John Baillie receives his honors at the Tuesday event. Courtesy photo

Dan Gandee enjoys a hike with his faithful service dog Chesty. Courtesy photo

By BERNADETTE LAURITZEN
Executive Director
Champions of Youth Amibitions

Local residents Dan Gandee and John Baillie were honored at the 250 Flags Heroes event last week sponsored by KKOB Radio. They event New Mexico Museum of Science and Natural History and features community leaders celebrating nominees. UNM basketball coach Eric Olen and former Gov. Susana Martinez spoke and the Kirtland Air Force Base Honor Guard presented the colors. The recipients received a certificate and a folded American flag for the 250th birthday of America.

The 250 Flags websites lists all of the nominees and their contributions.

Dan Gandee 

Dan Gandee has dedicated his life to serving others, first as a United States Marine and now as a mentor to fellow veterans. A combat veteran who served more than six years, his military career took him to assignments around the world, including Beirut, Cuba, Pakistan, China, Argentina, Honduras, Norway, and France, leaving him with service-connected disabilities but an unwavering commitment to helping others. 

Today, Dan volunteers with the Healing Heroes program, teaching fly tying to fellow veterans as a way to promote healing, camaraderie, and purpose. He also shares life with his therapy dog, Chesty—named after the legendary Marine Corps mascot—who serves as a constant companion and reminder of the brotherhood that continues long after military service ends. 

Through quiet leadership, compassion, and continued service to his fellow veterans, Dan Gandee embodies the spirit of sacrifice and resilience that defines New Mexico.

John Baillie

John Baillie has spent his retirement doing what he does best—serving others. At 86 years old, he continues to volunteer with the Los Alamos Retired and Senior Organization, where he has supported countless community initiatives, including serving on the front lines of COVID-19 vaccination clinics for fellow seniors. 

John has also represented older adults from across New Mexico through service on the state’s senior advisory board, ensuring the voices of seniors are heard. For more than 30 years, he has shared his love of music with the Lasses and Lads of Enchantment and the Santa Fe Harmonizers, bringing joy to audiences across the state through patriotic and community performances. 

A proud naturalized American citizen, John deeply values the privilege of citizenship and gives back through a lifetime of volunteerism, music, and public service. His dedication reminds us that serving your community has no age limit.