Photo By Staff Sgt. Robert Larson | Carl Malcolm, a forest ranger at Lincoln National Forest hands out a free pass to a...... read more read more
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FORT BLISS, TEXAS – Guadalupe Mountains National Park, White Sands National Monument, Lincoln National Forest. These are three recreational areas within three hours of El Paso and Fort Bliss. When was the last time, if ever, you went to one of these areas. What would you say if you were told that you could get into them free of charge? Active duty military, their dependents and activated National Guard and Reserves can do exactly that now, thanks to a new program launched by the Department of the Interior.
Park rangers from White Sands National Monument and Lincoln National Forest were at Freedom Crossing June 1 to hand out the free passes to active duty service members and their families. The passes, which are good for a year from activation, are normally $85.
Becky Wiles, public affairs officer for WSNM, said that this program was started as a way to reach out to all the men and women of the armed forces, to give back to those who have given so much to the nation.
“Many of our service men and women around the world are fighting for the very values that are represented within these national parks,” said Wiles.
The passes are not just for the local areas. Wiles emphasized that they passes are good for anywhere in the U.S. including the White House, Statue of Liberty, many Civil War battlefield sites and many more historic or scenic areas.
Amber Witt, wife of Spc. Zachery Witt 1st Battalion, 13th Armor Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team came to get her free passes so that she and her family would have an additional avenue when planning summer family trips.
“My son went on a school field trip to one of the local national parks and he loved it.” said Witt, “My daughter is coming to visit this summer and this will help us plan so outings.”
Capt. Nicole Duett, a soldier with Company D, William Beaumont Army Medical Center, was looking forward to using it right away at Carlsbad Caverns National Park. She was also looking forward to getting free admission to several of the areas in New Mexico.
Carl Malcolm, a Forest Ranger at Lincoln National Forest said the free passes are a no brainer for military personnel. He said that using the pass to relax, unwind and bond with family would be a great use of these passes.
“I think it’s a no brainer, a great idea for those that have been deployed,” Malcolm said.
Malcolm stated that Lincoln Forest has thousands of acres of public land just waiting for service members to use for hiking, camping, fishing and many other outdoor activities. He also said that it is good to have for those going on cross-country trips and vacations or even those who just like exploring the country.
“This is our way of thanking you for serving.” said Malcolm, “This is one of the best deals for zero dollars you will find. If you don’t have a card you need to get one.”
“Get out and enjoy your national park,” Wiles said.
For those that missed the sign up event, don’t worry, you can go to any national park, forest, monument or Bureau of Land Management office and sign up for a pass. Just bring in a valid military or dependent ID and you will get your free pass. See your country and enjoy its wonders. You’re fighting for them after all.
| Date Taken: | 06.07.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 06.13.2012 18:11 |
| Story ID: | 89930 |
| Location: | FORT BLISS, TEXAS, US |
| Web Views: | 53 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Free passes for active military, dependents, by SSG Robert Larson, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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