A New Mexico Army National Guard helicopter crew rescued two women in their 20s, who were stranded overnight on Wheeler Peak. The women were reportedly without cold weather gear, following a request for assistance from New Mexico Search and Rescue.

Pilots Chief Warrant Officers 3 Dominic Anderson and Carlton Charles, along with crewmembers Staff Sgts. Benjamin Vasquez and Adam Gross, and Sgt. Tiffany Boggs flew to the extraction site in a NM Army National Guard UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter.

The crew arrived near Wheeler Peak just before 1 a.m. on December 21 and assessed the condition of the women, preparing them for the flight to Santa Fe Regional Airport.

While an ambulance was available in Santa Fe, the women decided to self-transport to the hospital.
“We’re glad we were able to get these women to safety so they could be treated if necessary,” said Maj. Gen. Miguel Aguilar, the NM National Guard Adjutant General. “The Guard has been tremendously busy with rescues this year. This latest one underscores what we do for our state and demonstrates our commitment to New Mexico.”

According to a release by the Guard, Aguilar says the Guard’s work this year best defines the difference between the National Guard mission, and that of the other services. “Guardsmen live here, work here and serve here on behalf of their fellow New Mexicans.”