RUIDOSO, N.M. — After heavy rains and flooding swept through parts of Ruidoso, airmen from Holloman Air Force Base stepped in to help clean up the White Mountain Athletic Complex on July 25.
The cleanup was part of the Big Give initiative—an annual community service campaign led by Casa Auto Group in Alamogordo. The month-long event encourages Holloman personnel and their families to engage in hands-on projects that benefit surrounding communities.
This year, the athletic complex became a priority after mud and floodwater from recent storms blanketed the fields along White Mountain Drive. Volunteers focused their efforts on removing debris and restoring access to the football and soccer fields, which had been left waterlogged and muddy.
“This one hit close to home for me,” said Tech. Sgt. Bianca Otero, who led the group of volunteers. “My child plays soccer and runs track. With the school year starting soon, it’s important these places are safe and clean for our kids.”
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Volunteers included both active-duty airmen and their families from the 8th, 311th, and 314th Fighter Squadrons, many of whom are currently undergoing training. Despite demanding schedules, they committed their time to help the Ruidoso community recover.
Throughout July, Big Give teams tackled projects across Alamogordo, Tularosa, Cloudcroft, and Ruidoso, with final results scheduled to be reviewed and judged on July 31.
Otero said her team chose to focus on Ruidoso after seeing the severe impact of the flooding in the area—especially in neighborhoods affected by the South Fork burn scar.
“This is my first time in Ruidoso,” Otero shared. “It’s a beautiful town, but seeing the aftermath of the flooding is heartbreaking. We just wanted to do our part to help it heal.”
The team’s efforts reflect the growing partnership between the military and local communities, united by a shared goal: to support each other in times of need.
