By KRWG News
Las Cruces – New Mexico State University Air Force ROTC will put on a fundraiser dinner for the local chapter of Disabled American Veterans Nov. 11 in honor of Veterans Day.
The cadets of the Arnold Air Society, the professional service honorary for the AFROTC, have worked all semester to plan and raise money for the dinner to honor all veterans, as well as provide 75 dinner tickets to local World War II veterans.
"I believe this says a lot about the cadets who helped out NMSU AFROTC," said Jeffrey Hutchins, AFROTC cadet captain and Arnold Air Society commander. "It shows that they are willing to give their time and efforts to honor those individuals who have sacrificed so much for the simple privileges we often take advantage of."
This is the second annual Veterans Day fundraiser dinner held by Arnold Air Society at Detachment 505, NMSU AFROTC; however, Hutchins said, it is the first time all proceeds have been donated to Las Cruces DAV.
Hutchins said cadets have collected contributions at locations throughout the city since September, including traffic lights, grocery stores and the farmer's market.
"There is also a lot to be said about the citizens of Las Cruces. We received a great response from these events, and almost everyone was willing to participate," Hutchins said.
Donations so far have totaled $2,255 and will continue to be accepted until the end of the dinner on Nov. 11 at the Hotel Encanto. Although donations are still being accepted, dinner tickets are no longer available for purchase.
Congressman Harry Teague and former Congressman Steve Pearce will be in attendance.
For more information about the event or how to make a donation, contact Cadet Jeffrey Hutchins at 575-590-0791 or e-mail jhutchin@nmsu.edu.