August 12th, 2026
Monthly Meeting Report
The 312th AFDRA meeting was called to order at 1902, and after the pledge of allegiance, Morris Gutierrez led us in an opening prayer. We held Moment of Silence for Reed Harry and family and the meeting attendance was great.
Roll call of Officers and Advisory Board members. Eddie Abeita was on an excused absence.
No guests tonight
President’s Report;
By Kerry Horton
The AFDRA E-Board decided to form a motorcycle group committee and name Robby Sanchez as the chairman. The motorcycle group has been representing AFDRA at all their functions for years and this way they officially have a voice in AFDRA.
The New Mexico Legislative Finance Committee has decided not to enact Senate Memorial 31 and therefore no PERA work group will be put together to try to solve our COLA situation. In its place they held a public forum in Santa Fe last week that I spoke at and let them know that holding open mic sessions to let PERA recipients vent their frustrations would not solve any issues and was an insult to all retirees. I can say that many legislators are hearing our concerns but of course that does not mean anything will get solved. If the current Legislators aren’t willing to act, let’s let them know our unhappiness in November’s election.
Joe Tenoreo wants to put together a Firefighter based cookbook and is looking for your input. If you have a recipe that you want published, give Joe a call at 505-977-7178.
IAFF is pushing for locals to adopt language in their by-laws to allow retirees to reinstate membership in the locals and participate in union meetings and functions. Local 244 will be addressing this issue soon and we’ll see what comes of it.
AFR will hold a 25-year anniversary 9-11 memorial on 9-11 at Civic Plaza at 11 am.
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
Donny stated that since he will be running the September meeting in the Presidents absence, he didn’t have a report for tonight, but he would entertain suggestions of whether to hold the September meeting at a bar instead of the union hall.
Secretary’s Report;
By Eddie Abeita
Eddie had an excused absence and a motion to suspend the secretaries report for August was made and passed.
Treasurer’s Report;
By Mike Fox
Mike read the July financial report. A motion was made and passed to accept the financial report as read. As always, the financial books are open for everybody to review.
Historian’s Report;
Greg Aragon filled in for Herman and gave a 10-minute PowerPoint presentation on AFD during the beginning of the 20th century and opened a discussion on the proper pronunciation of Fire Chief Ruppe’s name.
Committee Reports;
Funeral Committee, Sam reported that Garcia’s Kitchen donated $250 for the use of feeding our Honor Guard after funerals. The Honor Guard is always there representing our association and all they get in return is a good lunch. Thank you Gracia’s and members of the AFDRA Honor Guard.
Picnic Committee, Morris Gutierrez stated that this year’s picnic will be bigger and better than ever, so we hope you are planning on attending and joining in on the festivities. The date is August 22nd, starting at 11 am but get there early to get a table. The location is Rotary Park in Bernalillo. Bring your family for a great meal and enjoy the chance at a multitude of door prizes, raffles, and a silent auction.
Motorcycle Committee, Robby reported that this years IAFF Motorcycle Group Rally will be in Shanksville PA in honor of the 25th year anniversary of 9-11. Four riders, a couple of spouses, and a safety vehicle will be making the trip leaving on September 2nd and then working their way to the IAFF Fallen Firefighter Memorial in Colorado Springs on September 19th. The motorcycle group will be holding raffles at this year’s picnic to help with fuel costs on the trip.
Matters Good for the Association.
Sam thanked all our members that responded to the Pentagon after 9-11 25 years ago and we reminded the members that the city has a 9-11 memorial with all of AFD’s responders’ names on it. The memorial is located on the eastern side of station 20 and is especially nice at night as it lights up.
Robby Sanchez and Richard Sanchez gave an updated welfare report on Matt Gutierrez and Robert Otero. Both are healing up well and we hope that they are back on their bikes soon.
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 2025.