Los Vaqueros Las Vegas cares about the needs of our members and the community at large. Throughout the year we support our members and other projects that advance our mission to assist those experiencing hardships.
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Junior League of Southern Nevada
Los Vaqueros members provide the “extra hands” to assist the Junior League with various community service projects throughout the year. Helping build a new playground, filling food packs during the holidays, and pitching in on Junior League projects throughout the year displays how working together to serve the community can achieve even greater results
Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation of Nevada
Through our support of Candlelighters, Los Vaqueros reaches out to support families of children with cancer. Los Vaqueros donated gifts to the Annual Family Picnic, provided a wonderful Christmas through the adopt-a-family program, and looks forward to continued support of the Candlelighters’ families in the years ahead.
Back to School Shoe Giveaway
Los Vaqueros Las Vegas kicks off the school year with a Back to School Shoe Giveaway for 200-300 students in grades K-5 at Lowman Elementary School. Last year Los Vaqueros Las Vegas partnered with the Goodie Two Shoes Foundation to give students a new pair of shoes, socks, a backpack, and school supplies.
Food for Thought
Over 93% of Lowman Elementary School’s students qualify for free or reduced lunch, meaning many students count on school-provided meals. Los Vaqueros generously arranges food deliveries from Three Square Food Bank twice a year so students can take home healthy food packages over the holiday breaks.
Courtyard Wonders
Los Vaqueros Las Vegas assisted with the building of Courtyard Wonders – a student garden featuring a desert plant habitat, fish pond, and vegetable garden. Students take pride in planting and caring for the garden with plans of having a Farmer’s Market.
H2O Grow
H2O Grow aims to educate students, nurture healthier lifestyles, and inspire communities by providing materials and instructional support for schools to create hydroponic gardens. The gardens offer a unique, hands-on approach to learning that enriches STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) education programs, fosters mentorship between schools and students, and enlightens kids about how food actually grows!
Real Talk Youth Impact Program
Real Talk’s mission is to change the lives of youth, one person at a time, through education, mentoring, and passion for a positive future. The voluntary members of the Real Talk Youth Impact Program share their real-life “stories” with at-risk youth, hoping that those listening will make better choices. Los Vaqueros provides funding for certain participants in the program to receive sponsorships for youth activities.
Rodney Rich
Rodney grew up in Kingman, AZ and was a member of the National Honor Society at Kingman High School where he graduated in 1984. Rodney was on his way to West Point under the sponsorship of Senator John McCain until a knee injury disqualified him. He worked a couple of jobs until starting at Jeld-Wen in 1986 where he started in production, making doors and windows. Rodney, never one to settle would work up to Supervisor then to Production Manager and eventually General Manager. He was the first person at Jeld-Wen to reach that level without a college degree. He left there in 2012 to start his own business consulting company, Magnum Opportunities.
In his free time he loved powerlifting and riding his Harley. In 1999 & 2000 he took 1st & 2nd place at the US championship and 3rd and 4th place for the world bench press. Rodney’s passion for riding motorcycles lead him to ABATE of Arizona (American Brotherhood Aimed Toward Education) a motorcycle rights organization where of course he later became chapter president. After relocating to Henderson, NV he became a member of Los Vaqueros where he also served one term as president. Los Vaqueros is a non-profit organization of business men that give back to the community by empowering and aiding children and their families across Southern Nevada. In addition to all that, he was an ordained minister with Word of Life Ministries for nearly 20 years.
Rodney was a mentor to so many and left an indelible mark on countless people’s lives. He was a force of nature with his capable ways and brilliant mind. He could enter a room alone and walk out with friendships as he didn’t know a stranger.
The impact you made in your short time here is immeasurable and will never be forgotten. In the words of Rodney, “Live a rich life”.
“Tomo” Taniuchi, Associate Board Member
Tomokazu “Tomo” Taniuchi was born in Japan and has established himself as a dedicated environmental and occupational health and safety professional in Las Vegas. After graduating from the University of Arizona with a degree related to environmental and occupational health and safety, Tomo moved to Las Vegas in 2012.
Tomo holds a unique position in the field as the only professional in the USA with certifications as a Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH), Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM), and Nevada Certified Environmental Manager (NV CEM). He has been with UES/NOVA for the past 8+ years, committed to maintaining high standards in environmental and workplace safety.
Tomo has been happily married to his wife, Naoko, for 17 years, and together they have three children and a beloved family dog “from another mother.” The entire family shares a passion for martial arts and has been practicing traditional karate for the past six years, training under esteemed instructors at their local dojo.
Outside his professional and martial arts pursuits, Tomo is an active member of his community, volunteering with the Los Vaqueros group and participating in events like the Children’s Hope Golf Tournament. He enjoys spending time outdoors with his dog and family, visiting national and state parks. Tomo continuously seeks opportunities for personal growth, such as enhancing his environmental health and safety skills. Known for his approachable and friendly demeanor, Tomo values casual and relaxed communication, fostering strong relationships with friends, family, and colleagues alike.