the desert forge foundation was formed by combat veterans
to serve fellow veterans. 

Like you, we served our country proudly, whether in the comfort of peace or in the midst of battle. Then one day the weapon was secured and gear was packed away one last time; and it was time to head home, maybe a place not so familiar anymore.  We get it; we’ve been there.

Our mission is to help our returning brothers and sisters find
Employment, Restoration,
Strength & Hope.

The Facts

• It’s estimated that 66 New Mexico veterans committed suicide last year, and that 22 Veterans take their own lives every single day.
• Helping veterans to transition to civilian life & attain financial stability through training and employment in a dynamic farm setting
• Veterans represent our nation’s highest quality human capital; and even though most of these men and women are highly trained, and capable, over one million veterans across the USA are either unemployed or under-employed. In New Mexico approximately 6,000 recently returned combat veterans are in need of employment.
• Additionally, a significant percentage of our nation’s veterans have returned home with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and related physiological problems that increase the risk of suicide. Tragically, an estimated 22 veterans take their own lives every day
  
• ​Veterans represent our nation’s highest quality human capital; and even though most of these men and women are highly trained and capable, over one million veterans across the USA are either unemployed or under-employed.  In New Mexico approximately 6,000 recently returned combat veterans are in need of employment.
  
• Additionally, a significant percentage of our nation’s veterans have returned home with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and related physiological problems that increase the risk of suicide. Tragically, an estimated 22 veterans take their own lives every day.
• It’s estimated that 66 New Mexico veterans committed suicide last year.

Veterans & Members in Crisis Please Contact* Eric Ortegren * (505) 918-9768 *ortegreneric@yahoo.com*

VIDEOS

Restoring emotional, mental, and physical health to returning veterans through meaningful job training, employment, and the arts.

Warrior Farmer Project

​Helping veterans to transition to civilian life & attain financial stability through training and employment in a dynamic farm setting

Desert Fox Filmworks

Presenting veterans a creative & technical outlet by actively participating in the making of culturally relevant films

Legendary-Man

The keys to having a legendary life aren’t about wanting to improve yourself, it’s knowing how to actually do it.