From Amarillo to Grants: Vets, Views, and a Ride in the Sky
- Robert W. Hess
- Jun 18
- 2 min read
Day 4 of the Rally4Vets America 250 Tour was one of those days that remind you just how wide, wild, and wonderful this country really is. From the flat plains of Texas to the mountain edges of New Mexico, we watched the landscape shift, and the people never stopped surprising us.
One thing we’ve learned is that no matter where you go in America, someone is ready to thank a veteran. From gas stations to hotel lobbies, the gratitude is genuine. And though veterans make up just about 6 percent of the population, you’ll find them everywhere, with many still serving their communities in significant ways.
Here’s a stat that blew us away. In the 2024 election, over 163,000 veterans stepped up as poll workers through the VetThe.Vote campaign. And yes, it looks like Army veterans led the charge. Hooah. Go Army. [PS: I’m an Army veteran].
Throughout the day, we kept bumping into stories that stick with you. Like last night. At 11:30 p.m., we rolled into our hotel, tired but wired. A lady spotted the Rally4Vets C6 Corvette, and suddenly we were deep into a conversation about Vietnam, her family’s military history, and our service dog program. Our Vette isn’t just a car. It’s a rolling icebreaker -huge thanks to GM for helping us start these meaningful conversations.
Midday brought us to the Blue Hole in Santa Rosa, New Mexico—a natural, sapphire-blue swimming hole famous with divers. But for us, the highlight wasn’t the water. It was meeting Roberto, an Army veteran from Puerto Rico who served two tours in Iraq. He shared how the Albuquerque VA has helped him manage PTSD, and how fishing and working with animals help keep him grounded. Veterans like Roberto are the reason we created our Rally4Vets program.
And because we believe in ending strong, we took to the skies. Not literally, but close enough. Riding the Sandia Peak Tramway comes close. It’s the third-longest tramway in the world, with a 1.5-mile stretch of unsupported cable that feels like floating straight into the clouds. It’s a must-do if you’re in the Albuquerque area. Just don’t look down if heights aren’t your thing.
As you’ve probably guessed, our America 250 t-shirts and Rally4Vets signage sparked conversations all day long. People are curious, engaged, and genuinely thankful for what America’s veterans have done.
Day 4 Takeaways:
· America is big, beautiful, and full of surprises
· Veterans are everywhere and still serving
· A Corvette gets people talking and smiling
· The Albuquerque VA is doing outstanding work
· The Sandia Peak Tramway deserves a spot on your bucket list
Up next: The Ice Cave, Bandera Volcano, and a visit to the National Cemetery in Phoenix. See you on the road!
