April 8th 2026
Monthly Meeting Report
The 308th AFDRA meeting was called to order at 1900. Attendance was very good with some old friends and a new member showing up, and after Morris Gutierrez led us in an opening prayer, we had a Moment of Silence for Toby Pino and Amado Pargas.
Roll call of Officers and Advisory Board members and all Executive Board members were present.
Bernalillo County Sheriff candidate Philp Snedeker was our guest speaker.
President’s Report;
By Kerry Horton
Retire Public Employees of New Mexico is looking for a new member to serve on their Board of Directors, if you are interested please send an email to rpenm@rpenm.org with your name, contact info, qualifications, and reason why you wish to join their board.
The Legislative Financial Committee oversees implementing Senate Memorial 31 and as of this week no action has been made to put together a work group to discuss the COLA issues with PERA. I have reached out to be put on the work group; we’ll see if anything happens.
I was supposed to be part of a ZOOM meeting with Deb Haaland’s team today regarding our concerns over the lack of COLA’s, but the meeting never happened, although those of us that were supposed to attend did get an apology and a reschedule.
We will be sponsoring another round of Social Security Seminars this month so if you are approaching SS age, please attend. They are very informative and this time are going to be tailored towards firefighters and Social Security. The dates are April 21, at 10 am at the union hall, and April 27 at 6:30 pm at the union hall.
We will be washing the Last Alarm Truck on Saturday, April 11 at 9:30 am in preparation for Amado Pargas’s services. The truck is housed at Station 23, 9631Amole Mesa SW, on 98th south of Blake. If you live in that area, drop by and lend a hand.
If you are interested in a new retiree ID card, please text me a shoulder up selfie at 505-934-2969. I’m trusting that you all will behave.
Vice President’s Report;
By Donny Sanchez
No report
Secretary’s Report;
By Eddie Abeita
With Eddie’s absence last month, and our inability to get him notes on the meeting, Eddie had no report and a motion was made and passed to accept his non-report.
Treasurer’s Report;
By Mike Fox
Mike read the financial report, and a motion was made and passed to accept the March’s financial report. As always, the financial books are open for everybody to review.
Historian’s Report;
Herman gave a report on his recent health issues and wanted to assure everyone that he is mending fine, and on the road to perfect health. Greg Aragon stepped in and presented a brief review of AFR’s more recent accomplishments since 2024.
Committee Reports;
Funeral Committee, A reminder that Amado Pargas services are this Monday, April 13, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church at 412 Stover SW. The Rosary is at 10 am and Mass is at 11;30. Interment will follow at Mt Calvary Cemetery.
Toby Pino’s services will be held in May, and we will send out notifications as soon as they are arranged.
Christmas Committee,
Museum Committee,
Election Committee, Louis Trujillo was appointed as the election committee chairman and will be accepting President and Secretary nominations up to the June meeting date. If you are interested in running for either position, or want to nominate someone for either position, call Louis Trujillo at 505-604-7732, or contact Eddie Abieta who is assisting Louis.
Matters Good for the Association.
Cindy Raupfer thanked everyone that helped with the cleaning, painting and paver project at her dad’s house
Greg Aragon talked about a fund-raising program for Folds of Honor coming up in September. If you wish to help, please contact Greg.
Morris Gutierrez and Mike Fox have put together a book of David Marquez’s drawings, anecdotes, and letters and needed to collect $427 to publish 100 books. That money was raised at the meeting, Thank You to all who donated, and the books will be free to the first 100 that reach out to Morris for a copy.
GQ Sanchez and Hollow Spirits Distillery donated a $100 bottle of honey infused whiskey that will be available at our silent auction at this year’s picnic. If you have any quality items that you wish to donate to the auction, please contact me at 505-934-2969.
April Kitchen Table meetings are as follows
April 9, 6:30 pm at 4004 Carlisle Blvd NE
April 16, 6:30 pm at the union hall
April 23, 6:30 pm at 4004 Carlisle Blvd NE
Keep up with events and dates by checking out our website or Facebook page.
Visit our website at afdretirees.com
The meeting was adjourned at 2035.