northside Senior Center August 6, 11AM – 1PM Northside Senior Center 607 N 4th St. Members can join OFPL where our staff will provide individual technology assistance and answers to your technology questions. Contact the Northside Senior Citizens Center for information on becoming a member at (505) 722-4740. Call (505) 8631291 for more information.

Special Library Hours Thursday, August 6 and Saturday, August 8 Open 1 – 5PM OFPL will operate these special hours. Visit ofpl.online for ebooks, streaming and virtual programs. Call

(505) 863-1291 for more information.

MakerSpace at ArtsCrawl – Spectacular Spider-Man Bags August ArtsCrawl 7 – 9PM Children & Youth Library, 200 W. Aztec Ave. Join OFPL’s MakerSpace at ArtsCrawl to create your own Spider-Man bag using the sublimation process to heat-transfer images onto fabric. All materials are provided. Don’t miss this hands-on evening of art, technology, and web slinging fun! Call (505) 863-1291 for more information PlaySpace at ArtsCrawl August ArtsCrawl 7 – 9PM In front of the Children & Youth Library, 200 W. Aztec Ave. OFPL’s PlaySpace at ArtsCrawl has a new home! Join us in front of the Children & Youth Library for an evening of family fun, creativity, and play. Build big with our Big Blue Blocks and Dino Bones, enjoy classic games like chess, checkers, dominoes, cornhole, and ring toss, or try something different like table tennis. Families can also draw with chalk, make giant bubbles, and spend time playing together downtown.

By moving PlaySpace closer to the Children & Youth Library, we are inviting families to enjoy ArtsCrawl while also discovering the library’s collections, programs, and welcoming spaces. Stop by, play awhile, and see what OFPL has to offer! Call (505) 863-1291 for more information.

The Mother Road at 100: Voices of Route 66 (All ages) Regular library hours will resume on Monday, July 6, 2026.

Call (505) 863-1291 for more information.

Navajo Code Talkers’ Presentation (All ages) August 14, 1-3PM Main Library, 115 West Hill Ave Honor the courage and legacy of the Navajo Code Talkers during a special presentation with Jean Whitehorse, a Diné woman and daughter of a Navajo Code Talker. to hear personal stories and learn how the Navajo Code Talkers used the Diné language to transmit vital coded messages during World War II. Their code remained unbroken and played an essential role in the Allied war effort.

The program is free and open to all ages. Call (505) 863-1291 for more information.

Upcoming Events Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial

GMCS School Board

Coming This Fall:

505-721-1000

August 2026

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SPORTS

Beat

Rain or Shine: Zia Rides— 24 Hours in the Enchanted Forest

BY AMANDA SPRUELL Mountain bikers from across the United States gathered in the Zuni Mountains July 18–19 for the annual Zia Rides 24-Hour Mountain Bike Race at McGaffey Campground. The event combined endurance racing with family-friendly activities, bringing together cyclists of all ages and experience levels for a weekend of competition, community, and outdoor adventure.

The race featured a challenging 12 to 16-mile course with more than 1,000 feet of elevation gain per lap. Overnight rain made the trails slick and demanding, testing riders’ endurance, skill, and determination as they pushed through difficult conditions.

Participants traveled from as far as Massachusetts. Competitors ranged from young children to seasoned veterans, highlighting the inclusive nature of the event.

Beyond the race itself, Zia Rides created a welcoming atmosphere by providing camping accommodations for participants, their families, and visitors. The weekend offered entertainment and amenities including live music by Dave Payne and the Salt Cedar Band, massages from Yahova Rapha Massage, onsite bike repairs by Fat Tire Cycles, and meals from Rosco’s Tacos from Gallup. Evening activities featured s’mores and an outdoor movie, while the always-popular bike frame toss entertained spectators the following morning.

Competition categories included Kids (ages 4–6), 12-Hour Junior, Men’s, and Women’s divisions, 24-Hour Solo Men’s and Women’s divisions, 50+ Men’s and Women’s categories, Men’s and Women’s Duo teams, and Family Duo teams.

Awards were presented to the top three finishers in each category.

In addition to traditional race awards, Zia Rides recognized participants with several unique honors.

The Congeniality Award celebrated the event’s most courteous rider, the Endo Award recognized the competitor with the toughest luck during the race, and the Best Classic Bike Award honored the cyclist who successfully completed a lap aboard a vintage bicycle.

Among the highlighted finishers, Shack Billups captured first place in the 12-Hour Junior Solo Male division, with Trey Pettersson finishing second. Albert Wimer of Arizona earned the title of Overall Solo Champion while also claiming first place in the Men’s 18-and-over division. In the Women’s 50+ category, Jerry D. claimed first place and Stephanie Chambers finished second.

One of the weekend’s most inspiring participants was Betty, a 79-yearold first-time mountain bike racer whose determination embodied the welcoming spirit of the event.

The McGaffey race followed Zia Rides’ recent 6- and 12-hour race in Cañon City, Colorado. The organization now turns its attention to its next event, scheduled for Aug. 22 in Glorieta, New Mexico, featuring 50-mile, 2632

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mile, and 19-mile race distances.

Zia Rides encourages riders of all ages and abilities to get outside, experience nature, and discover the joy of mountain biking. Sponsors for the event included Apex Physical Therapy, Visit Gallup, Find Your Joy, Big Mike’s, and numerous other community partners whose support helped make the weekend a success.

Local High School Student Makes History

as (potentially the) First from Gallup-McKinley County School District Admitted to UC Berkeley

Srikar Venigalla accepts offer to top-ranked Electrical and Computer Engineering program and receives the inaugural 2026 Sammy C. Memorial Scholarship.

Welcomes Back all McKinley County School Teachers and Students!

S

rikar Venigalla, a student in the Gallup-McKinley County School District, has officially accepted an offer of admission to the Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) program within the College of Engineering at the University of California, Berkeley.

UC Berkeley is widely recognized as one of the world’s premier public research institutions, frequently categorized alongside Ivy League institutions, MIT, and Stanford for excellence in STEM disciplines.

Admission to Berkeley’s engineering programs is highly competitive, with overall acceptance rates typically ranging between 7% and 8%, and even lower for non-resident candidates.

According to a review of publicly available University of California admissions data spanning the past 32 years, Venigalla is the first student from the Gallup-McKinley County School District to be admitted to UC Berkeley. As a statefunded institution, UC Berkeley prioritizes California residents, making out-of-state admittance a rare distinction.

In addition to his academic admission, Venigalla has been named the inaugural recipient of the 2026 Sammy C. Memorial Scholarship, awarded by the Rotary Club of Gallup Charitable Foundation. “As the first recipient of this scholarship, Srikar is deeply touched by its meaning and purpose.

We are also grateful to Chioda’s family for preserving such a special legacy.” parents, Srinivasa and Karthika Venigalla noted.

“These accomplishments reflect Srikar’s dedication and academic excellence, as well as the strong support of the GallupMcKinley County School District, his family, and the broader community,” said his parents, Srinivasa and Karthika Venigalla.

“We extend our sincere appreciation to his principal, Ms. Garro; counselors, Mr. Matkovich and Ms. Rodriquez; and teachers, Ms. Rivera, Mr. Frederiksen, and Ms. Cruz, for their guidance, encouragement, and commitment in helping make this achievement possible.”

Venigalla plans to begin his studies in Electrical and Computer Engineering at UC Berkeley this upcoming academic term.

LET’S HAVE A GREAT NEW SCHOOL YEAR!

For all Your Broadcasting and Digital Marketing Contact: Sylvester (Sly) Paquin Account Manager

505-870-1234 Marti Waters

Outside Sales Account Executive

575-649 -7746

About the Rotary Club of Gallup Charitable Foundation

The Rotary Club of Gallup Charitable Foundation is dedicated to supporting educational initiatives, youth development, and community improvement projects throughout the Gallup area. Through scholarships like the Sammy C. Memorial Scholarship, the Foundation honors local legacies while providing financial assistance to promising students pursuing higher education.

iHeartMEDIA 1632 1632 South South Second Second Street, Street, Gallup Gallup Office Office and and Sales Sales 505-863-9391 505-863-9391 August 2026

33

RED BLUE VS

By Jennifer Bates

Parking was hard to come by as over 417 community members filled the Larry Brian Mitchell Recreation Center in Gallup for a sold-out Red vs. Blue boxing event held on July 18, 2026. The line outside the door only went down when somebody exited the gym, which wasn’t very often. Sponsored proudly by the Gallup Fire Fighters Association, the Gallup Police Officers Association, The Boys and Girls Club of Gallup, and Cowboy Iron Gym, the event raised over $16,000 to support the Boys and Girls Club.

Director of the Gallup Boys and Girls Club Marissa Hutchinson says, “I would like to thank the Gallup Fire Department and the Gallup Police Department for helping host an amazing boxing event. I want to thank all of our sponsors who donated funding that supports our local youth.”

Prayers in English (Chaplain Kleeburger); Spanish (Eloy Hernandez); and Navajo (Kelly Francis) and the singing of the National Anthem performed

by Rebecca Collins started an afternoon of incredible skill and entertainment. Gallup Police Chief Erin Toadlena-Pablo then announced with the energy of Michael Buffer that everyone was “Ready to Rumble!”

Organizer Sergeant Nicola Martinez was on hand to tell us a little more about what went into Rebecca Collins performs the the event. “I am extremely proud National anthem of the brave first responders, volunteers, and staff who stepped

Red vs Blue - Pinero blue vs Baldonado red

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August 2026

Amanda Baldonado

forward to make this event a success. Their commitment, both inside the ring and behind the scenes, demonstrates the heart of public service in our community. The Boys and Girls Club remains an essential resource for Gallup.

In a community that continues to struggle with access to adequate childcare and youth programming, the Club provides stability, mentorship, and opportunity.”

She continues, as a first responder with more than 18 years of service, that she has “seen firsthand how these programs act as unsung heroes, empowering our youth and equipping them with the skills, confidence, and support they need to grow into responsible citizens.”

Nicola and her husband, Captain Steven Collins, who served as the referee for the fights, would like to thank every sponsor, fighter, and attendee who helped make this event possible, and remind everyone that their support directly strengthens the future of Gallup’s children.

Steven explains, “Gallup hasn’t had a competitive boxing scene since the 90’s, when there was the Damon boxing program. The robotics team at the Boys and Girls Club qualified to go to the national robotics competition, but didn’t have the funds to actually go. We wanted to do something about that, and the idea was born to partner with Executive Director

Firerfighter bag

The Trophies

! e c n a

D

let your outfits dance and we will handle the dirt!

208 E. Highway 66 • Gallup, NM • 505.863.9543 Marissa Hutchinson.”

It wouldn’t have been possible without the judges and officials. A very special thank you to the following: Jimmy Montano, long-time PAL Boxing Coach, and Army Veteran, who fought on the All-Army Boxing Team; Darrel Smith, Fort Defiance, AZ Damon Boxing Coach; Kelly Francis, Fort Defiance, AZ Damon Former Champion Boxer; and Timaris Montano, Gallup citizen and entrepreneur, former mayoral candidate and the evening’s Supervisor Judge.

The event was a huge success, and some of the boxers are already asking for rematches. When told that they had a great turnout for the 1st annual event, they suggested that they might not wait a whole year to do it again!

Here are the results from the July 18th matches:

OPEN/EXHIBITION

BLUE CORNER RED CORNER 1. TYRANN SIX (L) AARON MARQUEZ (Army National Guard)(W) 2. LUKE COLLINS (Under Dog Gym) (W) LANCE EVANS (Cowboy Iron Gym)(L) 3. JOSIAH GONZALES (GPD) (W) LORENZO DUNSWORTH (Cowboy Iron Gym)(L) 4. JACOB KEAHTIGH (GPD) (L) DANIEL ESTUPINAN (Cowboy Iron Gym)(W) 5. TYLER LYNCH (NPD) (W) CASEY ROY (Cowboy Iron Gym)(L)

WEIGHT CLASS LIGHT HEAVY TKO SUPER WELTER TKO LIGHT WEIGHT TKO CRUISERWEIGHT DECISION CRUISER WEIGHT TKO

DESIGNATED LAW ENFORCEMENT VS. FIRE FIGHTERS

LAW ENFORCEMENT (BLUE) 6. IRIS PINERO (GPD)(W) 7. ELIJAH BOWMAN (GPD)(W) 8. MICHAEL ELEY (GPD)(L) 9. DOMINIC MOLINA (MCSO)(W) 10. FRANCIS COLLINS (GPD)(W) 11. JOHN GONZALES (GPD)(L) LAW ENFORCEMENT (BLUE) 12. COLE JIM (GPD)(L)

FIRE (RED) AMANDA BALDONADO (GFD) (L) VINCENT ROCHA (GFD)(L) DANA CHIMONI (GFD)(W) JAMES HERRERA (GFD)(L) PAUL MORRIS (GFD)(L) RAYMOND BURROLA (GFD)(W)

MAIN EVENT

FIRE (RED) KOBY LEMENTINO (GFD)(W)

WEIGHT CLASS LIGHT WEIGHT LIGHT HEAVY CRUSIER WEIGHT HEAVY WEIGHT HEAVY WEIGHT HEAVY WEIGHT

TKO TKO TKO TKO TKO TKO

WEIGHT CLASS SUPERWEIGHT

TKO

(L)=LOSE (W)=WIN TKO=TECHNICAL KNOCKOUT (QUIT, REF STOPPED DUE TO TOO MANY KNOCK DOWNS OR SAFETY) DECISION=THE FIGHT WENT THE DISTANCE AND A DECISION HAD TO BE DECIDED BY THE JUDGES ARMY NATIONAL GUARD OPEN (CITIZEN) LAW ENFORCEMENT GPD GALLUP POLICE DEPARTMENT NPD NAVAJO POLICE DEPARTMENT MCSO MCKINLEY COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE FIRE FIGHTER GFD GALLUP FIRE DEPARTMENT August 2026

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BY JENNIFER BATES Virgie Chavez started Virgie’s restaurant in 1960 in the parking lot of Navajo Shopping Center in Gamerco as a little takeout for great homemade food. Then they moved to where Gordo’s is now on Coal Ave. in Gallup. After 10 years there, they moved to where Panz Alegra is on Highway 66, and in 1980, they moved to West Highway 66, where they stayed for the next 46 years.

Yup, that’s a total of 66 years! Virgie’s son Charlie recalls the mostly good, sometimes hard memories of owning and operating a restaurant.

“I was just a little kid when we were right next to the railroad on Coal Avenue. The train would stop, the crew would eat, and the building would shake. I have been working in the restaurant ever since I can remember.” It was a family affair. Charlie’s older brother Freddie, then Charlie, Louie, Esco, Anna, and Marty all grew up in the restaurant business, helping their mom and dad.

Kathy started working at Virgie’s when she was a freshman in high school. “Virgie was like my mom and Charlie was like my brother.” After high school she joined the army and saw active combat. She completed her four years, then came back 36

August 2026

to Gallup, but had a hard time finding a job. She stopped by to see Virgie, who told her to come back to work with her again until she found a different job. The rest is history. Kathy stayed working at Virgie’s for the next 44 years until she got sick in 2020 and was unable to come back. “Virgie and Charlie were so good to me, they helped so many people over the years.”

Another long-term employee Cecelia says, “The reason I worked there so long was because of the way they make their food; everything is homemade, even the tortillas. The people I worked with became family, and the hours worked well for my schedule and life.” Cecelia cried as she remembered her days working at Virgie’s restaurant for over 25 years. “I was so young, quiet, and shy when I first started, but I started to get to know people and our regular customers, and it helped me. Charlie understood if I needed to take time off from work. Even after I got my degree in Criminal Justice, I still worked at Virgie’s because I loved seeing everyone every day. We went through a lot together.”

Charlie’s dad, Timoteo, passed away in 1983, and Virgie kept everything going. When Virgie passed away in 1996, Charlie decided to continue the legacy. Over the years, he’s had some loyal employees and customers, making it a very hard decision to sell the business in March of 2026. Many of the code talkers enjoyed eating and visiting at Virgie’s, and a big group would faithfully come for lunch every year right after the Ceremonial parade. Many family members would also come during the Ceremonial to help because they were so busy. Bill Heard, pictured below, was helping one time and kept hitting his head on the pots and pans that were hanging from the hood. He left for a little while, and when he came back, he was wearing a hard hat! When he got older and wasn’t able to drive, Charlie would pick him up every Friday and Saturday night, and he would help at the restaurant.

Another tenured employee, Judy, recollects, “Virgie hired me in 1983, and I worked there for 44 years.“We would go through hard times, but we would all meet at the start of a new day and keep going, together. The Chavez family was so good to me, always there for me, and a very good family to work for. We had many regular customers who were very friendly; they would come in with a smile and a laugh, and all of that kept us going. I miss it every day.” Anita Smith, hired at the same time as Judy, passed away from COVID. All the hard things they went through made them even closer.

Running the restaurant was not the only thing Charlie did. He served on the Lions Club for 22 years and on the Gallup City Council for four terms from 1988 through 2003. One of the major accomplishments during that time was the construction of the Sports Complex. He also coached baseball from 1972 to 1979.

Charlie lost his brother, Louie, and talked about how there is no book that tells you how to grieve; you just have to go through it. As we talked, he told

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When I asked Charlie what he would like to say to the people who would be reading this article, he said: “Put in big, big letters,

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU to all our loyal customers and everyone who came in over the years. I loved serving you all.”

me about also losing his son and his daughter. The room went silent for a moment, and Charlie talked about how there is no pain as deep as losing a child. Having his grandkids move in with them is what kept him going. He is so proud of them and thanks God every day for them. His daughter Candyce and granddaughters Ashleigh and Ally all worked at Virgie’s when they were in high school. The energy and cheerfulness they brought to the restaurant made a big difference. Ally just started as a Medical Assistant in Phoenix and enjoys being a server on the weekends. Ashleigh is going to nursing school

in Arizona.

“The first morning I woke up after the sale went through, I really didn’t know what to do with myself. I’m probably driving my wife crazy, but I’m so thankful for her; she has been and is always there for me, and I could never have made it through anything without her. I do miss talking with people. I gave it my best.”

So, next time you have a craving for Virgie’s, drive to the West side of town and pay the new owners a visit. Following some renovation work, they plan to open soon. The name went along with the sale, and we look forward to many more years of familiar smiles and food, amid the winds of change.

When I asked Charlie what he would like to say to the people who would be reading this article, he said: “Put in big, big letters, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, to all our loyal customers and everyone who came in over the years. I loved serving you all.”

August 2026

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Katrina Benally OF THE MONTH

By Cherille Williams

K atrina Benally’s story doesn’t begin on a stage, but with a Fisher-Price cassette player,

a pair of headphones, and a kid who couldn’t stop moving when music came on. Long before she ever thought about artistry as a career, she had an attachment to sound— something instinctive and joyful—like a personal lifeline.

“I remember getting that for Christmas when I was like nine,” she recalls, laughing about the Spice Girls tape that lived in her little cassette player. “I was that kid with my headphones on… all happy, dancing around.”

That early joy grew into curiosity. Growing up around Gallup, Katrina found music in Walmart CD aisles and unexpected places where she could afford a new sound for five dollars. She remembers a vendor at the flea market who sold CDs casually expanding her world. “He really opened my mind… to different music around the world,” she says.

One of her biggest early discoveries was Notorious B.I.G.—a record she played repeatedly without realizing how deeply hip-hop was already rooting itself into her identity.

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August 2026

At the same time, she was teaching herself instruments as soon as she could get her hands on them. Her first was a small keyboard that came with little instructional books tucked inside.

Katrina learned everything from “My Heart Will Go On” to “Take Me Out to the Ball Game,” laying the foundation for a lifelong relationship with music: learning by listening, repeating, failing, and trying again.

At 14, she followed the gravitational pull many teenagers feel: guitar.

“Everyone’s playing guitar,” she says, “so of course, I want to be able to play guitar.” One of the first riffs she learned was the intro to Tesla’s “Love Song,” followed by Blink-182, System of a Down, and Red Hot Chili Peppers intros—songs both accessible and addictive to practice. Like many musicians, she started with moments that felt like magic: the first few seconds of a song that make you want to pick up an instrument and keep going.

But Katrina’s journey wasn’t just technical—it was emotional and demanded courage.

Finding Her Voice (Literally)

After high school, Katrina began writing her own songs, and her first heartbreak became a turning point.

Making music, especially singing, made her vulnerable.

“I remember being embarrassed at first,” she says, describing singing in a small mobile home while her parents were close by. “In order to hit notes… you gotta

be loud. You gotta let it out.”

“Letting it out” wasn’t just about volume. It was about identity—about stepping into herself even when she wasn’t sure who would accept it. Katrina talks openly about realizing she had feelings for the same sex as early as six or seven, though she didn’t have language for it then. She describes testing the waters with close friends in high school, joking about dating girls after graduation just to see how they’d respond.

When she finally came out to her parents while home from college, her dad’s reaction was calm—almost unsurprised. Her mom initially disowned her but quickly came around. Katrina speaks honestly and compassionately about that period, acknowledging how much family, culture, and society shape a parent’s first reaction. “She’s grown so much,” Katrina says of her mom. “I love her… it’s amazing, especially Native parents and where they come from.”

Music wasn’t separate from that process but intertwined. Music was a way to survive, to tell the truth, and to build a life that felt real. When someone in the conversation describes music as “a soundtrack of your life,” she immediately agrees.

Kid Cudi’s “Pursuit of Happiness” in particular became a marker for her—an anthem during a time when she realized fulfillment wasn’t going to come from a relationship alone.

“It was going after music,” she says. “It was facing my fears.”

From Bedroom Beats to Tours and Workshops

Katrina didn’t stop at guitar and songwriting. She wanted to rap—and if she was going to rap, she wanted

to build the full world around it. That meant making her own beats, too.

A laptop she got through college funding became a studio. She describes the thrill of suddenly having “hundreds, thousands of instruments” available through software, and how her childhood keyboard prepared her to navigate that digital universe. She developed a simple test: if the beat made her nod her head without trying, it stayed. If it didn’t, she scrapped it.

Her early tracks were raw, sometimes dark, and deeply personal. She speaks about those early songs as proof of artistic growth—and as a reminder that creating often means acknowledging the parts of yourself that people prefer you hide. Later, the music evolved into catchy hooks and playful tracks—music she hoped could live in someone’s head like a one-hit wonder. The goal wasn’t just fame; it was connection.

As her work gained traction, Katrina and her collaborators organized tours as independent artists— driving to places like LA and New York, performing in community spaces like skate shops, and funding everything themselves. They treated touring like a

planned vacation where performing was the “bonus”—a mindset that helped them protect the joy of creating.

Music stayed fun, stayed authentic, stayed about the people.

They also learned the practical truths: early shows sometimes meant no door money, and merch sales made up the difference. Katrina and her team designed stickers, burned CDs, created jewelry and wood-burned pieces—anything they could make with their own hands to support the work and keep control of their artistic direction.

That independence wasn’t just a business strategy.

It was political, cultural, and personal. Katrina speaks clearly about the difference between mainstream rap and hip-hop that serves community, truth, and lived experience. For her, real hip-hop doesn’t require commercial validation—it exists for those who can hear it.

Eventually, that community focus grew into something bigger: art and hip-hop workshops on reservations.

A Grassroots Mission: Art as Survival

The workshops are mobile, hands-on, and built on purpose: to offer creative escape, build confidence, and support Indigenous youth in communities disproportionately affected by suicide and disconnection.

Their setup included multiple stations—spray-paint mural art, wood burning, screen printing, and a recording area where youth could write and record songs on professional equipment. In some places, they created pop-up “studios” that brought high-level tools directly into communities that rarely get access to them. They welcomed adults too, encouraging intergenerational creativity.

They also resisted becoming dependent on government funding, aiming to stay grassroots and aligned with their values. Katrina describes it plainly: they were “a band of Indians going to different reservations to teach art,” reminding people of their own resilience and talent.

And talent is something Katrina returns to often— especially when speaking about Indigenous youth. “It’s in you,” she says. “As simple as your heartbeat.”

Silver, Fire, and Family

While music shaped Katrina’s public identity, silversmithing shaped her from childhood.

She began learning at nine years old, spending time after school in Gallup near KGAK Radio where her dad, uncles, and other silversmiths worked. Her first task wasn’t glamorous: washing jewelry before final buffing.

But to a kid watching silver emerge bright from the dust, it was magic. Over time, she learned more and more—eventually becoming one of the smiths in her parents’ shop.

Katrina laughs about the realities of the craft: cuts, burns, and the endless struggle of buffing—hot metal,

aching fingers, and long hours for a shine that makes it all feel worth it. Silversmithing mirrors life: difficult, repetitive, sometimes painful—but transformative if you stay with it.

Her artistry today includes pushing tradition forward.

She describes making prong settings (less common than bezel settings in many Native styles), inspired by watching other silversmiths and experimenting with her own approach. Her influences stretch wide—from ceremonial rug designs to heavy metal aesthetics, from Native resilience to what she calls “riot.” Even gothic inspiration finds its way into her designs through oxidation and bold, dimensional details.

The thread connecting it all—music, jewelry, identity, activism—is creative honesty.

Sobriety and Becoming Herself Again

One of the most powerful parts of Katrina’s story is her sobriety. She shares that she’s two years without drinking after years of daily alcohol use, starting at 14.

She doesn’t romanticize the past; she acknowledges the harm, the relationships affected, and the work it takes to change. She also speaks about the emotional clarity sobriety brings—crying, feeling fully, and learning to be openly optimistic without numbing herself first. She credits community support and emphasizes that she’s still learning. What matters is that change is possible, and that surviving can turn into living.

Advice to Younger Artists

If Katrina could speak directly to younger artists— and to her younger self—her message is immediate: Believe in yourself sooner.

“If you feel it in your gut, if you feel it in your heart, run with it,” she says. “Don’t worry about what society is doing around you because this society wasn’t built in your favor… trust yourself as an Indigenous person.”

What She’s Promoting Now

Katrina encourages listeners to check out her music on Spotify, including her EP Power of Three—a trio of tracks released with intention and theme: “Religious Bullshit,” “Reparations,” and “Without Hate.” The last one carries a line that reflects her balanced worldview: “Without hate, we wouldn’t know love”—a difficult truth, especially for Native communities that have endured generations of harm, but also a call toward finding meaning, resilience, and forward motion.

Katrina Benally’s path isn’t a straight line. It’s a collage of sound, survival, craft, rebellion, family, community, and persistence. From a cassette player at nine years old to touring as an independent hip-hop artist, from teaching youth workshops to shaping silver into symbols of identity—she keeps returning to the same core truths: Your voice matters, even before it’s perfect.

Your art is allowed to be honest.

And if you keep going, you will shine.

August 2026

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The Journey is partnering with Gallup Community Health to answer health-related questions from our community. To propose a question, please email info@gallupcommunityhealth.org. While this column provides general answers, everyone is different, so the best way to seek medical advice is to ask your healthcare provider.

Hi Gallup friends and neighbors!

August 2 through 8 is National Community Health Center Week.

I am guessing this term does not register with many of the readers of the Gallup Journey, but it does mean a lot to those of us at Gallup Community Health.

You may have heard that GCH is a Federally Qualified Health Center, or FQHC. (In our case this is not quite accurate, as we are actually an FQHC Look-Alike, which is way too deep in the weeds for the sake of this article.) Presbyterian Medical Services (the Northside Clinic and PMS Behavioral Health Clinic) are also FQHC clinics in our town. Another term for FQHC is Community Health Center So, what is a Health Center?

A Health Center is a kind of medical, behavioral health, and dental clinic whose mission is to serve people who live in poor and underserved areas. The federal government keeps track of how many healthcare providers are available relative to the needs of a community and whether there are enough doctors, behavioral health providers, and dentists to care for the population. McKinley County, unsurprisingly, scores very high on this needs scale. That means that, despite having healthcare organizations such as GIMC and RMCH in our community, we still have far fewer providers than we need. Most of us probably know this already because we have family members who have struggled to get in to see a doctor, therapist, or dentist when they need one.

When a community meets these high-need markers, a clinic can apply to become a Community Health Center. In exchange for taking care of everyone who walks through the door, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay, the federal government helps offset some of those costs through enhanced Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement.

Health Centers are also required to offer discounted fees for low-income patients, so that money is never a barrier to getting care. We are also required to provide as much preventative care and wrap-around services. For GCH, that means that along with your medical health, we also do our best to address the issues that keep many people from being well—such as having access to food and a safe place to live, It is understandable if this all sounds a little boring. But what becomes interesting is realizing that our local clinics are part of a much larger movement doing incredible work in some of the highest-need communities in America. Today there are more than 1,500 Community Health Centers operating at over 17,000 service locations across the country, serving approximately 52 million patients. About one in every seven Americans, including one in three people living in rural areas get their health care at a Community Health Center. In New Mexico alone, there are more than 200 health center sites serving over 328,000 patients annually.

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Health Centers can be found in places as diverse as inner-city Boston, the Mississippi Delta, remote Alaska villages, farming communities in California, Native American communities throughout the Southwest, and small towns across Appalachia. While these communities are quite different from one another, they share the common task of making sure people can get healthcare when they need it in their own communities.

The Health Center movement began during the Civil Rights era. During that time, physicians, community leaders, and civil rights advocates became increasingly concerned that many poor communities—particularly Black communities in the South—had little or no access to healthcare. In 1965, under President Lyndon B. Johnson’s War on Poverty initiative, the first two Neighborhood Health Centers were established in Boston, Massachusetts, and Mound Bayou, Mississippi. These centers were built on a simple but powerful idea: healthcare should be available to everyone, regardless of income or ability to pay. 60 years later, the Health Center philosophy that healthcare is a fundamental human right, still holds true.

Community Health Centers are nonprofit organizations, meaning that any surplus revenue is reinvested back into patient care, staff, facilities, and services rather than paid out to owners or shareholders. They are governed by local boards of directors that represent the communities they serve. In fact, most board members must be a patient themselves.

Here at Gallup Community Health, our Board of Directors is ultimately responsible for making sure that GCH is serving the needs of this community as best we can while staying true to our mission: to make excellent care available to all, regardless of ability to pay. They volunteer countless hours of their time because they believe Gallup deserves access to high-quality healthcare close to home.

National Health Center Week is an opportunity to recognize not only the doctors, nurses, counselors, dentists, and support staff who serve our community every day, but also the patients, board members, and community partners who make this work possible. Whether you receive care at Gallup Community Health, Presbyterian Medical Services, or another Health Center somewhere in the country, you are part of a movement that has spent six decades working toward a simple goal: making sure everyone has access to healthcare, regardless of where they live or how much money they have.

This August 2–8, join us and the National Association of Community Health Centers in celebrating the work of Community Health Centers across America and the people they serve. Community Health Centers may not make headlines very often, but every day they quietly provide essential healthcare to millions of Americans—including right here in Gallup.

Market Rate (Non-Low Income) Apartments in the Gallup Area East Mesa Apartments 710 E. Mesa Avenue Gallup, NM 87301 (505) 863-6389

Casitas Del Sol Apartments 210 Cedar Hills Drive Gallup, NM 87301 (505) 722-7811

Park Apartments 1638 S. 2nd Street Gallup, NM 87301 (505)722-7811

Cedar Crest Apartments 200 Nizhoni Blvd.

Gallup, NM 87301 (505)722-4557

Vista Del Sol Apartments 800 So. 3rd Street Gallup, NM 87301 (505)722-4787

Nizhoni Terrace Apts.

222 Nizhoni Blvd.

Gallup, NM 87301 (505)722-3327

Orleans Manor Apartments 900 S. Boardman Gallup, NM 87301 (505)722-4236

Casamera Apartments 350 Basilio Drive Gallup, NM 87301 (505)863-2700

NEW – Haven Apartments 3009 W. HWY 66 Gallup, NM 87301 (505) 488-2069

Low-Income or Mixed-Income Housing in the Gallup Area Cedar Hills Apartments 1710 Elm Cir. Gallup, NM 87301 (505)863-3689 Gallup Housing Authority 203 Debra Dr. Gallup, NM 87301 (505)722-4388 Villa De Gallup [Mixed] 325 Klagetoh Dr. Gallup, NM 87301 (505)726-0804 Hooghan Hozho [Mixed] 201 E. Coal Ave. Gallup, NM 87301 (505)722-9588

Sagebrush Apartments 650 Dani Dr. Gallup, NM 87301 (505)722-7454

Hidden Valley Apartments 810 Patton Dr. Gallup, NM 87301 (505)863-9253

Sun Valley Apartments 201 Montoya Blvd.

Gallup, NM 87301 (505)863-6726

Pinon Hills Apartments 2811 Dairy Dr. Gallup, NM 87301 (505)722-6025

Cliffside Apartments 601 Dani Drive Gallup, NM 87301 (505)722-0127

Chuska Apartments 2534 E. Aztec Ave. Gallup, NM 87301 (505)863-6131

Emergency or Shelter Housing in the Gallup Area St. Joseph Shelter 404 N. 5th Street Gallup, NM 87301 (505) 722-5156

NCI Shelter 506 Francis St. Gallup, NM 87301 (505) 722-9282

HOUSING PROVIDER RESOURCE LISTING

by Gallup Housing Authority If any information is incorrect, please contact us at: Gha.main@galluphousing.com

By Charles Horace How do we define life? Is it a career, a calling, a single decision, or the countless moments that quietly shape who we become?

I believe every person carries a story worth sharing; because it is the intricate human experience that connects all of us together.

I believe our collective story— whether it be culture, history, or narrative—is how we find any semblance of truth to life’s purpose.

Whatislife.blog was created on this belief: that every individual contains a story worthy of being heard. Through meaningful conversations with entrepreneurs, innovators, artists, community leaders, and everyday visionaries, the podcast explores the experiences behind accomplishments,

service, and cultural understanding while reflecting on the differences between life in North Carolina and Dinétah.

Episode 15 features Erick Chief, owner of Chief’s Auto Service, as he shares his journey of entrepreneurship and building a business rooted in personal values. As a Christian-owned, Navajo-owned, and Veteran-owned company, Chief’s Auto Service represents the importance of identity, perseverance, and community through serving customers throughout Arizona.

In Episode 14, the conversation turns toward the music industry with Zoo Music, a Phoenix-based music label management company. This episode explores the challenges of developing emerging artists, building a career in music, and creating a successful business in a constantly changing creative landscape.

Episode 13 highlights leadership and governance with Arvin Trujillo,

challenges, faith, perseverance, creativity, and purpose that shape each journey.

Each episode invites listeners to look beyond the surface and discover the beauty found within the complexity of humanity. As you read through the brief descriptions of our recent episodes, please feel free to continue the conversation by experiencing all the episodes on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.

In Episode 16, Whatislife.blog welcomes Lawson Cox, a young educator originally from North Carolina who made the bold decision to move across the

a candidate for Navajo Nation President. The discussion focuses on issues impacting Dinétah, including population growth, residency challenges, government collaboration, and creating economic opportunities for the Navajo people.

The podcast also expands beyond borders in Episode 12, recorded in Sucre, Bolivia, featuring Dani, a Team Coordinator and Sponsorship Analyst with Food for the Hungry (FH). Alongside translator Alexis from Albuquerque, New Mexico, the conversation explores poverty, community development, and the

country after high school to live and teach on the Navajo Nation. Through his experiences in education and youth ministry, Lawson shares lessons of faith,

relationships built through nonprofit work. Episode 11 introduces Hustling Magician, a creator who blends entertainment, fitness, magic, and humor to inspire his online community. The discussion explores healthy lifestyles, personal growth, and the culture behind the hustle mindset.

Finally, Episode 10 features Chad Bradley discussing journalism, repatriation, and Indigenous relations. Together, they examine the effects of misinformation, news deserts, and the importance of local journalism in protecting community voices and ensuring rural Native communities have access to reliable information.

From entrepreneurship and education to culture, leadership, and service, Whatislife.blog continues its mission of connecting the intricate moments of humanity. Every conversation reveals a simple truth: every life has a story, and every story has the power to inspire.

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August 2026

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A huge thank you to our partners at SFE for helping make this year's Summer Lunch Program a success!

Throughout the month of June, Gallup-McKinley County Schools served 50,026 meals, including our popular 5-day meal kits, ensuring students had access to nutritious meals all summer long.

Summer Feeding - Parks

Summer Feeding - Parks

The good news continues! As we return to the classroom, breakfast and lunch are provided FREE to all students enrolled at GMCS schools participating in the Universal Breakfast and Lunch Program during the 2025–2026 school year. No application is required, and every student can enjoy healthy, nutritious meals each school day.

Providing free meals helps students stay focused, energized, and ready to learn because no child should have to worry about being hungry at school.

Thank you again to SFE, our Nutrition Services staff, and everyone who helped make this program possible.

We look forward to serving our students throughout the school year!

Ford Can Indian Hil

eld Day For questions about the meal program, please contact the GMCS Food Service Department at (505) 721-1126 or (505) 721-1127.

Non-discrimination Statement: In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.

Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.

To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, which can be obtained online at: USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant's name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation.

Completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by: 1. Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410

What are parents saying? They are grateful. These meals help provide an3. activity for the summer to keep the kids busy. The kids Email: program.intake@usda.gov staff in the parks. That makes them happy and us 2. Fax: (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Dream Come True: A Memorable Day at Bo Nix Youth Football Camp On June 13, 2026, my grandkids and our family had the opportunity to attend the Bo Nix Youth Football Camp in Denver, Colorado. It was a day my grandchildren, Caiden and Lilly, will never forget.

Caiden, 16, is a sophomore at Thoreau High School, and Lilly, 11, a sixth grader at Thoreau Middle School. Both love football and have always admired Bo Nix as the quarterback for the Denver Broncos. Meeting their sports hero in person and having the chance to take a personal photo with him was truly a dream come true.

The experience was about much more than meeting a famous athlete.

It reminded us of the important role sports play in the lives of our young people, especially our Native youth. Participating in sports teaches valuable life lessons that extend far beyond the playing field. Young athletes learn courage by stepping outside their comfort zones and believing in themselves. They develop confidence, discipline, respect, and perseverance while working toward their goals.

Sports also teach the value of teamwork.

Players learn to encourage one another, listen to their coaches, and work together toward a common goal. While winning is always exciting, the greatest lessons often come through the challenges of competition. Learning how to handle both victories and defeats with good sportsmanship helps build character that lasts a lifetime.

Seeing the excitement and inspiration in my grandchildren’s faces reminded me that role models like Bo Nix can have a lasting impact on young people. We are grateful for the opportunity he gave youth the chance to learn, grow, and dream a little bigger.

As a grandmother and a member of the Thoreau community, I am proud to see our young Native students pursuing opportunities like this. They represent not only their schools and families but also our community with pride, determination, and respect. I hope their experience encourages other Native youth to get involved in sports, believe in themselves, and never be afraid to chase their dreams.

Our family is thankful for this unforgettable experience and for the positive example Bo Nix continues to set for young athletes. We hope stories like this inspire more families to support their children in athletics, where the lessons learned extend far beyond the game and help shape confident, compassionate, and successful young Native adults.

Charlotte Ashley, Grandmother

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“Hand In The Sand”

My heart and soul Have been through the storm And through the waves I see a shore But it’s no use I can’t swim no more Floating by, I might look so free Depression feels like an ocean to me Waves pull me under as I claw towards the shore’s edge.

I get nearer with each wave that crashes against shore, Able to touch the sand at last.

Only to get pulled back out By the currents hand.

So I paddle, and kick trying to reach that sand.

Just yearning to walk on land Next to you … hand in hand… ⁃ E.M.B. :) SHOUT OUT to Eric-Paul from his father Ken Riege. Eric-Paul has his art in 9 different shows across the world! 1 in England and 1 in Switzerland along with 7 across the USA.

See Ken Riege's article on page 12 Congratulations to Eric Paul!

Gardening G In Western New Mexico

ardeners who move to New Mexico from other states are often surprised and bewildered about our growing conditions. If you lived in New Mexico all your life, you learned to accept that many plants do not flourish here. Why not give them more water?

Water is only part of the solution to the problem.

I addressed the soil problem a couple of months ago: its alkalinity, its lack of organic matter, its often clay-like composition. Now, I want to focus on our ALTITUDE. Altitude is the vertical distance of an object measured from sea level. All of western New Mexico is one mile above sea level or higher. Grants and Gallup, our two major cities, are at 6,400 feet; Thoreau and Crownpoint are at 7,000 feet; and the Chuska and Zuni Mountains are at 8,000 feet or higher.

Successful gardening at 6,000 feet and above requires adopting strategies specifically designed for high desert and mountain climates.

An example of this is fruit trees. Albuquerque (at 5,300 feet) had a bumper crop of fruit this year, while Grants and Gallup had some fruits with others killed by late frosts. At 7,000 feet and up, none of the fruit trees produced a crop. People in this area have learned to cover their fruit trees if they want a reliable crop.

A short season and nighttime temperatures are our biggest challenges. We often have 30 or 40 degrees of temperature changes in one day which stresses plants. Tomatoes and peppers love warm weather, and these dramatic swings can shock them to stop producing fruit. The growing zones for our area are Zones 4, 5a, or 5b. Growing zones were developed to help determine when to plant and harvest crops. Look for “days to maturity” on seed packages or plant labels.

A tomato variety that needs 90 days to mature means fruit might turn red just as we get our first frost. Succession planting is very difficult to do here because of the short growing season.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS ARE: • Wind not only breaks stems, it “wick-dries” the moisture right out of leaf pores. Plan your garden to include natural windbreaks and stake tall plants securely to withstand sudden afternoon wind gusts.

• Thin high-altitude air leads to rapid evaporation that pulls moisture out of your plants and soil. Mulch is the best way to keep soil temperatures stable and keeps moisture in the root zone.

• Don’t ignore the winter drought. In the southwest, our arid winters can dehydrate trees, shrubs, and perennials. “Winter kill” means “winter thirst” so water plants and trees once a month in the winter if there has been no significant snow or rain.

ATTENTION: If you have fruits, vegetables, or flowers, take the best of your garden to the Bi-County Fair on September 3rd or 4th to be entered for judging. The fairgrounds are east of Prewitt, NM and the fair is on Labor Day weekend, September 3rd-7th. Check the website: NM Bi-County Fair for hours and to pre-register your entries. There is a Junior Category if you have a child or grandchild who has a garden.

Kids (and adults) love getting a ribbon!

Edith Iwan is a Cibola-McKinley County Master Gardener who lives and works in Thoreau. As a Master Gardener, she assists the County Cooperative Extension Service in providing accurate, research-based gardening information to county residents. If you have any gardening questions, please call the NMSU Cibola County Extension at 505-2879266 or NMSU McKinley County Extension at 505-863-3432.

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Celebrating Toby J. Henry (2020–2026)

Toby J. Henry was a tiny pup with a huge personality who brought endless joy and laughter to our home. Adopted in 2020, Toby lived six wonderful, pampered years traveling on adventures, enjoying his favorite biscuit treats, and proudly keeping watch at the doorway to greet passing cars and the trash truck.

He was truly one of a kind with a mind entirely his own. Toby loved learning Diné (Navajo) words and was fiercely devoted to his dad— welcoming him home from work each day by nestling around his neck or perching right on his shoulder. Though he faced scoliosis with brave, sweet resilience, Toby never lost his spirited nature.

Toby brought so much happiness to our family and to everyone who knew him. We are deeply grateful for the wonderful years, unforgettable moments, and pure love he gave us.

Toby will always be dearly loved, warmly remembered, and forever in our hearts.

-Marlene Henry PUBLIC NOTICE PUBLIC INFORMATION IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT: Effec9ve August 27, 2026, Christopher Hoover, M.D., will no longer provide services at Red Rock Specialty Clinic. Effec9ve September 17, 2026, Brent Munroe, M.D., will no longer provide Orthopedic Services at Red Rock Specialty Clinic.

Y L R A E L K A O N I O F B OUR G! FOR YMER FLIN SUM

AUer these dates, medical records will con9nue to be maintained by Red Rock Specialty Clinics.

With wriWen pa9ent authoriza9on, a copy of your medical record may be obtained through the Health Informa9on Management Department.

When needed, Red Rock Specialty Clinic will be glad to help pa9ents establish care with a new provider. Orthopedic pa9ents are encouraged to schedule an appointment with Mark Werner, M.D., our new on-site orthopedic surgeon.

Please call Red Rock Specialty Clinics at (505) 863-7200 for addi9onal informa9on.

Share your sports photos and stories!

Email gallupjourney @gmail.com

Beacon

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• Dog and Cat Boarding • Indoor/Outdoor Kennels • Fully fenced exercise area to potty and play!

• Dog Grooming • Private Training w/ Dan Visit us at www.laughingdogkennel.com 105 S. Dean Street August 2026

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Turquoise Man & Local Family Hotel The Rest Stop Inn’s New Sand Painting

Shawn Nelson, also known as the Turquoise Man, is an artist across many media. Mr. Nelson says he enjoys working with many different perspectives and has a clear vision of the past and future, spanning traditional and modern cultures. He is a Native American Board Member of the CDFI Clearinghouse in Lake Forest, California.

This organization has funded the Middle College High School here in Gallup.

He is also supportive of the new library construction, which has been a hot topic.

In this story, we’re focusing on his art pieces, featured at the newly renovated Rest Stop Inn on the west side of Gallup.

Owner Judy Soohoo of the Rest Stop Inn, formerly known as the Americana, at 2005 West Historic Highway 66, allowed us to speak in the updated lobby about Mr. Nelson’s newest featured art piece. Mr. Nelson stayed at the hotel many years ago when Judy’s late brother Sam ran it. He said Sam appreciated his artwork and regularly purchased pieces from him. Mr. Nelson fondly recalls Sam as a “real go-getter.”

The hotel has been in the Soohoo family since 1997; when Judy’s brother

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Sam passed away in 2023, Judy began running it. Today, the hotel catches the eye with fresh, vibrant paint that reflects the southwestern vibe, along with dark coral red and bright turquoise trim. Mr. Nelson already has many art pieces throughout the hotel. “We wanted to have it be a comfortable and tranquil feeling” for visitors to rejuvenate themselves, Judy reflects. What better way to commemorate the rebranded hotel than with a new, unique piece from Mr. Nelson that draws on tradition and modern style?

Mr. Nelson walked us through his process for creating the new masterpiece that will hang in the halls of the Rest Stop Inn. This large sand painting begins with a photo. He notes that all his materials are gathered naturally and respectfully. Sand painting is a traditional art form that is time-consuming and requires great patience, speed, and precision. It is unforgiving

and allows very few discrepancies. The iconic Pyramid Rock is the main subject of the sand painting. The sky, the birds, the foreground, and every intricate detail capture the essence of the majestic red mesas, one of our defining features.

This piece is captivating and fits beautifully at this hotel. The brilliant blue sand glimmers and plays with the light, making it hard to look away. Many of Mr. Nelson’s art pieces are displayed throughout the hotel. Judy has also commissioned Mr. Nelson to create a centennial Route 66 piece, and the piece is currently underway. Mr. Nelson hopes to present it at the 104th Gallup InterTribal Indian Ceremonial.

Keep an eye out for Mr. Nelson, aka Turquoise Man, and his newest art piece celebrating 100 years of Route 66. If you get the chance, you can view more great works at the Rest Stop Inn. Thank you to Mr. Nelson for bringing this to the community’s attention, and we’re happy to celebrate local initiatives and to have Ms. Soohoo graciously host us in the beautifully restored hotel.

August 2026

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Asking

By Jennifer Bates

s n o i t s e u Q

What propelled this grant into motion for McKinley County?

We all remember when a drunk driver drove straight into dancers and spectators at the Intertribal Ceremonial Centennial parade on August 4, 2022 [on] Coal Avenue and Hwy 66 here in Gallup, injuring over 15 people, including law enforcement officers. It was a miracle no one was killed. Shortly afterward, Sindy Sacoman of SBS Consulting applied for the ReCAST (Resiliency in Communities After Stress and Trauma) through SAMSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration), requesting funding for first responders and community members who had experienced trauma from the parade incident. The grant was awarded, but it took some time for the funds to actually arrive.

There are four different components of the grant. Karla Ismay, LPCC, handles the trauma therapy aspect, which was initially offered to first responders to address the kind of trauma they face on a daily basis. She also leads a training program with other clinicians in McKinley County, specifically centered on trauma, to build this competency with therapists. Other parts of the grant include a book club and ear needling/seeds.

Karla says: There’s a big stigma in the first responder community about doing therapy, so not a lot of people took us up on this. Everyone gets up to 30 free sessions, so it’s a great opportunity for people to take advantage of. Then we opened it up to city employees, and for the first couple of years, we advertised through the City of Gallup’s behavioral health program. We still had openings, so we opened it to anyone living in McKinley County. We’ve hung up flyers, and we are trying to spread the word. There aren’t many therapists available in the McKinley County area, and most have wait lists.

What types of therapy do you provide under the grant?

Eye Movement and Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Reconsolidation of Traumatic Memories (RTM), [and] Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (T-CBT).

These are all evidence-based models. The first two (EMDR, RTM) work with the neurology of trauma. T-CBT is a highly recommended treatment for trauma and is more of a traditional talk-therapy model.

The therapy is done through telehealth and is geared towards trauma. Ismay does EMDR and the similar therapy of RTM. She explains: In old school trauma therapy, we called it exposure therapy; we were just trying to get people to talk about their trauma and feel their emotions. Sometimes that was helpful, and sometimes it made things worse by retraumatizing the client with no other interventions to address this.

EMDR actually came about as an accident. A woman, a psychology researcher, was walking, thinking about

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Karla Ismay Interview About EMDR Therapy and Grant

something that was really upsetting to her, and crying. She tripped and fell, and her eyes did this weird thing, and she kind of picked herself up and started walking again. Then she started thinking about the incident again, and it was no longer bothering her. It wasn’t emotional for her anymore.

So, she went back to her lab and started testing it out, and that eventually became EMDR. It’s a unique form of therapy because it’s not a talk therapy. It’s really targeting the neurology of where the trauma is stored in the brain and doing the eye movements. It involves bilateral stimulation. Most of the time, it’s eye movement, your eyes going back and forth, but there are other ways too, for instance, tapping on one side of your body, then the other. We’re learning that it’s any kind of bilateral stimulation. They think it mimics rapid eye movement during dreaming.

There’s so much about the brain that we don’t know, but we think rapid eye movement helps process the events of the day and stores them where they need to be. When there’s trauma, that process just doesn’t happen, so the memory gets stored in the fight or flight part of the brain.

EMDR specifically targets the neurology and tries to allow the brain to process the trauma the way we wish it had been, initially.

I think one of the things people like about EMDR is that they don’t have to talk. They don’t have to tell me their trauma. They might have to tell me little bits and pieces of it so I can guide them, but a lot of people just don’t want to talk about certain things. This is a really nice way to address trauma for people who don’t like to talk about it.

Some people like to talk, and that works for them.

Does EMDR also help with addiction?

In my eyes, addiction is pain. So many people with addictions have trauma. If we can address the trauma and the root causes of the addiction and reduce the intensity of that, it does help people feel like they can manage their drinking or using or whatever it may be, a lot better.

Tell me about Reconsolidation of Traumatic Memories (RTM).

RTM is another modality designed to target the neurology, but it’s quite different from EMDR. I have my clients create a movie of the trauma. Let’s say they had to watch their dad beat their mom, and she had to go to the hospital. Then, there’s a lot of guided visualization, and I’ll have them manipulate the movie. Examples: they’ll turn it black-and-white or run it backward. I’ll instruct them to manipulate the trauma in their head, in the movie, and that creates a separation for people in their emotions and their trauma. So, when people finish this therapy, they will say things like, “the trauma just seems so far away”. They remember that it happened, but it creates a distance. It reduces the intensity of the emotions, the flashbacks, and all the symptoms of PTSD. In this modality, like EMDR, people do not have to talk about their trauma if they don’t want to. What’s special about this one is that, unlike EMDR, where people sometimes get emotional, with RTM, one of my goals as a clinician is not to let my client get upset, because we want to separate the connection between the thought of the trauma, the emotion, and that feeling of danger.

Usually, when things happen to us throughout the day, even if it’s a really upsetting event, our brains process that, it’s sent to the prefrontal cortex to be stored as a memory, and we can think about it and remember it without getting really upset. But when trauma happens, that process doesn’t happen, and the memory gets stored in the fight or flight part of the brain. PTSD is really the brain thinking that you are in danger when you’re not. We don’t fully understand how, but the brain never processed that trauma to understand that it was in the past and we’re safe now, and so the brain just keeps reliving that trauma over and over and over again, and doing all the things that it would do as if we were in danger.

So, when flashbacks happen, the heart rate starts to increase, the breathing gets shallow and rapid, and all these things happen, which is good if we are really in an emergency because the brain is doing what will give us the best possible chance of survival. But when we’re not in danger, those things become anxiety, panic attacks, nightmares, not being able to sleep, and intense grief.

RTM addresses those things most. It gives people a better sense of control, and when people learn to manage those symptoms better, their lives improve. I’ve also used it for eating disorders. Some people, when they are eating, get anxious without even realizing it, so they kind of just check out, keep eating, and aren’t even paying attention.

The data shows that from 77% to 99% of people with single traumas no longer meet the criteria for PTSD after 3 sessions. And for people with multiple traumas, 77% are free from PTSD symptoms after an average of 6 sessions.

Are there any situations in which you would not recommend EMDR or RTM? Everybody is different, and the skill level is sometimes different with different therapists. But there is a list of conditions or situations in which EMDR is not recommended, or be used by a highly experienced therapist with close monitoring: • Active psychosis • Unstable substance abuse; early recovery or active addiction.

• Severe dissociation • Acute crisis; current trauma, severe/unmanaged suicidality • Unstable medical conditions • Severe cognitive impairment – would have difficulty following multi-step instructions, for example.

It is recommended that these conditions be addressed first. After stabilization has been achieved and maintained, the clinician can reassess to determine if EMDR is safe to start.

What would you say to encourage people to give it a try?

I understand that it can be really hard to start any kind of therapy, so some people just keep putting it off forever.

I encourage people to do it for 4 sessions, one month, and see what they think. If you don’t like it, you can quit, no harm is done. Each client gets 30 free therapy sessions, and the only requirement is that you live or work in McKinley County. All you have to do is call Karla at 505363-3933. It’s confidential and free.

RoadRunner Physical Therapy

GRAND OPENING August 12, at 2pm

Pawel Gredecki is a Gallup-based physical therapist who always had a passion for his field. He grew up in Poland, where his first professional experience was completing a two-year program to become a physical therapist assistant. He soon picked up his first job in a local hospital and in 2001 was granted a scholarship to study health sciences in the United States. This led him to the graduate school at Andrews University in Michigan, where Pawel earned the title Doctor of Physical Therapy.

“Schools are important because they give you the foundations and a broad perspective on the subject, but once you start working, it’s important to find your niche – to discover what it is that you are good at, what you enjoy doing,” Dr. Gredecki says. “At least how that’s how I feel about my career.”

He compares getting his degrees to building the foundation of a house – then it came time to build the rest of his “house,” or career, the way he liked it. With an ambition to keep learning, he has since earned several postprofessional certificates and one osteopathic diploma. He is also a state-licensed musculoskeletal sonographer.

“I grew up in a fairly big city, but we were surrounded by forests,” Dr. Gredecki begins to explain about what it’s like for him to live here now. He continues, “Within walking distance, I could be out in nature walking or jogging. I’ve always missed that [but] I am thankful I can still have it here. Most of us choose places to live based on what matters to us.

“If somebody is looking for great entertainment and exciting shopping experiences, certainly a large city would be the right place for them, but if you like simple life, trails, fresh air, and natural beauty, then Gallup might be a great place.

Also, most of my wife’s family is from here, so it is good to be close to family.”

Over the last 14 years, Pawel was able to

Dr. Pawel Gredecki

on what we know works, without insurance limitations. Being out of network also allows me to see my clients as soon as they are ready to come, without a doctor’s referral.

“While having medical insurance is necessary and critical to protect us from big health events, it is not perfect. What many may not know is that insurance plans put restrictions on the type of care you may receive. A good example is a procedure called dry needling, which is very effective.

Unfortunately, most insurance plans will not pay for that.

“Furthermore, there are a number of treatment modalities that could be used as part of a patient’s treatment, but they never get to see the light, simply because the cost make a difference in many people’s lives of getting the equipment and delivering the while treating all kinds of pain and movement treatment outweighs the money that the dysfunction at the Wellness Center of clinic gets from the insurance company. It Rehoboth McKinley County Hospital. Still, really ties the hands of the PT and ultimately there was more he felt he could accomplish. impacts the quality of care.”

“I have always been looking for new When asked, of all the people who need techniques, new equipment, and better ways physical therapy, who he thinks would benefit to help people with their pain and movement the most from the services RoadRunner will problems,” Dr. Gredecki explains about what offer, Pawel says, “Any individuals with drives him to his next step in his career. “For typical back, neck, shoulder, knee, or hip many years, I’ve had a dream that someday I pain; patients recovering from surgeries, as would be able to practice more independently well as individuals dealing with dizziness and do for my clients what I think is best for or vertigo. Also, those with tension-type them based on my clinical experience, skills, headache, athletes recovering from injuries, and current research.” and more. I expect the speed of recovery to It was a long journey, but worth it, and he be faster and that the clients will need fewer chuckles, “I figured I still have at least two visits. decades to practice before I could retire.”

“Finally, I hope to have something to offer Pawel says he is here to stay, and his dream to people suffering from chronic pain. Just to work more independently is possible with being able to apply therapies such as shock the launch of his new project: starting his wave, deep tissue laser, deep tissue radio own practice. RoadRunner Physical Therapy frequency, and ultrasound technology will be is located in Gallup in the Rio West Mall and a big game changer.” is unique in that it is a cash-based business.

RoadRunner Physical Therapy (located in Of opening his own practice, the doctor the Rio West Mall food court area — space explains, “My desire was to create a clinic 140) will have its Grand Opening on August where the patient and I decide together how 12, 2026, at 2 PM. Come meet Pawel, ask we are going to tackle their problem based questions, and have some refreshments!

August 2026

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People Reading

Bring us along for the ride and share your adventures with our community!

Send photos to gallupjourney@gmail.com THANK YOU FOR BRINGING US ALONG!

Jodee Dennison visited Melbourne Australia in May of 2026 and brought us along.

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The McCorkey and Boyd family visited the Atlantic Ocean on Rehoboth Beach, Delaware!

Two travelers enjoyed bringing along and reading the Journey in Shagway, Alaska!

August 2026

Geraldine Roan and her traveling partner took the Gallup Journey and all of our community along with them to Hawaii.

Thank you!

My mom and I, Sheila, have enjoyed reading the Journey in the state of Indiana!

Sheila Nelson reading with Abraham Lincoln Route 66, Springfield, Illinois.

Sheila also submitted this beautiful mural picture of Abraham Lincoln taken of her son and her mom at Lincoln, Illinois.

August 2026

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KID'S CORNER Friends!

KIDS! YOU CAN SHARE YOUR WORK IN THE JOURNEY!

Cut on the dotted line and send your artwork to: 210 E. Aztec Gallup, NM 87301 Email: gallupjourney@gmail.com Call 505-488-2291 with any questions!

WE LOVE TO SEE YOUR TALENT! (NO AWARDS)

“Double the joy, divide the sorrow” Having good friends: • Lowers your stress • Boosts your health • Triggers endorphins, which act as natural pain killers • Studies show if a friendship lasts longer than 7 years, it will last a life time • Help you calm down if you’re upset • Protect against depression • Give you a safe place to talk • Give you kind words that help build your self esteem Tell your friends • Offer support to help you get through hard times today how much you • Lower your risk of heart disease • Help you live longer than people without friends appreciate them!

• Help you stay active and warn you about bad habits ANSWERS TO • Help you when they see you’re in trouble LAST MONTH'S • Teach you about trust and forgiveness CROSSWORD • Are happy for you!

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August 2026

Rax

August 2026

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By Amanda Spruell

The staff of the Gallup Journey

wishes all our students a great new school year!

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August 2026

Navajo Arts & Crafts Enterprise Presents

104th Annual

Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial July 31 st through August 9 th 2026 Gallup, New Mexico, Red Rock Park

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS DateTime

Event

Location

FRIDAY - JULY 31, 2026 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM Artist Check-inExhibit Hall SATURDAY - AUGUST 1, 2026 6:30 AM 8:00 AM 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM TBA

5k Fun Walk/Run Open Junior Rodeo Artist Check-in Native Music Festival Ceremonial Iron: Tribal Gathering Deadlift Comp.

Ellis Tanner Trading Co. Main Arena Exhibit Hall Courthouse Square TBA

SUNDAY - AUGUST 2, 2026 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Best of Show Judging

Closed to Public

TUESDAY - AUGUST 4, 2026 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

Royalty Pageants Contestant Orientation

Closed to Public

WEDNESDAY - AUGUST 5, 2026 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM Ceremonial Royalty Luncheon 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM Exhibit Hall Opening Night 6:00 PM - 7:45 PM Pageant Meet & Greet/Photogenic/Silent Auction 7:00 PM Iron Cowgirl Challenge

Fire Rock Casino Event Center RRP Museum Plaza “Horseshoe” Exhibit Hall Main Arena

THURSDAY - AUGUST 6, 2026 9:00 AM 11:00 AM 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM 2:00 PM 7:00 PM 7:30 PM

Open Rodeo Slack Pageant Traditional Foods Demonstration Exhibit Hall Open PARADE ROUTE ROAD CLOSURE BEGINS World Famous Night Parade Open Rodeo Roughstock Buckout

Main Arena Marland Aitson Amphitheater Exhibit Hall Downtown Gallup Downtown Gallup Main Arena

FRIDAY - AUGUST 7, 2026 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM 11:00 AM 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Exhibit Hall Open Exhibit Hall Traditional Talent Presentations with Fashion Show El Morro Theatre Vendor Marketplace RRP Museum Plaza “Horseshoe”

DateTime

Event

Location

12:00 PM 1:00 PM - 7:00 PM 1:30 PM 2:00 PM 4:00 PM 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM 7:00 PM 7:00 PM 7:30 PM 8:00 PM

Native Fashion Showcase Amphitheater Performances Open Rodeo 1st Performance Pageants Traditional Talent & Attire Showcase Gourd Dance Friday Night Rides Miss GITIC & Little Miss Coronation La Danza De Los Voladores (The Flying Men) Pow-Wow Grand Entry Traditional Night Dance Performance

El Morro Theatre Marland Aitson Amphitheater Main Arena El Morro Theatre Pow-Wow Arena Courthouse Square Main Arena Pow-Wow Arena Pow-Wow Arena Main Arena

SATURDAY - AUGUST 8, 2026 12:00 AM 9:00 AM 9:00 AM 11:00 AM 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM 1:00 PM 1:00 PM - 7:00 PM 1:30 PM 2:00 PM 7:00 PM 7:30 PM 8:00 PM

PARADE ROUTE ROAD CLOSURE BEGINS Morning Parade Navajo Song & Dance Registration Navajo Song & Dance Grand Entry Vendor Marketplace Exhibit Hall Open Inter-Tribal Skate Jam Amphitheater Performances Open Rodeo 2nd Performance Gourd Dance La Danza De Los Voladores (The Flying Men) Pow-Wow Grand Entry Traditional Night Dance Performance

Downtown Gallup Downtown Gallup Song & Dance Pavilion Song & Dance Pavilion RRP Museum Plaza “Horseshoe” Exhibit Hall Gallup Skate Park Marland Aitson Amphitheater Main Arena Pow-Wow Arena Pow-Wow Arena Pow-Wow Arena Main Arena

SUNDAY - AUGUST 9, 2026 10:00 AM 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM 11:00 AM 11:30 AM 12:00 PM

Cowboy Church Exhibit Hall Open Navajo Song & Dance Grand Entry Wooly Riding Pre-show Open Rodeo Top 10 Short-Round plus Amigo Automotive Old School Days

Marland Aitson Amphitheater Exhibit Hall Song & Dance Pavilion Main Arena Main Arena Events subject to change - REV 06/01/2026

RODEO SCHEDULE SATURDAY, AUGUST 1

FRIDAY, AUGUST 7

Open Junior Rodeo

1st Performance

8:00 am

1:30 pm

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5

SATURDAY, AUGUST 8

Iron Cowgirl Challenge

2nd Performance

7:30 pm

THURSDAY, AUGUST 6

SUNDAY, AUGUST 9

Timed Event Slack Roughstock Buck Out

Dress Old School Wooly Riding pre-show Top Ten Short-Go & Amigo Automotive Old School Day

9:00 am 7:30 pm

1:30 pm

11:30 am 12:00 pm

WWW.GALLUPCEREMONIAL.COM

Scan the QR code to buy tickets on eventbrite.com