2016 Annual Report
TABLE OF CONTENTS
NMDVS Vision/Mission Statement/Core Values .………………………………………………………… Page 2
Message from the Cabinet Secretary……………………………………………………………………………………. 3
About the Cabinet Secretary……………………………………………………………………………………………….. 4
NMDVS Administrative Staff…………………………………………………………………………………..………… 5
NMDVS Field Offices……………………………………………………………………………………………………....... 7
Rural Veterans Coordination Program………………………………………………………………………………… 11
2015 Year in Review………………………………………………………………………………………………….………. 12
New Veterans’ Benefits Signed Into State Law ………………………………….………………………….…… 37
State Veterans’ Benefits Division…………………………………………………………………………….………… 38
Health Care Program Coordination Division………………………………………………………….……….….. 44
New Mexico Veterans Business Outreach Center………..…………………………………………….…….….. 49
State Approving Agency …………….……………………………………………………….…………………..……….. 51
State Cemetery Program Division.……………………………………………………….…………………..……….. 52
Administrative Services Division.……………………………………………………….…………………..……….. 56
Data on New Mexico Veteran Population ..………………………………………….…………………..……….. 58
Page 2
The New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services
New Mexico has a long and proud military legacy dating back before it became the nation’s 47th state on
January 6, 1912. From its early “citizen soldiers” who trekked up the El Camino Real, through the
formation of the “New Mexico Territory”...through the Battle of Glorieta during the Civil War...playing a
major role in Teddy Roosevelt’s Rough Riders... on through World War I…World War II’s Navajo Code
Talkers and the brave men of the 200th and 515th Coastal Artillery Unit who endured the infamous
Bataan Death March…through the wars in Korea, Vietnam, and the current Middle East crisis--New
Mexicans have always served with honor and distinction at one of the highest rates of service of any
state in our nation.
In 2003, after finally recognizing this long history of service by its citizens, the New Mexico State
Legislature passed the Veterans Service Department Act to elevate the venerable New Mexico Veterans
Commission to a cabinet-level agency—the New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services—providing
our state’s veterans a cabinet-level voice within the executive branch of state government. The agency is
led by the Cabinet Secretary, who is appointed by and reports directly to the Governor.
OUR MISSION STATEMENT
To provide the highest quality service and advocacy for New Mexico’s veterans and their families.
OUR VISION
To be recognized as a premier agency that anticipates and meets the changing needs of New Mexico’s
veterans and their families.
OUR CORE VALUES (“C.A.R.E.S”)
Commitment
We are committed to our agency’s mandate—the very reason of its existence—of serving our state’s
veterans and their families.
Accountability
We will hold our agency’s employees to the highest standards expected of a premier professional service
organization.
Respect
We will treat every veteran, regardless of their rank while they were in military service, with the respect
and gratitude they have earned for sacrificing to serve and protect our country.
Empathy
We are all veterans, are closely related to a veteran, or strongly support those who have served in the
military...and therefore understand and have a strong compassion for all veterans and their families.
Stewardship
We will ensure responsible stewardship of the human, financial, and informational programs and
resources entrusted to us. We will improve performance through the use of innovative technologies,
evidence-based practices, and sound business principles.
Page 3
NMDVS Administrative Staff Directory
CABINET SECRETARY
Executive Administrative Assistant
to the Cabinet Secretary
JACK R. FOX
Melissa Castañeda
Deputy Secretary
Alan Martinez
(505) 383-2410
Administrative Services Director
Accounts Manager
Business Operations Manager
Fiduciary Program Manager
Social Worker
Salvador Soto
Terrie Romero
Lisa Towles
Carl Sutter
Connie Vargas
827-6303
827-6308
827-6313
827-6309
383-2406
State Benefits Director
Administrative Assistant
Receptionist
Dale Movius
Rebecca Tapia
Brenda Pearson
827-6374
827-6383
827-6300
Field Services Director
Executive Administrative Assistant
to the Field Services Director
Kenneth Adair
Jovanna Sandoval
(505) 827-6334
346-3986
Veterans’ Business Outreach Center
(VBOC) Director
Veterans’ Business Advisor
Joseph Long
Rich Coffel
383-2401
383-2402
Executive Administrative Assistant
to the VBOC Director
Danelle Lucero
383-2403
Healthcare Coordination
Program Director
Health Care Specialist
Social Worker
Mitchell Lawrence
Joseph Dorn
Grace Escamilla–Valdez
Rural Veterans Coordination
Program (RVCP) Director
RVCP Northwest Region
RVCP Northeast Region
RVCP Southwest Region
RVCP Southeast Region
RVCP Central Region
Edward Mendez
Robertson Yazzie
Sarah Bustos
Angelina Trujillo
Jim Cassidy
John Griego
383-2417
252-5987
796-2109
(575) 912-3166
(575) 885-4939
383-2408
State Cemetery Program Director
Thomas Wagner
383-2415
State Approving Agency Director
Education Program Specialist
Marilyn Dykman
Nancy Soto
383-2418
383-2431
Event Planner/Coordinator
Josetta Rodriguez
827-6356
Public Information Officer
Ray Seva
827-6352
383-2430
383-2414
383-2407
Page 4
NMDVS Organizational Chart
Page 5
Message from Secretary Jack Fox
2015 was a year of great change and growth for the New Mexico Department of
Veterans’ Services. Change, in that it was my first year at the helm of the
department…and expansion, as the agency added three new divisions to help
perform its mandate of serving our state’s 170,132 veterans and their
dependents.
What I discovered in my short time thus far at the New Mexico Department of
Veterans’ Services is this: The transition for me has been very smooth—thanks
to the excellent staff I inherited. I’ve found that it is a deeply personal
experience working here for our staff—and it shows in the dedication they have
for their jobs. Every employee at this agency is either a veteran or is closely
Jack R. Fox
related
to a veteran. To our staff, it’s as if they are also honoring their veteran
Cabinet Secretary,
family
members
by serving the veterans who come to our agency looking for
New Mexico Department
assistance.
of Veterans’ Services
Working with such a dedicated and hard-working staff enabled us to expand our operations last year. We
created a State Veterans Cemetery Division to help us launch the first of what should be many more
state-run veterans’ cemeteries. The goal is to provide appropriate burial grounds for our rural-are veterans
currently living too far from our state’s two existing national cemeteries.
Thanks to a grant from the VA, we created the Rural Veterans Coordination Program to better serve our
rural-area veterans—many of whom are not aware of their benefits, or are having difficulty accessing
programs which help veterans and their families. The New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services was
one of only five recipients in the nation of this grant created by the VA specifically to help rural veterans.
Though the VA indicates we have a little more than 170,000 veterans in the state, we believe there are
many more that are not registered with the VA. Our goal is to find these veterans and get them “into the
system”—and the benefits which they have earned.
And last year we created the Health Care Coordination Program Division. New Mexico has an excellent VA
Health Care System—but not everyone is aware of it, or is eligible to use its services. Our goal is to educate
and get more veterans into the VA health care system—and assist all veterans with finding health care options available through private and public health care agencies which provide services for veterans.
Still on the agenda for the agency is to create additional divisions to assist two components of the veteran
population which I believe need to be better addressed: Women…and the elderly. According to the VA,
women are the fastest-growing segment of the veteran population; and our veteran population is also
rapidly aging. New Mexico needs to do all it can to assist these two rapidly-growing groups of veterans—
and the New Mexico Department of Veterans Service will be ready to help.
2015 was an exciting year for me and agency. It has been an honor to serve our veterans, and I and the rest
of the staff at the New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services look forward to many more new and
exciting things to accomplish in 2016.
Very Respectfully
Jack Fox
Cabinet Secretary
Page 6
NMDVS SECRETARY JACK R. FOX
Retired New Mexico Army National Guard Brigadier General Jack R.
Fox was unanimously confirmed on January 23, 2015 by the New
Mexico Senate as Secretary of the New Mexico Department of
Veterans’ Services.
Born and raised in Roswell, Secretary Fox is a graduate of the New
Mexico Military Institute (NMMI) and New Mexico State University.
Upon graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Government from
NMSU, he was commissioned as a U.S. Army Second Lieutenant/
Infantry in 1969. While stationed at Ft. Benning, GA, he earned a
Master’s Degree in Education from Georgia State University.
Secretary Fox continued serving with the Army, the Army Reserves--and ultimately, the New Mexico
National Guard, before retiring in 1995 as a Colonel. He then began a post-military career as a high school
teacher and girls softball/girls cross country coach in Hereford, TX, before returning to his hometown of
Roswell, NM, in 1999 to serve as Commandant at his alma mater, NMMI.
In 2004, Secretary Fox was selected as President of St. John’s Military School in Salina, KS. He served
with honor and distinction as head of the prestigious school until 2007, when he was recalled from
Retired-Reserve status from the New Mexico National Guard and commissioned full-time as Deputy
Adjutant General, and tasked with the overall training and readiness of the entire Guard force.
Secretary Fox retired a second time from the New Mexico National Guard in 2010 at the rank of Brigadier
General. He then volunteered to serve on the New Mexico State Armory Board, and the New Mexico
National Guard Bataan Memorial Museum Foundation—a post he continues to serve today.
Secretary Fox has been married for 47-years to the former Marvine Sartin of Roswell. They have two
children and two grandchildren. He can be contacted through his Executive Administrative Assistant at
(505) 827-6334 or [email protected].
DEPUTY SECRETARY ALAN MARTINEZ
Deputy Secretary Alan Martinez oversees the eight divisions of the New Mexico
Department of Veterans’ Services and reports directly to Secretary Jack Fox. He is
also in charge of the agency’s Albuquerque Northeast Heights office, which houses
two veterans’ service officers, as well as five of the agency’s divisions: The rural
Veterans Coordination Program, the Veterans Business Outreach Center, the State
Approving Agency, the Health Care Program Coordination Division, and the State
Cemetery Program Division. He is also the agency’s chief legislative analyst and
liaison.
Deputy Secretary Martinez is the agency’s longest-tenured employee, having started
with as a file clerk in 1993—rising to the position of State Benefits Director before
being appointed as deputy secretary by Governor Susana Martinez in 2011. He
comes from a family with a strong history of military service: His great-great
grandfather fought in the battle of Glorieta, and several family members served in Vietnam, the Cold War,
Operation Desert Storm, Iraq and Afghanistan. Deputy Secretary Martinez can be reached at
(505) 383-2410 or [email protected].
Page 7
FIELD OFFICES OF THE NEW MEXICO
DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS’ SERVICES
2015 NMDVS Veterans’ Service Officers
FRONT ROW: (L to R): Ken Adair (Director of Field Operations), Theresa Zuni (Los Lunas), Dalton
Boyd (Hobbs), Tyrra Saavedra (Grants), Michael Pacheco (Taos), Dagmar Youngberg (Carlsbad),
Angelina Trujillo (RVCP SE Region Coordinator), Beverly Charley (Farmington), NMDVS Secretary Jack
Fox.
MIDDLE ROW (L to R): J.R. Turner (Las Cruces), Gary Fresquez (Raton), Tony Woodards
(Alamogordo), Jim Cassidy (RVCP SE Region Coordinator), Dale Movius (Albuquerque NE Heights),
John Griego (RVCP Central Region Coordinator), David Smith (Santa Fe), Jeff George (Central
Albuquerque).
BACK ROW (L to R): Matt Barela (Clovis), George Vargas (Las Cruces), Bradley Brock (Silver City),
Karen Abeyta (Las Vegas, NM), Ed Mendez (RVCP Director), Sarah Bustos (RVCP NE Region
Coordinator)
Not pictured: Gordon Schei (Rio Rancho/Albuquerque NE Heights), Richard Moncrief (Roswell).
NMDVS FIELD OFFICES
Page 8
The New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services has seventeen field offices to
assist veterans and their eligible dependents with filing for VA and state veterans
benefits. Each office is managed by a nationally-certified Veterans’ Service Officer.
There is no charge for their service. Each service officer is also a veteran and is
committed to helping fellow veterans with filing for the benefits earned through
their service to our country. On the next two pages are the NMDVS field offices
(LISTED IN ALL CAPITAL LETTER HEADINGS) and outreach locations
(shown in lower-case italicized headings with an asterisk*).
The field offices are supervised by Director of Field Operations Kenneth Adair, who
is based in NMDVS downtown Albuquerque office in the Dennis Chavez Federal
Kenneth Adair
Building. Prior to coming to the agency, Ken came from the New Mexico Army
Field Offices Director
National Guard in 2014, where he retired as State Command Sergeant Major with
more than 35 years of military service. He is a Gulf War-era and Operation Iraqi Freedom combat veteran.
Ken can be reached at [email protected] or (505) 346-3986.
ALAMOGORDO
Tony Woodards
411 10th Street # 107
(575) 437-4635
ALBUQUERQUE (Central) ALBUQUERQUE/NE Heights #1
Jeff George
(vacant)-contact
500 Gold Ave. SW
Albuquerque NE Heights #2 office
(505) 346-4810
for assistance
[email protected]
[email protected]
ALBUQUERQUE/NE Heights#2
Anthony*
Artesia*
Gordon Schei
(Las Cruces Office Outreach)
(Carlsbad Office Outreach)
5201 Eagle Rock Ave. NE
George Vargas
Dagmar Youngberg
(505) 383-2409
(575) 524-6124
(575) 885-4939
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Aztec*
CARLSBAD
Clayton*
(Farmington Office Outreach)
Dagmar Youngberg
(Raton Office Outreach)
Beverly Charley
101 N. Halagueno
Gary Fresquez
(505) 327-2861
(575) 885-4939
(575) 445-8282
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
CLOVIS
Cuba*
Deming*
Matthew Barela
(Albuquerque Office Outreach)
(Silver City Office Outreach)
904 W. 6th Street
Gordon Schei
Bradley Brock
(575) 762-6185
(505) 383-2409
(575) 538-2377
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Española*
FARMINGTON
Gallup*
(Taos Office Outreach)
Beverly Charley
(Grants Office Outreach)
Michael Pacheco
101 West Animas/Room 104
Tyrra Saavedra
(575) 758-9624
(505) 327-2861
(505) 287-8387
[email protected] [email protected]
[email protected]
GRANTS
Tyrra Saavedra
551 Washington Ave.
(505) 287-8387
[email protected]
HOBBS
Holloman AFB*
Dalton Boyd
(Alamogordo Office Outreach)
2120 N. Alto Street
Tony Woodards
(575) 397-5290
(575) 437-4635
[email protected] [email protected]
Page 9
LAS CRUCES #1
J.R. Turner
2024 E. Griggs Ave.
(575) 524-6220
[email protected]
Lordsburg*
(Silver City Office Outreach)
LOS LUNAS
Theresa Zuni
LAS VEGAS
Karen Abeyta
917 Douglas Avenue
(505) 454-0068
[email protected]
Mora*
(Las Vegas, NM Office Outreach)
RIO RANCHO
(vacant)-please contact
1000 Main St. Cottage # 4
(505) 841-5346
[email protected]
RATON
Gary Fresquez
200 N. 3rd St.
(575) 445-8282
[email protected]
ROSWELL
Richard Moncrief
Karen Abeyta
(505) 454-0068
[email protected]
Reserve*
(Silver City Office Outreach)
Bradley Brock
(575) 538-2377
[email protected]
Ruidoso*
(Alamogordo Office Outreach)
the DVS Albuquerque offices
for assistance
1600 SE Main St.
(575) 624-6086
Tony Woodards
(575) 437-4635
Bradley Brock
(575) 538-2377
[email protected]
Quemado*
(Silver City Office Outreach)
Bradley Brock
(575) 538-2377
[email protected]
LAS CRUCES #2
George Vargas
2024 E. Griggs Ave.
(575) 524-6124
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
SANTA FE
(Vacant) Office is open Monday
and Friday until further notice.
Call (505) 346-4810
for assistance or to
make an appointment.
Socorro*
(Los Lunas Office Outreach)
Theresa Zuni
(505) 841-5346
[email protected]
Santa Rosa*
(Las Vegas, NM Office Outreach)
Karen Abeyta
(505) 454-0068
[email protected]
SILVER CITY
Bradley Brock
1211 North Hudson St.
(575) 538-2377
[email protected]
Sunland Park*
(Las Cruces Office Outreach)
George Vargas
(575) 524-6124
TAOS
Michael Pacheco
120 Civic Plaza
(575) 758-9624
[email protected]
[email protected]
Truth or Consequences*
(Las Cruces Office Outreach)
JR Turner
(575) 524-6220
[email protected]
Tucumcari*
(Las Vegas, NM Office Outreach)
Karen Abeyta
(505) 454-0068
[email protected]
Page 10
ANNUAL NMDVS FIELD OFFICE REPORT
FY 2015 (July 1, 2014-June 30, 2015)
NUMBER OF VETERANS HELPED BY NMDVS VSO’s: 25,549
Office Visits:
15,762
Outreach Assistance:
9,787
NATURE OF ASSISTANCE PROVIDED
State Benefits Claims,
VA Benefits Claims Referred to Other Service Organizations
Property Tax Exemption
1,584
License Plates
1,345
Parks Passes
544
100% Disability Rating
386
Dept. of Fish & Game
319
Education
22
TOTAL
4,200
VA/Federal Benefits (Non-POA) Claims
VA Regional Office
3,386
Service-Connected
1,752
VA Medical Center
897
E-Benefits
783
Non-Service (NSC)
729
Death Benefits
445
Referrals
296
Home Loans
177
Education
142
Miscellaneous
6,585
TOTAL
15,192
New Power-of-Attorney (POA) Assignments
DAV
1,753
VFW
701
American Legion
684
MoPH
153
NMDVS
44
AMVETS
27
PVA
25
TOTAL
3,387
Miscellaneous Claims
2,770
Rural Veterans Coordination Program (RVCP)
Page 11
In 2015, the New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services created the Rural
Veterans Coordination Program (RVCP) after receiving a $2 million RVCP grant
from the U.S. Veterans Health Administration and the Office of Rural Health
specifically for assisting rural-area veterans—a population segment which both
agencies recognize as being underserved throughout the nation. The NMDVS was
one of only five recipients of these grants.
Edward Mendez
Rural Veterans
Coordination Program
Director
In accordance with grant guidelines, the NMDVS has created special RVCP Program
offices staffed by a grant coordinator in five regions of the state: Northwest
(Shiprock), Northeast (Las Vegas), Southwest (Santa Clara), Southeast (Roswell),
and Central New Mexico (Albuquerque). The coordinators will travel throughout
their assigned regions to find veterans not enrolled in the VA health care system.
Though the focus is on finding veterans who have recently left active-duty service,
veterans from any war or peacetime era will be counted or will receive any needed
benefits assistance.
The coordinators will put veterans in touch with the nearest NMDVS office, the VA regional office in
Albuquerque, or an appropriate local agency to help with filing for disability compensation, pension
claims, education and vocational training, life insurance, home loans, health care, transportation issues,
burial assistance, and dependent/survivors benefits. The coordinators—who have extensive knowledge of
their regions and what services are available—can also put veterans in touch with non-VA or state agencies
offering other services or programs which help veterans.
The RVCP Program is under the supervision of Edward Mendez and is based in the NMDVS northeast
Albuquerque office. Ed is a Gulf War Navy veteran who, prior to coming to the NMDVS, assisted veterans
as a Veteran Employment Representative (LVER) and Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP)
specialist at the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions. He can be contacted at (505) 383-2417
or [email protected].
New Toll-Free Phone Number
The program also features a VetConnect statewide toll-free “hotline” for rural veterans and their families
to access information. That number is 1-(800) 672-7006.
Our Nation’s Newest Generation of Veterans:
Gulf War/OEF/OIF/OND
The focus of the Rural Veterans Coordination Program (RVCP) is to find and help our nation’s newest
generation of veterans—those men and women who served during the Gulf War, Operation Enduring
Freedom (OEF/Afghanistan), Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), and Operation New Dawn
(OND/post-OIF service in Iraq).
According to the latest data from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), there are 52,562 of these
new-generation veterans living in New Mexico; however, the New Mexico Department of Veterans’
Services believes there are an additional 15,000-20,000 of these veterans who have not registered with
the VA. These veterans remain unaccounted for and are not receiving the benefits which they’ve earned.
The goal of the RVCP Program is to identify these unregistered veterans. (For more detailed data on the
breakdown of New Mexico’s veteran population, go to page 58).
Page 12
2015 YEAR IN REVIEW
Page 13
2015 YEAR IN REVIEW (January)
NMDVS Introduces Secretary-Designate Fox to
State Veterans Organizations/Community Partners
The New Mexico Department of Veterans Services kicked
off a busy 2015 with the first of its four quarterly briefings of
state veterans’ service organizations and community agency
partners.
Secretary-Designate Jack Fox (top/center, in dark suit)
addresses attendees at the January 9 quarterly meeting
of state veterans & community service organization
leaders at the New Mexico Veterans Memorial in
Albuquerque.
Leaders from nearly three dozen organizations attended
January 9 meeting in Albuquerque to meet SecretaryDesignate Jack Fox. He stressed the need for federal, state
and local agencies throughout the state to continue working
together to help a new generation of veterans coming home
from troop draw-downs from ongoing global hotspots—and
a modernized military employing fewer personnel.
“Many of these men and women enlisted with the goal of
making the military a career,” said Secretary-Designate Fox.
“They are heartbroken. They made plans—only to be told
their services are no longer needed. They are coming home…with no place to go….no plans for the future.
We’ve got to make sure that we are there for them as they ponder their next move.”
Secretary-Designate Fox stressed the need for all agencies to continue working together in identifying our
nation’s newest generation of veterans—and helping them and their families get their earned medical,
counseling, post-secondary education, employment and small-business help benefits in order to help the
transition into new post-military lives.
NMDVS Veterans Service Officer is Asked to
Speak by Family at the Funeral of WWII Veteran
New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services Veterans’
Service Officer David Smith was asked by the family of
Jack N. Bishop to speak at his funeral on January 9 at the
Santa Fe National Cemetery.
The 91-year old Bishop passed away after a long battle
with an illness. The family had been working with Mr.
Smith to process Mr. Bishop’s veterans’ and spousal
benefits—and were so impressed with Mr. Smith’s service
that they asked him to speak at the gravesite service.
Mr. Smith praised the WWII veteran for his service to our New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services Santa
Fe-based Veterans Service Officer David Smith
country—and presented a Condolence Letter from
presents a Condolence Letter on behalf of Governor
Governor Susana Martinez to the family.
Susana Martinez to Barbara Bishop at the funeral of
her husband Jack. The WWII Navy veteran was buried
on January 9 with full military honors at the Santa Fe
National Cemetery.
“I was very honored that the family asked me to help
honor Jack at his funeral, “said Smith, the agency’s Santa
Fe-based Veterans Service Officer and, who like all
NMDVS Service Officers, is also a veteran. “My father was a Bataan Death March Survivor, so I’ve always
had a special place in my heart for our WWII veterans.”
Page 14
2015 YEAR IN REVIEW (January-continued)
NMDVS Secretary-Designate Fox Among Speakers
at Annual Senior Day at the Legislature”
New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services SecretaryDesignate Jack Fox was a guest speaker at Senior Day at
the Legislature on January 27 presented by the Alliance of
Area Agencies on Aging. Secretary-Designate Fox used the
opportunity to urge our state’s older veterans to make sure
they are enrolled with the VA’s Benefits and Health Care
Programs—reminding older veterans that it’s never too late
to do something which could greatly benefit widows and
families of veterans.
“Today’s VA is not the same VA that you and I knew back
when we were serving in the military, “ said the retired Brigadier General and former New Mexico
National Guard Deputy Adjutant General. “There are a lot of services which can really help you and your
spouses. Things like improved health dare, the state veterans home, military burial benefits, passing on
your pensions to your widower…these are things which need to be taken care of now—while you’re still
around. It’ll be much more difficult or even impossible to deal with if you’re in poor health or are no
longer alive.”
The secretary-designate promised one of his top priorities would be to improve the efforts by the NMDVS
to educate older veterans about their earned VA and state veterans’ benefits.
“These are benefits which you’ve earned, so make sure you take advantage of them,” said SecretaryDesignate Fox.
NMDVS Assists Veterans at 2015 Hiring Our Heroes Job Fair
New Mexico Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) Business Advisor Rich Coffel (far left, in left
photo) and New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services Veterans’ Service Officer Dale Movius (right
photo) assisted veterans at the January 28 Hiring Our Heroes Job Fair at the University of Phoenix in
Albuquerque. The free job fair presented by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for veterans, transitioning
military personnel, and their spouses attracted 30 federal, state and local companies and 105 job-seekers.
210 résumés were accepted, 34 interviews took place, and seven on-the-spot job offers were extended.
The VBOC is the business development division of the NMDVS. It is funded through a grant by the U.S.
Small Business Administration, but managed by the NMDVS. (see page 49 for more about the VBOC)
Page 15
2015 YEAR IN REVIEW (February)
Secretary-Designate Fox Unanimously Confirmed
as NMDVS Cabinet Secretary
Secretary-Designate Jack Fox (right photo, lower right
corner; bottom photo, at left) was unanimously confirmed
on February 23 by the New Mexico Senate as Secretary of
the New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services.
The confirmation came after a swift hearing in the Senate
Rules Committee, followed by a swift and unanimous vote
of approval on Senate floor during the 2015 New Mexico
Legislature.
“As a native New Mexican, I am honored and humbled to be
given this chance to serve my state’s veterans and their families,” said Secretary Fox in a statement which was releases
to the media after the vote. “I have seen first-hand the sacrifices they have made to serve our country. Along with my
staff, I will fight to help veterans receive every VA and state
veterans’ benefit they have earned—and will seek to further
improve their post-military lives.”
(More information about Secretary Fox can be found on
page 5)
WWII Veterans, Civil Air Patrol Honored at 2015
Military & Veterans Day at the Legislature
World War II veterans were honored on February 25 for
Military and Veterans Day at the Legislature at the State
Capitol Rotunda in Santa Fe.
Lieutenant Governor John Sanchez was the Keynote
Speaker at the annual ceremony during the Legislature
which honors the service of our nation’s veterans and
active-duty personnel. This year’s theme, coinciding with
the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II, was
Honoring Our World War II Veterans and the Civil Air
Patrol. During his remarks before an overflow crowd, the
L to R: World War II veterans Herman Saiz,
Lt. Governor thanked the veterans of what national TV
Horacio Martinez, Andres Gonzales and Atilano
News Anchor Tom Brokaw coined “The Greatest
David were among the nearly three dozen WWII
veterans attending “Military & Veterans Day at the Generation”—a generation of veterans who engaged in
Legislature” on February 25 at the State Capitol in battles against Japan in the Pacific, and Germany in the
Atlantic and in Europe.
Santa Fe. David is a Bataan Death March
Survivor.
During World War II, Civil Air Patrol coastal patrols
accounted for 86,685 missions totaling 244,600 flight hours and more than 24 million miles. They
escorted more than 5,600 convoys. They reported 173 U-boats –attacking and driving off 57. On the
mainland, CAP volunteers flew 20,500 missions involving towing aerial gunnery targets for live-fire
anti-aircraft gunnery training and nighttime tracking missions for searchlights. They flew 30,000 hours
along the Mexican border to watch for illegal border crossings and report any unusual activities.
Page 16
2015 YEAR IN REVIEW (March)
New Mexico Veterans Business Outreach Center
Presents 2015 NM Veterans Business Conference
Two-hundred twenty veterans, Guard/Reserve and
transitioning active duty military personnel attended the
2015 New Mexico Veterans Business Conference on March
20 at the Sheraton Uptown Albuquerque Hotel. It was the
first large conference presented by the New Mexico
Business Outreach Center (VBOC)—the veterans’ business
development division of the New Mexico Department of
Veterans’ Services.
The focus of the conference was to help veterans start or
expand their own small business—and also provide an
excellent chance for them to meet representatives from
several municipalities from around the state and with
federal prime contractors to discuss contracting
opportunities.
New Mexico Veterans’ Business Outreach Center Director
Joseph Long addresses attendees at the 2015 New Mexico
Veterans Business Conference on March 20 in Albuquerque.
Mr. Long served as the day’s Master of Ceremonies.
Presentations and breakout sessions covered a variety of subjects--from Business Basics and
Fundamentals of Finance, to Doing Business with the National Laboratories, How to Approach Buying a
Franchise, Special Financing Available for Veterans, Doing Business Internationally, and Social Media/
Marketing. A free hot lunch was provided to all attendees. (For more information about the VBOC,
please go to page 49).
NMDVS Assists Veterans at the 2015 Operation Hiring Heroes Job Fair for Veterans
New Mexico Veterans Business Advisor Rich Coffel (center, in left photo) and New Mexico Department
of Veterans’ Services Veterans Service Officer Dale Movius (right, in left photo) staffed an informational
table at the 2015 Operation Hiring Heroes Job Fair for veterans on March 19 at American Legion Post
13 in Albuquerque. The two answered questions and provided help to any of the 350 job seekers
attending the job fair who needed help with their small businesses or with filing for VA or state
veterans’ benefits.
The job fair was presented by the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions, the New Mexico
Workforce Connection, and American Legion Post 13. It was free for veterans, National Guard/Reserve/
transitioning active-duty military personnel and their spouses.
Page 17
2015 YEAR IN REVIEW (March-continued)
NMDVS SAA Director Speaks at Screening of Movie
Honoring African-American Women of WWII
New Mexico State Approving Agency Director Marilyn
Dykman (on state in left photo) was a featured speaker at
the screening of the documentary movie Sweet Georgia
Brown: Impact, Courage, Sacrifice and Will on March 29
at the New Mexico History Museum in Santa Fe.
The hour-long documentary highlighted the contributions
of African-American women during World War II, and how
they helped break down racial barriers during the formation
of military reserve units such as the Women’s Army
Auxiliary Corps--the forerunner to the Women’s Army
Corps (WAC), the U.S. Navy WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service), and the Coast
Guard Reserves (SPARS). The units were created to free male service members from stateside military
duties to serve in combat overseas. Ms. Dykman, a retired Coast Guard Lieutenant Commander who was
our nation’s first Hispanic female Coast Guard helicopter pilot, was invited to speak before the movie—
which was shown as part of the museum’s celebration of March as National Women’s History Month.
“As you will see in the movie, women have always played an integral part in our nation’s military,” said
Ms. Dykman. “As a woman pilot, I knew I was being counted on to perform my job not as a woman, but as
a pilot—regardless of my gender. As a minority, I also knew I would be setting an example for future
women minorities in the military.”
Ms. Dykman’s agency operates under the New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services—with a primary
responsibility of reviewing, evaluating and approving post-high school colleges, universities and job
training programs for veterans to utilize their GI Education Benefit Bill. (for more information about the
State Approving Agency, please go to page 51)
Two NMDVS Service Officers Among the 5,600 Bataan Memorial Death March Participants
New Mexico Department of Veterans’
Services Veterans’ Service Officers
James “J.R.” Turner (left, from the
NMDVS Las Cruces Office) and
Bradley Brock (Silver City office)
were among the 5,600 participants
in the 26th Annual Bataan Memorial
Death March at the White Sands
Missile Range on March 22.
"It was tough—very challenging and soul-searching to say the least,” said Turner. “But I won’t even try to
say I suffered—compared to what the soldiers endured on the 60-mile Death March 73-years ago.” said
Turner, who finished the march in just under nine hours.
“I thought about all of that...along our hike—the torture, the jungle, the heat and humidity they had to
endure,” said Brock, who clocked in at 7-1/2 hours. “It kept me going—and I bet everyone else felt this
way, too.”
Page 18
2015 YEAR IN REVIEW (April)
NMDVS Veterans Business Outreach Center
Approved for Grant Renewal by SBA
The New Mexico Department of Veterans Services was
notified in April that its Veterans Business Outreach Center
(VBOC) was one of nine entities selected by the U.S. Small
Business Administration (SBA) to continue participating in
a $3.9 million, three-year federal grant program to help
military veterans to succeed as small business owners.
The funding enables the NMVBOC to continue its mandate
of counseling, training, and providing assistance,
comprehensive business assessments and mentoring to
The New Mexico Veterans Business Outreach Center veteran and service-disabled veteran entrepreneurs as well
Guard, Reserve and transitioning active-duty service
is located at 5301 Eagle Rock Avenue NE in
members. It is managed by the New Mexico Department of
Albuquerque.
Veterans’ Services, which helped create the center in 2012
to help veterans with their small business needs.
Among the key outreach tools utilized by the VBOC are its popular VBOC On The Road and Boots to
Business outreach workshops for transitioning active-duty personnel. The center will also launch On the
Rez workshops for Native-American veterans living on Native-American reservations and pueblos. (For
more information about the New Mexico Veterans Business Outreach Center, please go to page 49).
Governor Martinez Signs Five Veteran/Military
Bills Into State Law
Governor Susana Martinez signed five military and
veteran-related bills into state law on April 10. Before a
crowd of veterans and uniformed military personnel at the
auditorium of the New Mexico Veterans Memorial, the
Governor said these new laws were “common sense” laws—
and, more importantly, were the least she could do to thank
the men and women of the military for their service to our
country.
“There really is no way we as Americans can adequately
thank our men and women of the military for their
sacrifice,” said Governor Martinez. “But today, as Governor of New Mexico, I believe I can show a little
appreciation on behalf of all New Mexicans by signing these five bills. I believe these new laws will make
life better for current and former military members and their families.”
The Governor signed the following five bills into state law (all five were passed by the 2015 New Mexico
Legislature and were actively supported by the New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services):
SB-506, the Disabled Veterans Property Tax Exemption Act
HB-203, the Veteran & Active-Military Discounted Hunting and Fishing Licenses Act
HB-220, the Increased National Guard Insurance Eligibility Act
HB-327, the National Guard Assistance Eligibility Act
HB-427, the Resident Tuition Rates for Veterans’ Spouse or Children Act
(For more information about the new laws, please go to page 37).
Page 19
2015 YEAR IN REVIEW (April-continued)
NMDVS Secretary Fox Honors Defenders of Bataan at Annual Bataan Memorial Day
Ceremonies in Santa Fe and Albuquerque
New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services Secretary
Jack Fox took part in ceremonies observing the 73rd
anniversary of the infamous Bataan Death March of
World War II.
On April 9, the New Mexico National Guard held its
annual Santa Fe tribute at the Eternal Flame Monument
in front of the Bataan Memorial Building. Bataan Death
March survivor Ralph Rodriquez and former Corregidor
Prisoner-of-War William Overmier were in attendance.
On April 11, NMDVS Secretary Fox, NMNG Adjutant
General Salas and Philippine Consul General Leo
Herrera-Lim were among the dignitaries attending the
NMDVS Secretary Jack Fox delivers the Keynote
annual Bataan Remembrance Day ceremony in
Address at the April 11 Bataan ceremony in
Albuquerque presented by the Filipino-American
Albuquerque. Seated in the front row (from L to R):
Foundation of New Mexico at the city’s Bataan
Bataan Death March Survivor Atilano David (with
Memorial Park. Special guests were Bataan Death
cane), former Corregidor Prisoner-of-War William
Overmier (brown jacket), Philippine Consul General
March Survivors Tony Reyna, Atilano David, Ernest
Leo Herrera-Lim (beige shirt), and Bataan Death March Montoya and former Corregidor Prisoner-of-War
Survivor Ernest Montoya (right corner in green hat).
William Overmier.
At both ceremonies, Secretary Fox praised those who fought in Bataan as American icons who fought
bravely until the very end—surrendering only because they were ordered to by their leaders.
“Society today tends to throw around the word ‘hero’ a
lot. We use it to describe athletes and movie action
heroes,” said Secretary Fox at the Albuquerque
ceremony. “But these four men here—and their 75,000
fellow prisoners-- truly are heroes for what they
endured in the name of bravery, honor and freedom.
They have earned their legacy of honor. They paid
dearly for it.”
The American Flag was lowered at both ceremonies—
and in its place, a white “surrender flag” was raised to
commemorate the day 73 years ago—April 9, 1942-when Allied forces surrendered to Japan on the Bataan
Peninsula in the Philippines.
Bataan Death March Survivor Ralph Rodriguez
acknowledges the crowd after being introduced at the
April 9 Bataan Ceremony in Santa Fe.
On that date, U.S. General Edward King ordered his
troops to surrender to the much larger and better
equipped Japanese force. More than 75,000 Allied soldiers were taken prisoner, including 1,800
members of the New Mexico National Guard—who had been in the Philippines for six months for a
training exercise when Japan attacked. The prisoners were then forced to march sixty torture-filled miles
to prison camps. Many died or were executed along the way. Those that survived the Bataan Death
March then endured 3-1/2 years of brutal imprisonment. Less than half of the New Mexicans were alive
by the time Japan surrendered on September 2, 1945—thus ending World War II.
Page 20
2015 YEAR IN REVIEW (May)
NMDVS Presents Veterans Benefits Fair in Las Vegas, NM
New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services Veterans’ Service Officers Karen Abeyta (LEFT PHOTO: blue blouse/Las
Vegas, NM office) and Gary Fresquez (LEFT PHOTO: in red shirt/NMDVS Raton office) were among those assisting
veterans at the May 30 Veterans Benefits Fair in Las Vegas, NM.
The New Mexico Department of Veterans Services presented a Veterans Benefits Information Fair on
May 30 in Las Vegas, NM, at the Abe Montoya Recreation Center.
The event provided an opportunity for veterans and their families in the San Miguel/Mora county areas to
meet face-to-face in one location with agencies which help veterans. Representatives from twenty-four
VA, state and local organizations joined the NMDVS to provide information about VA Healthcare and
Counseling, Compensation and Disability Ratings, Pensions, assistance for homeless/near-homeless
veterans, employment and small business help for veterans, domestic violence and other counseling
services and other services. More than 2,500 veterans live in these two largely rural counties.
NMDVS, New Mexico Trucking Association
Co-Present Job Fair for Veterans
The New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services teamed
with the New Mexico Trucking Association to present the
2015 New Mexico Trucking Association Job Fair for
Veterans on May 1 at the Sandia Casino & Resort in
Albuquerque.
The job fair featured trucking companies, non-trucking
industry and law enforcement agencies others looking to
hire qualified veterans and transitioning active-duty military
personnel.
The feedback from participating employers was excellent,
according to New Mexico Trucking Association Managing
Director Johnny Johnson—who said the companies were
impressed by the quality and military backgrounds of the
attendees.
“The participating companies and agencies liked the ‘can-do
attitude’ and discipline which were evident during these
initial face-to-face meetings,” said Johnson. “They really
appreciated the chance to talk to veterans about their job
vacancies.”
Page 21
2015 YEAR IN REVIEW (May-continued)
Remains of Two Korean War MIA’s Laid to Rest
With Military Honors at SF National Cemetery
The remains of two Korean War veterans previously
classified as Missing in Action (MIA) were laid to rest in
May with full military honors at the Santa Fe National
Cemetery.
On May 23, New Mexico Department of Veterans Services
Secretary Jack Fox presented a Condolence Letter on behalf
of Governor Susana Martinez to Teresa Apodaca, the sister
of Albuquerque native and former U.S. Army Corporal
Avelicio “Abie” Apodaca.
New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services
Secretary Jack Fox presents a Condolence Letter
from Governor Susana Martinez to Teresa Aguilar,
sister of Korean War POW/MIA Avelicio Apodaca.
According to U.S. Army records, CPL Apodaca was taken
prisoner after a three-day battle with Communist forces
east of Chuam-ni, South Korea, in mid-February 1951.
Records indicate he died at the Pyoktong POW Camp on
March 31, 1951. CPL Apodaca was just eighteen years old. The South Valley native’s remains were
positively identified last November through a DNA sample provided by a cousin living in Albuquerque.
The DoD then tracked down a stunned Teresa, who lives near Vandenberg Air Force Base in central
California. She had never met her older brother—having been born nine years after Apodaca was shipped
to Korea.
“I cannot tell you how powerfully emotional this is for me,” said Teresa Aguilar. “Abie is my flesh and
blood. How I wished I had grown up with him! But Abie is
finally home—and for this, I am truly happy and at peace.”
On May 13, former U.S. Army Infantryman Eugene “Gene”
Erickson was interred--nearly 64-years after the native of
Brainerd, MN, was declared missing after his unit was
attacked by Chinese forces during a battle north of
Honcheon, South Korea, on May 18, 1951. His identity was
finally confirmed earlier this year through a DNA sample
provided by his
88-year old brother
Clayton, who lives in
Albuquerque.
New Mexico Army National Guard Color Guard
According to the DoD, pallbearers carry the casket containing the remains
Apodaca and Erickson of Gene Erickson. The Brainerd, MN, native had
been listed as KIA/MIA from the Korean War. A
are two of only 128
DNA sample recently provided by his brother
U.S. service members Clayton (left photo) confirmed Gene’s identity.
identified from 208
boxes of human remains turned over to the U.S. by North Korea
since 1990, when that government initially cooperated with the
DoD’s effort to ID and return the remains of Americans who perished in the Korean War.
The DoD believes those boxes may contain the remains of more than 400 American service members.
Currently, there are 7,500 Americans listed as MIA from the Korean War; 44 are from New Mexico.
Page 22
2015 YEAR IN REVIEW (May-continued)
Headstone Placed in Honor of Medal-of-Honor
Recipient Buried in Lincoln County Cemetery
A ceremony was held at the Cedarvale Cemetery in White
Oaks (Lincoln County) on May 9 to rededicate the gravesite
of Charles H. McVeagh, a U.S. Army Private and Medal of
Honor recipient from the Indian Wars.
New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services Secretary
Jack Fox joined fellow military veterans, the Marine Corps
League Detachment 850 Color Guard, and residents of
Lincoln County to dedicate a new headstone honoring PVT
McVeagh, who according to the Congressional Medal of
Honor Society’s website was awarded our nation’s highest
combat award “…for bravery in scouts and actions against
Indians.”
New Mexico Department of Veterans Services
Secretary Jack Fox (in cowboy hat) attended the
May 9 ceremony dedicating a headstone for U.S.
Army PVT and Medal of Honor recipient Charles
H. McVeagh at the Cedarvale Cemetery in Lincoln
County.
Lincoln County officials were
alerted to McVeagh’s burial at the
cemetery by an Ohio man who
researches unmarked gravesites of MoH recipients as an historian for the
Congressional Medal of Honor Society. They believe a plain unmarked wooden
plank was most likely placed as a headstone at his otherwise unmarked gravesite.
The May 9 ceremony dedicated a formal headstone which was installed near the
flagpole in honor McVeagh’s burial at the remote cemetery.
Memorial Day Observed in Ceremonies Throughout New Mexico
America’s fallen war heroes were honored at Memorial Day
ceremonies throughout the state on Memorial Day Weekend
(Saturday, May 23 through Monday, May 25.)
New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services Secretary Jack Fox
attended the Memorial Day Ceremony at the Vietnam Veterans
State Memorial Park in Angel Fire, (left photo) where he had the
honor of reading the Memorial Day Proclamation from Governor
Susana Martinez—who was attending a similar ceremony in Las
Vegas, NM.
Other NMDVS staff also took part in ceremonies, including
Silver City Veterans
Service Officer Bradley
Brock at Ft. Bayard
National Cemetery
(bottom left photo)...
...and Las Vegas Karen
Abeyta (right photo, in
right corner).
Page 23
2015 YEAR IN REVIEW (June)
Albuquerque City Council Issues Proclamation
Thanking NMDVS for Adopting City Park
The Albuquerque City Council issued a Proclamation at its
June 22 council meeting thanking the New Mexico
Department of Veterans’ Services (NMDVS) for adopting
Wild Flower Park in the city’s Northeast Heights.
The adoption was done
under the city’s Adopt-aPark Program which
allows civic-minded
organizations or
individuals to help the
(Foreground, from Left to Right): NMDVS Secretary
city maintain its parks
Jack Fox, Health Care Specialist Joseph Dorn,
by providing monetary
Deputy Secretary Alan Martinez, and Health
Care Coordination Director Mitchell Lawrence are or “manpower”
donations.
congratulated by the Albuquerque City Council—
which thanked the agency for adopting the city’s
Wild Flower Park.
Park enhancement will be performed in large part by
volunteers from the New Mexico Department of Veteran
Services, volunteer support from its local partner veteran organizations and programs, and veterans
volunteering their time. The goal of the adoption is to create a park for veterans and their families to
enjoy. It will also allow veterans to continue to give back to the local community through involvement in
park beautification projects.
NMDVS Participates in Homeless Veterans
Summit Hosted by NM VA Health Care System
The New Mexico Department of Veterans participated in
the 2015 Homeless Veterans Summit hosted by the New
Mexico VA Health Care System on June 30 at the Raymond
G. Murphy VA Medical Center in Albuquerque.
The summit brought together key agencies and community
partners which address issues of enhancing access to
homeless services, and addressing the mental and physical
healthcare needs of veterans and their family members
throughout the state.
New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services
Health Care Coordination Director Mitchell
Lawrence (center, in tan suit) takes part in the 2015
Homeless Veterans Summit on June 30 at the
Raymond G. Murphy VA Medical Center in
Albuquerque.
Following opening remarks, participants took part in a
series of discussions covering topics such as permanent
housing placement, outreach challenges, landlord
challenges, and veterans’ benefits. In addition to the
NMVAHCS and the NMDVS, other participants included
the City of Albuquerque, the New Mexico Coalition to End Homelessness, Health Care for Homeless
Veterans, Heading Home, T&C Management, and the New Mexico Veterans Integration Center.
The agencies wrapped up the day-long summit by reminding everyone that each agency is working for the
same goal—ending veteran homelessness—and pledging to work together and share information and
resources when possible.
Page 24
2015 YEAR IN REVIEW (June-continued)
NMDVS Secretary Fox Addresses VFW, DAV, American Legion State Conventions
New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services Secretary Jack Fox had the honor of addressing the annual
state conventions of the New Mexico chapters of: The Veterans of Foreign Wars on June 5 in Albuquerque
(left photo), the Disabled American Veterans on June 12 in Albuquerque (center photo), and the
American Legion on June 26 in Los Alamos (right photo). Secretary Fox gave updates of its newly-created
Health Care Program Coordination Division (for more information, please go to page 44), the Rural
Veterans Coordination Program (page 11), and the State Veterans Cemetery Program Division (page 52).
“We are really excited about these three new initiatives. We’ll have a lot on our plate, but we are ready,”
said Secretary Fox at the VFW convention on June 5 at the Sheraton Uptown Hotel. It was a theme he
repeated at the two other conventions. “These are programs which our veterans and their families
deserve, and that we have worked hard to move forward.”
NMDVS Helps Present 2015 Flag Day/Massing of
the Colors Ceremony in Santa Fe
Honoring Old Glory and those who have protected it was
the focus of the 20th annual Flag Day Massing of the
Colors Ceremony in Santa Fe on June 13—a day before the
official June 14th date.
The host of the event—held at the Santa Fe Veterans’
Memorial—was once again the Santa Fe Chapter of the
Military Order of World Wars (MOWW), with assistance
from the New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services.
The colorful Massing of the Colors procession followed the awards
ceremony--featuring veterans’ organizations and community groups
parading towards the monument bearing the flags of the United
States, New Mexico, and their own organizations. New Mexico
Department of Veterans’ Services Secretary Jack Fox, after reading the
Official Flag Day Proclamation from Governor Susana Martinez,
thanked all those who have served under the Stars and Stripes.
“New Mexicans have always and will continue to answer the call to
protect it and our country,” said Secretary Fox. “Americans will
always be grateful for this sacrifice and service to our Flag and all that
it stands for.”
Page 25
2015 YEAR IN REVIEW (July)
Construction Begins for Alzheimer’s Patient Wing
at State Veterans Home in Truth or Consequences
New Mexico Department of Veterans Services Secretary
Jack Fox attended the July 21 groundbreaking ceremony for
a facility for veterans in need of long-term Alzheimer’s and
skilled nursing care at the New Mexico State Veterans
Home in Truth or Consequences
The $23 million facility, which is managed by the New
Mexico Department of Health, will add more than 87,000
square feet and 60 beds to the Veterans’ Home. Forty of the
beds will be designated for
NMDVS Secretary Jack Fox (second from left)
Alzheimer’s patients; the
participated with State Veterans Home staff and
remainder will be for patients
local dignitaries at the July 21 groundbreaking of a requiring skilled nursing.
Alzheimer’s/long-term care facility at the State
Veterans Home in Truth or Consequences.
According to DOH, an
estimated 34,000 New
Mexicans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, which consistently ranks as one
of the top 10 leading causes of death in the state. According to the DOH, 125
residents currently live at the New Mexico Veterans’ Home. New Mexico
Department of Veterans’ Services Las Cruces-based Veterans’ Service Officer
J.R. Turner visits the home on monthly outreach visits to help residents
J.R. Turner
with their VA or state veterans benefits needs. Construction is expected to NMDVS Veterans’ Service Officer
be completed in the summer of 2017.
MOU Signed by VA, Taos Pueblo to Make it Easier
for Home Purchases on Pueblo Land
NMDVS Veterans’ Service Officers Gary Fresquez (Raton
office) and Mike Pacheco (Taos office) were on hand to
assist veterans and their spouses with questions about
available VA and state veterans benefits at Veterans
Benefits Fair and Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
ceremony at Taos Pueblo on July 30.
At the ceremony, representatives from the VA signed an
agreement which makes it easier for Native American
veterans living on the pueblo to buy or renovate a home on
federal trust/tribal land through its new Native American
Direct Loan (NADL) Program—which is an offshoot of the
VA’s Veterans Home Loan Guaranty Program.
NMDVS Veterans’ Service Officers Gary Fresquez
(left, from the NMDVS Raton office) and Mike
Pacheco (center, from Taos) answer questions from
New Mexico State Defense Force Chief of Staff COL
Ken Scarborough and Assistant Adjutant General
It features low-interest mortgages funded directly by the VA BG David Torres at the July 30 MOU Signing/
itself—which allows for the waiving of down payments,
Veterans’ Benefits Fair at Taos Pueblo.
closing, escrow and most other costs associated with
obtaining a mortgage. Veterans must have ownership
interest in the property itself, proper documentation showing Taos Pueblo tribal citizenship, and be
subjected to a streamlined mortgage application process. For more information about the NADL Program,
go to www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/nadl.asp or call 1-(877)827-3702.
Page 26
2015 YEAR IN REVIEW (July-continued)
NMDVS Helps Present Ceremony in Las Vegas, NM to
Honor Korean War Veterans
The Las Vegas, NM office of the New Mexico Department of
Veterans Services, Vietnam Veterans of American Chapter 1063,
and AmberCare of Las Vegas presented a Tribute to Korean
Veterans Ceremony on July 27 at the city’s Veterans Park.
The ceremony served the dual
purpose of commemorating the
62nd anniversary of the end of
hostilities of the war, and honoring veterans from northeastern New
Mexicans who served in the war.
“The Korean War is often referred to as ‘The Forgotten War’—coming on
the heels of World War II and ending in a cease-fire,” said NMDVS Las
Las Vegas, NM Mayor Alfonso Ortiz Vegas-based Veterans Service Officer Karen Abeyta, who served as
(left) and NMDVS Veterans Service Master of Ceremonies for the ceremony. “This is our way of letting these
Officer Karen Abeyta helped honor veterans know that their service was not and will never be forgotten.
Our Korean War veterans helped stem the spread of Communism in
ex-Korean War POW Harry
Asia, and for this the free world owes them a tremendous amount of
Campbell (center).
gratitude.”
The ceremony also honored the 33 northeastern New Mexicans killed in action in the war. A plaque listing
their names will be placed in the park and dedicated in the near future.
Another highlight of the July 27 Tribute to Korean
War Veterans Ceremony was the presentation of a
West Las Vegas High School diploma by WLV School
District Superintendent Gene Parson to Korean War
veteran resident Joe Delgado (in suspenders).
The 82-year old long time Las Vegas resident had
dropped out of high school during his junior year
63-years ago to enlist in the U.S. Navy and serve in
the war.
Delgado received his diploma courtesy of the World
War II/Korean War Veterans High School Diploma
Program which was established with the help of the
New Mexico Department of Veterans Services to
provide a high school diploma to any veteran who
dropped out of a New Mexico high school to serve in
World War II or Korea .
Page 27
2015 YEAR IN REVIEW (August)
NMDVS Presents Veterans Benefits Fairs in Silver City & Albuquerque
As part of it ongoing mandate to help veterans learn about their VA/state veterans benefits, the New
Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services presented two Veterans Benefits Fairs in August: In Silver City
on August 1 at Western New Mexico University, and in Albuquerque on August 14 at the Patrick J. Baca
Library on the city’s west side. The NMDVS invited the New Mexico VA Health Care System, the New
Mexico VA Regional Office, the Santa Fe National Cemetery, the New Mexico Department of Workforce
Solutions and other state and local agencies to staff informational tables with representatives to provide
information about available veterans’ services and programs.
BOTTOM RIGHT PHOTO: NMDVS Veterans’ Service Officer Bradley Brock (red shirt) consults with a veteran at the
Veterans Benefits Fair in Silver City on August 1.
BOTTOM RIGHT PHOTO: NMDVS Veterans Service Officer Dale Movius (red shirt) helps a veteran at the August 14
Veterans Benefits Fair in Albuquerque.
NMVBOC Helps Present Fifth Annual Veterans Business Expo & Job Fair
The New Mexico Veterans Business Outreach Center (NMVBOC) assisted
the Veterans Procurement Assistance Center, the New Mexico Veterans
Business Advocates, the City of Albuquerque, and the New Mexico
National Guard to present the Fifth Annual New Mexico Veterans’
Business Expo & Job Fair on August 27 at the Albuquerque Convention
Center.
More than fifty federal prime contractors registered for the Expo & Job
Fair—providing veteran-owned small business owners to network not
only with the contractors, but also with other veteran-owned business owners to explore subcontracting
opportunities and make valuable business contacts.
Participating contractors included federal, state and city
agencies, hospitals, universities and public utilities. Veterans
looking for jobs were also given the chance to meet with the
contractors and agencies. NMVBOC Veterans Business
Advisory Rich Coffel (right photo) was on hand to assist
veterans with their small business concerns. The NMVBOC
is the veterans business development division of the New
Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services. For more
information about the VBOC, go to page 49.
Page 28
2015 YEAR IN REVIEW (August-continued)
Honor Guard Teams from Silver City, Fruitland
Take Top Honors at 2015 Honor Guard Conference
Honor Guard Teams from The Marine Corps League/
Detachment 1328 in Silver City and the Upper Fruitland
Veterans Association took top honors in the competition
which highlighted the 2015 Honor Guard Conference on
August 21 at the New Mexico Veterans Memorial in
Albuquerque.
For the second year in a row, the Silver City unit took top
honors in the “Large Unit” competition, while the Fruitland
unit captured the top prize in the “Small Unit”
competition—units which do not have a Rifle Volley unit.
Top “live” bugler honors (for the rendition of Taps) went to
Al Bourget of Albuquerque.
The three-member Upper Fruitland Veterans
Association Honor Guard took top honors in
the Small Unit competition (Honor Guard
Teams without a Rifle Squad).
The annual conference is presented by the New Mexico
The members are: Ricky Willie, Larry Curtis,
Department of Veterans Services and the New Mexico
and Alvin Kee.
Department of Military Affairs/New Mexico National Guard
to provide training and instruction for the state’s 34
registered Honor Guard Units. (For more information about the Honor Guard Program, please go to
page 53).
The six-member Marine Corps League/Detachment
1328 Honor Guard from Silver City took top honors
in the Large Unit competition. The members are:
Ben Collins, George Morrison, Jeff Larkin, Frank
Donohue, Don Spann, and John Sterle.
Albuquerque resident Al Bourguet took top honors
in the Bugle competition. Entrants were required to
play Taps on a traditional bugle while performing
with an Honor Guard Unit.
Mr. Bourguet has won the top award in the bugle
competition several times in the past.
Page 29
2015 YEAR IN REVIEW (September)
City of Albuquerque Unveils Sign Recognizing
Adoption of Wild Flower Park by NMDVS
Albuquerque city officials held a “Sign Unveiling Ceremony”
on September 10 at Wild Flower Park in Albuquerque to
mark the finalization of formally “adopting” the park by the
New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services.
The NMDVS adopted the
park, located about a mile
east of Balloon Fiesta Park
on San Mateo Boulevard
NE between Eagle Rock
and Modesto Avenues,
through the city’s Adopt-a-Park Program, which allows civic-minded
organizations or individuals to help the city of Albuquerque maintain its
parks by providing monetary or “manpower” donations.
Enhancement and light maintenance at the park will be performed by
NMDVS personnel--along with support from volunteering veterans,
veterans’ organizations and programs which partner with the agency to
support veterans and their families. The goal of the adoption is to allow
veterans a chance to give back to the community through participating in
the various park beautification projects.
NMVBOC Takes Part in Boots to Business: Reboot
Business Development Seminar in Southern NM
New Mexico Veterans Business Outreach Center
(NMVBOC) Veterans Business Outreach Director Joe Long
participated a Boots to Business: Reboot seminar on
September 14 at the La Post de Mesilla restaurant in
Mesilla (Doña Ana County).
This unique two-day training program is presented by the
Small Business Administration (SBA) to provide an
overview of business ownership, an outline of the
components of a business plan, a practical exercise in
opportunity recognition, and an introduction to available public and private resources for veterans who
want to succeed in the small business world.
The seminar focused on an Introduction to Entrepreneurship course for military veterans, Guard/
Reserve/Active-Duty service members and their spouses. Attendees were then eligible to take an
eight-week online course through the Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University.
The national-recognized course is designed to delve deeper via an academic atmosphere into small
business ownership.
For more information about the Boots to Business program, go to www.boots2businessreboot.org. The
NMVBOC is the veterans business development division of the New Mexico Department of Veterans’
Services. For more information about the NMVBOC, go to page 49.
Page 30
2015 YEAR IN REVIEW (September-continued)
NMDVS, Dept. of Military Affairs, NM State Fair
Host Military & Veterans Day at the State Fair
Military veterans, retirees, Guard/Reserve/active‐duty
personnel enjoyed a “free admission” day at the New Mexico
State Fair on September 15 for the annual Military and
Veterans Appreciation Day at the New Mexico State Fair.
This annual tribute to our military community is sponsored
by the New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services, the
New Mexico Department of Military Affairs/National
Guard, and the New Mexico State Fair. All current and
former military personnel showing their DD‐214, VA Health
Card, veterans-designation driver’s license, retiree card or
active-duty DoD card received free admission to the fair.
Nearly three dozen veterans’ service agencies and organizations—along with the New Mexico Army
National Guard and other Branches of the military—were represented at informational and interactive
exhibits along “Main Street” for fair‐goers to stop by to gather information or get a “hands‐on” military
experience.
ABOVE PHOTO: A brief 11am Welcome
Ceremony on the Main Stage concluded with
the annual reading of names of all 85 New
Mexicans killed in action since the Global
War on Terror commenced shortly after the
2001 9/11 Terrorist Attacks.
Among those reading the names were
American Gold Star Mothers/New Mexico
Chapter members Pat Merville (whose son,
Army SPC Christopher Merville, was killed
in action in Iraq on October 12, 2004), and
Jo Ann Zembiec (whose son, USMC Major
Douglas Zembiec, was killed in action in Iraq
on May 11, 2007.)
Page 31
2015 YEAR IN REVIEW (October)
NMDVS Staff Provide Assistance at “Stand Downs”
for Homeless/Near Homeless Veterans
Once again this year, the New Mexico Department of
Veterans’ Services (NMDVS) was honored to take part in
“Stand Downs” for homeless veterans in the following seven
communities: Albuquerque on October 15-16, Artesia (Oct.
10), Carlsbad (Oct. 9), Farmington (Oct. 9), Gallup (Oct. 2),
Las Cruces (Oct. 17), and Santa Fe (Nov. 13-14),
The Stand Downs provided the opportunity for homeless
and near-homeless veterans to get free clothing, bedding,
food, a hot meal, hygiene kits, flu shots, basic medical
screening, legal consultation, and many more goods and
NMDVS Health Care Specialist Joseph Dorn, Health
services. Veterans’ Service Officers from the New Mexico
Care Program Coordinator Mitchell Lawrence,
Department of Veterans’ Services assisted veterans with
Veterans Service Officer Dale Movius and Veterans
Service Officer Jeff George assisted veterans on Day their VA and state veterans’ benefits needs.
1 of the October 15-16 “Project Stand Down/Hand
Up” Stand Down for Homeless Veterans held at The The Stand Downs were presented as part of joint
collaborations by the New Mexico Veterans’ Integration
Rock at Noonday Ministry in downtown
Center (NMVIC) and the New Mexico National Guard—
Albuquerque.
with help and participation from the NMDVS, the New
Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions (NMDWS), the
Albuquerque U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs Regional
Office, the New Mexico VA Health Care System, and other
federal, state and local agencies or organizations.
VA and NMVIC representative were also present at many of
the sites to offer help securing temporary or long-term
housing solutions at some of the locations. Representatives
from the NM Department of Workforce Solutions offered
employment assistance.
Hot meals were also provided by the New Mexico National
Guard or other local/charitable agencies.
NMDVS Veterans Service Officer David Smith
(seated at table) assisted veterans on Day 1 of the
The concept is modeled after the military “Stand Downs”
November 13-14 Santa Fe “VetMission Possible”
Stand Down for Homeless Veterans held at the Santa popularized during the Vietnam War to offer battle-weary
soldiers a temporary safe haven to rest, receive medical
Fe University of Art & Design
treatment, get a hot meal, and clean up before returning to
combat action.
NMDVS Veterans Service Officer Dagmar
Youngberg presents a Certificate of
Appreciation to the Legacy Inn for their
hospitality in providing the use of its hotel for
the Artesia Stand Down on October 10.
Page 32
2015 YEAR IN REVIEW (October-continued)
Unclaimed Cremated Remains of Twenty-Eight
Veterans Laid to Rest With Full Military Honors
Governor Susana Martinez delivered the Eulogy at a special
Forgotten Heroes Funeral on October 13 at the Santa Fe
National Cemetery for the cremated remains of
twenty-eight military veterans whose bodies, upon their
deaths, were unclaimed by family members.
The twenty-seven men and one woman—all from Bernalillo
County—received a formal military funeral in accordance
with the Forgotten Heroes Burial Program, a collaborative
effort established by the New Mexico Department of
Veterans’ Services to ensure that any honorably-discharged
deceased veteran whose body goes unclaimed receives a military funeral at the Santa Fe National
Cemetery—with the people of New Mexico legally recognized as the family of record.
New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services Secretary
Jack Fox and New Mexico National Guard Adjutant General
Andrew Salas also attended the funeral. Interred with full
military honors were: USA PVT Robert Axtell, USN Veteran
Stanley Boyett, USA PVT Kenneth Carnes, USA Veteran
Harold Chalupa, USN Veteran Robert Darden, USAF Am
Bruce Davis, USA PVT Arturo Gavilanes, USN Veteran Keith
Goodman, USA Veteran Norman Grady, USA Veteran
Adrian Greene, USN Lt. Gerald Lalley, USA PFC Glenn
Loney, Jr., USA Veteran Stanly Minge, USA SPC Brock
Parker, USMC Veteran William Perdue, USA PVT Thomas
Ricks, USN Veteran John Scott, USAF SrA Arthur Sharkey,
USA SGT David Slygh, USAF Capt. Charles Smith, USA SGT
Chester Smith, USN Veteran Michael Stange, USA SPC4
Wayne Summers, USN SR Eugenia Tatum, USA SSG Carl
Thompson, USA PFC Joseph Wallheimer, USA Veteran
Curtis Wheeler, and USMC LCpl James Wesenberg.
New Mexico National Guard Adjutant General
Andrew Salas (center) prepares to accept the
American Flag from the Multi-Branch Honor
Guard which had covered the remains of the 28
cremated veterans.
(For more information about the Forgotten Heroes Funeral, please go to page 55).
New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services
Secretary Jack Fox (center) stands at attention as
New Mexico National Guard Adjutant General
Andrew Salas (left) presents the folded American
Flag to Governor Susana Martinez—who accepted
it on behalf of the grateful citizens of New Mexico.
Page 33
2015 YEAR IN REVIEW (October-continued)
NM Dept. of Veterans’ Services Presents
Sixth Annual Women Veterans Conference
Women veterans representing every branch of service and
dating back to the Korean War era attended the Sixth
Annual New Mexico Women Veterans Conference October
24 in Albuquerque.
The purpose of the conference, which was presented by the
New Mexico Department of Veterans Services (NMDVS),
the New Mexico VA Health Care System (NMVAHCS) and
Women Veterans of New Mexico, was to educate women
veterans about their available veterans benefits--everything
from health care, counseling and other VA programs, to
state and other federal benefits. NMVAHCS representatives also gave a presentation about programs
specifically for veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
There were also presentations about additional VA benefits, pensions, adaptive sports programs—as well
as information by other presenters about Social Security benefits, aging and long-term care benefits, and
vocational rehabilitation programs available by the state. NMDVS Veterans Service Officer Karen Abeyta
and NMDVS State Approving Agency Director Marilyn Dykman presented information about available
state veterans’ benefits—ranging from the G.I. Veterans Education Benefit Bill, property tax exemptions
for veterans, special license plates, free park and museum passes. According to the latest VA data, of the
country’s 21.6 million veterans--2,035,213 million are women; roughly equivalent to the size of the entire
general population of New Mexico. Of our state’s 170,132 veterans—16,956 are women.
NMDVS Hosts Annual Native American
Veterans Service Officer Training Conference
The New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services hosted
its annual Native American Veterans Service Officer
Training Conference from October 26-30 at the
Albuquerque Marriott Pyramid Hotel.
Representatives designated by New Mexico’s Native
American nations and pueblos as Veterans’ Service Officers
(VSO’s) were updated on the latest developments in VA
and state veterans’ benefits by VA-certified instructors.
Each attendee was then presented with a certificate
verifying their status as a VA-certified VSO.
Native-American VSO’s perform an important role in
assisting the New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services
and the VA with helping Native-American veterans and
their families file for their VA and state veterans’ benefits.
In many cases, these VSO’s are the only point-of-contact in
their community. Native-American VSO’s also provide the
option of cultural familiarity and comfort for many
Native-American veterans. According to the latest VA data,
there are 9,099 Native American veterans living in New
Mexico.
Page 34
2015 YEAR IN REVIEW (November)
Governor Dedicates Construction Phase of State’s
First State Veterans Cemetery
Governor Susana Martinez dedicated the construction
phase of the Ft. Stanton State Veterans Cemetery—New
Mexico’s first state veterans’ cemetery--at a special Veterans
Day Ceremony at the existing Ft. Stanton Merchant Marine
& Military Cemetery.
Speaking before a large turnout—which included U.S.
Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich—the Governor
hailed the new cemetery as the first of what she hopes will
be several rural-area state veterans cemeteries dedicated to
veterans who live too far from our state’s two existing
national cemeteries in Santa Fe and Ft. Bayard.
Governor Susana Martinez addresses the capacity
crowd at the Veterans Day (November 11) ceremony
commemorating the beginning of construction at the
Ft. Stanton State Veterans Cemetery (below photos). The new cemetery is made possible by the Governors State
Veterans Cemetery Program which she launched in 2013 to
initially plan, design and build up to four state veterans’ cemeteries in Ft. Stanton, Gallup, Angel Fire, and
Carlsbad in the coming years as part of her goal to provide an honorable final resting place much closer to
home for rural-area veterans.
After securing fully refundable start-up funding from the 2015 New Mexico Legislature, the Governor,
working with the New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services (NMDVS), submitted applications from
the four communities to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Cemetery Grant
Program—established by the VA to help states build state-run veterans cemeteries.
The VA approved the Ft. Stanton application earlier this
spring. Completion is expected by the spring of 2017.
Additionally, the VA notified Governor Martinez that the
Gallup application has been accepted for inclusion on the
VA’s 2016 list of pre-approved cemetery sites. Architectural
and engineering surveys similar to what occurred for the
Ft. Stanton site are now proceeding. The NMDVS will
continue with the process at Angel Fire and Carlsbad sites.
The new Ft. Stanton cemetery will be built on vacant land
adjoining the existing Ft. Stanton Merchant Marine and
Military
Cemetery, which was built on the grounds of historic Ft.
Stanton—which opened in 1855 as a New Mexico
Territories outpost of the U.S. Army.
In 1899, the U.S. Public Health Service established a
Merchant Marine Tuberculosis Hospital at the outpost.
Since then, more than 1,700 military veterans, merchant
marines and hospital employees have been buried at the
existing ceremony, which will remain as a separate section
within the new state veterans cemetery.
Page 35
2015 YEAR IN REVIEW (November-continued)
NMDVS Secretary Fox Honors Fourth-Grader as
“Honorary Veteran” at School Veterans Day Event
New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services Secretary Jack
Fox presented a certificate to Capitan Elementary School
student Preston “Eleck” Stone—naming him an “Honorary
Veteran” at the annual Capitan School District “Salute to
Veterans” Assembly in the Capitan High School Gymnasium on
November 10.
The fourth-grader, who has Cystic Fibrosis, had been named an
honorary U.S. Army Ranger earlier in the year—thanks to a
request made on his behalf by his parents to the Make-A-Wish
Foundation. At the assembly in the packed gymnasium, Secretary Fox presented a NMDVS Veterans Pin
and a certificate to Eleck, thanking him for his love of the military and for his fundraising efforts on behalf
of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of New Mexico.
“New Mexico’s veterans are always willing to help their fellow
veterans. You in turn have always been there for your parents
Kimberly and Troy, your younger brother Bryce—and your ‘other’
family members: Your fellow students at Capitan Elementary
School,” said Secretary Fox. “On behalf of the proud citizens of New
Mexico, I commend you on a job well done—and welcome you into
the elite community of our state’s 171,000 military veterans.”
NMDVS Hosts Benefits Fair in Hobbs; Takes Part in Santa Fe Veterans Outreach Events
The New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services wrapped up a busy year of veterans outreach events by
taking part in three outreach events in November: Student Veterans Resources Day hosted by Santa Fe
Community College on November 5, the November 13 & 14 VetMissionPossible Stand Down for Homeless
Veterans hosted by the Adventist Church in Santa Fe at the Santa Fe University of Art & Design, and
hosting a Veterans Benefits Fair on November 14 at New Mexico Junior College in Hobbs.
As with all benefits outreach events, NMDVS Veterans Service Officers along with representatives from
federal, state and local agencies to present information about benefits and service available for veterans
and their families.
LEFT and CENTER PHOTOS: NMDVS Santa Fe-based Veterans’ Service Officer David Smith assisted veterans with
their benefits needs at veterans outreach events at Santa Fe Community College on November 5 (left photo) and the
Santa Fe Stand Down for Homeless Veterans on November 13 (center photo). RIGHT PHOTO: NMDVS Hobbs-based
Veterans’ Service Officer Dalton Boyd (red shirt) assisted veterans at the Veterans Benefits Fair hosted by the New
Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services on November 14 in Hobbs at New Mexico Junior College.
Page 36
2015 YEAR IN REVIEW (December)
VBOC Veterans Business Advisor Honored for
Helping National Guard Members
New Mexico Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC)
Veterans Business Advisor Richard Coffel was awarded the
New Mexico Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve’s
(ESGR) “Seven Seals Award” for his outstanding support of
the ESGR’s Employer Initiative Program at its Winter
Executive Committee Meeting on December 3 in
Albuquerque.
Rich was recognized for his tireless work in serving as a
mentor for unemployed National Guard and Reserve
members—helping them with their resumes, Dress for
NMVBOC Veterans Business Advisor Rich Coffel
nd
(2 from right, holding plaque) is flanked by (From Success counseling, and interview skills. According to the
ESGR, “...Rich’s work contributed to helping the
L to R): ESGR Employment Coordinator Brad
unemployment rate for members of the New Mexico
Lakin, ESG State Chair Ray Battaglini, and New
National Guard drop to 2.4%--far below the state average
Mexico National Guard Adjutant General Andrew
Salas.
for veterans. “
The New Mexico Veterans Business Outreach Center (NMVBOC) is the veterans’ business development
division of the New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services. Its primary purpose is to assist veterans
and transitioning active-duty military personnel with starting their own business or expanding an existing
operation. For more information about the NMVBOC, please to go to page 49.
NMDVS Secretary Fox Takes Part in Wreaths Across America at SF Nat’l Cemetery
New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services Secretary
Jack Fox gave the Keynote Address at the Santa Fe
National Cemetery on December 12 at the 2015 Wreaths
Across America ceremonial Christmas tribute to deceased
veterans.
The ceremony was one of hundreds of similar ceremonies
simultaneously taking place with a Wreaths Across
American ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery in
Washington, D.C.—as well as at all 147 national cemeteries,
hundreds private and public cemeteries, and at national
cemeteries in 24 other countries.
“Today is a day to remember that the military service of our soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, and Coast
Guard service members who are no longer with us is not forgotten this Christmas season,” said Secretary
Fox at the brief Opening Ceremony. “Today is a day to remember that Americans are able to safely and
freely celebrate the Christmas season…to spend time with family and loved ones….because of the service
and sacrifice of the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces.”
Following the ceremony, Secretary Fox joined the crowd in placing more than 1,000 wreaths at selected
gravesites. The wreaths were pre-purchased by family members and friends of deceased veterans—and
also by citizens wishing to honor the service of deceased veterans during the Christmas holiday season.
Page 37 xx
New State Veterans’ Benefits
Signed Into State Law in 2015
Governor Susana Martinez signed five military and
veteran-related bills into state law in 2015.
SB-506, the Disabled Veterans Property Tax Exemption Act
sponsored by State Senator William Payne (R-Bernalillo),
allows veterans rated 100% service-connected disabled to
transfer their 100% state property tax exemption upon selling
a primary residence to their new residence. Previously, the
exemption stayed with the former residence—and was allowed
to be claimed by the buyer, regardless if he or she were
qualified.
HB-203, the Veteran & Active-Military Discounted Hunting and Fishing Licenses Act sponsored by
State Representative Alonzo Baldonado (R-Valencia), provides a 50% discount on any hunting or fishing
license to any veteran, Guard/Reserve or active-duty military member who is a resident of New Mexico.
Until today, the only discount available was a special $10 “small-game” and fishing license.
HB-220, the Increased National Guard Insurance Eligibility Act, also sponsored by State Representative
Zimmerman, increases the eligibility limits for members of the New Mexico National Guard for life
insurance through the Federal Service Members’ Group Life Insurance, or SGLI Program, from $250,000
to $400,000. Until today, as a benefit to Guard and Reserve members, the state reimburses for SGLI
benefits. Without the change in this bill, Guard and Reserve members would have to pay the increased
SGLI insurance premiums incurred with the raising of maximum eligibility to the $400,000 figure.
HB-220 ensures that the state will cover the cost of any premium increase due to the higher maximum
allowable $400,000 limit.
HB-327, the National Guard Assistance Eligibility Act sponsored by State Representative John
Zimmerman (R- Doña Ana, Grant and Sierra), redefines the eligibility of veterans and their families to
receive assistance from a fund created by personal income tax “check-off” contributions on election ballots
from New Mexico’s registered voters. HB-237 defines an eligible veteran as someone who has been
deployed anywhere overseas for at least 30 or more consecutive days. Up until now, a veteran had to have
been activated as part of the America’s Global War on Terror which commenced shortly after the 2001
9/11 Terror Attacks—but was technically declared over in 2013.
HB-427, the Resident Tuition Rates for Veterans’ Spouse or Children Act sponsored by State
Representative Stephanie Garcia-Richard (D- Los Alamos, Rio Arriba, Santa Fe, Sandoval), allows eligible
spouses or children of G.I. Bill-qualified veterans to qualify for an “in-state” tuition rate at any
VA-approved post-secondary education institution. Previously, the VA had been paying the higher
non-resident tuition rate to eligible spouses or children who recently moved to New Mexico. The new law
brings New Mexico into compliance with federal VA G.I. Bill guidelines.
Page 38
State Veterans’ Benefits Division
The New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services is proud of the state veterans’
benefits offered by the state to honorably-discharged veterans of the U.S. Armed
Forces—which are among the most generous offered by any state in the country.
The agency strongly believes that veterans have earned the right to collect state
and federal benefits and to utilize various services--because they have risked their
lives and made other sacrifices to protect and serve our country.
Working with the agency’s Secretary and Deputy Secretary, NMDVS State
Benefits Director Dale Movius oversees the state benefits division—while
continuously striving to identify additional benefits for our state’s veterans, and
to bring these to the attention to state legislators for passage into state law.
Dale Movius
NMDVS State Benefits
Director
Dale served in the U.S. Air Force as an Integrated Avionics Technician on F-111A,
D, F, G, and F-15E aircraft before retiring as a Master Sergeant in 1996. He is the
father of a U.S. Navy submariner, and the son of a WWII U.S. Navy submariner.
Dale can be contacted at [email protected] or (505) 827-6374.
Page 39
State Veterans’ Benefits
Veterans’ Tax Breaks
Veterans’ Property Tax Exemption
Any veteran who served a minimum of 90 days consecutive active duty (other than for training), was
honorably discharged, and is a legal resident of New Mexico qualifies for a $4,000 reduction in the taxable
value of their real property for county taxation purposes. This benefit is also available to non-remarried
surviving spouses of a veteran who would have otherwise qualified for this benefit.
Disabled Veteran Property Tax Exemption
Any veteran who has been rated 100% service-connected disabled by the U.S. Department of Veterans
Affairs (VA) and is a legal resident of New Mexico qualifies for a complete property tax waiver on their
primary residence.
Exemption from Excise Taxes on Vehicle Purchases
Any veteran who has suffered the loss or complete loss of use of one or more limbs due to their military
service shall be exempted from excise taxes when purchasing a new vehicle.
Veterans’ Service Organization Property Tax Exemption
Any U.S. Congressionally-chartered veterans’ service organization is exempt from paying property tax on
the property of its facility. Many VSO’s—especially those in rural areas of the state—have been devoting
much of their fundraising revenue to paying property tax.
Veterans’ Education Benefits
Vietnam Veteran Scholarship
Veterans who have been residents of New Mexico for a minimum of ten years, have served in the Vietnam
War, and were issued the Vietnam Campaign or Service Medal are eligible. This scholarship pays full
tuition and the costs for all books at any state-funded post-secondary school. The scholarship also pays
tuition for graduate school.
Wartime Veteran Scholarship Fund
Can be used by any veteran who has served in combat since 1990 and who has exhausted all available
federal G.I. Education Benefits options. An eligible combat veteran who has served since 1990 no longer
has to worry about utilizing their GI Education Benefit bill under a deadline which may not fit their
timeframe.
In-State Tuition for Veterans
Veterans, their spouses and their children no longer have to wait to establish “in-state” residency status
when applying for college. Those who wish to use their G.I. Education Benefit Bill can now immediately
take advantage of less-expensive “resident” in-state tuition rates at any state funded college, university,
vocational school or vocational training program.
World War II and Korean Veterans’ High School Diploma
Any veteran who left a New Mexico high school before graduating to serve in World War II or the Korean
War will be awarded a valid high school diploma issued from the high school they were attending.
Children of Deceased Veterans Scholarship
A child between the ages of 16-26 whose veteran parent was killed in action or died as a result of their
combat wounds qualifies for a full tuition waiver at any state-funded post-secondary school. A $150
stipend per semester will also be issued to help pay for books or fees.
Page 40
State Veterans’ Benefits (continued)
Military Children School Enrollment Priority
Priority enrollment status is automatically assigned to incoming students or the New Mexico schools
system whose active-duty, National Guard or Reservist parent is transferred to a New Mexico military
facility.
Apprenticeship Training
The state offers apprenticeship and theoretical training programs for qualified veterans, who can receive
their G.I. Bill benefits while working full-time and earning a salary. Qualified veterans sign a contract
establishing the length and scope of the training. All programs must meet apprenticeship standards set by
the U.S. Department of Labor.
Apprenticeship programs typically last between two to five years. Businesses and programs participating
in a veteran’s apprenticeship program must require a participating veteran to spend a minimum 2,000
hours of on-the-job training, along with a minimum 144 hours per year of related instruction. Typical
apprenticeship opportunities are offered for: Carpenters, ironworkers, sheet-metal workers, plumbers,
construction and architectural design.
On-The-Job Training (OJT)
The state offers On-the-Job-Training (OJT) programs which typically last between six months to two
years. Participating veterans work under a skilled worker’s supervision and draw monthly benefits from
the U.S. Veterans’ Administration. Upon completion, the veteran is awarded a certificate by the employer
indicating the successful completion of that training program. Some programs offered under OJT program
are: Heating and air conditioning repair, law enforcement, security and corrections officer training,
warehouse operations, shipping and receiving clerks, landscaping, welding, commercial painting, auto
mechanics and the beverage & food industry.
Special Veterans Recognition Benefits
National Guard and Reserve Defined as Veterans
According to the state of New Mexico, veteran status is given to anyone honorably discharged after serving
six consecutive years as a member of the Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve, Air Force
Reserve, Coast Guard Reserve, Army National Guard or Air National Guard. Veteran status is also given to
commissioned officers from the Public Health Service or the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration who served on active duty in defense of the United States.
Veterans License Plates
Any honorably discharged veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces is eligible for the following New Mexico
veterans’ license plates provided they can show proof of service or achievement and eligibility.
The following two plates are available for a one-time $17 fee. Recipients are responsible for any annual
vehicle license fee which may apply.
Armed Forces Veteran (any branch)
Woman Veteran (any branch)
Page 41
State Veterans’ Benefits (continued)
Veterans’ License Plates (continued)
The following five special-recognition plates are available free of charge for any qualified veteran who can
provide proof of achievement:
Purple Heart Recipient
Ex-Prisoner of War
Medal of Honor Recipient
Pearl Harbor Survivor
Disabled Veteran License Plate
Any honorably-discharged veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces who is rated at least 50 percent
service-disabled can apply for a state of New Mexico vehicular license plate which identifies the veteran as
a service-disabled veteran.
Gold Star Family License Plate
The Gold Star Family License Plate is available for any family which has had a son, daughter, stepson,
stepdaughter, parent or step-parent killed in combat action. There is a four-plate limit per family. The first
plate is free and all fees will be waived over the lifetime of the recipient. The remaining three plates are
also free, but these recipients are responsible for an annual $17 plate registration fee
Page 42
State Veterans’ Benefits (continued)
Patriot License Plate
The Patriot License Plate can be purchased by any licensed New Mexico driver
who wants to recognize the contribution and sacrifice of the men and women
who are serving or have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. The one-time fee is
$27. (Regular vehicle registration fees still apply.)
Special MacArthur Service Medal
The Special MacArthur Service Medal is issued members of the 200th/51th Coast Artillery Units who were
residents of New Mexico at their original time of entry into the U.S. Military and served under General
Douglas MacArthur in the Philippine Islands during World War II. The medal is also available to surviving
family members of the 200th/515th units
Other State Veterans Benefits
Service Member Child Custody Protection
Child custody arrangements cannot be modified while a parent is deployed for military service. All child
custody issues involving a deployed parent must wait to be resolved until the deployed parent returns to
New Mexico.
New Mexico Personnel Office Veterans Hiring Preference
All veterans honorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces or anyone
currently serving in the National Guard shall have five (5) points added to their
final passing numerical scores on screening examinations performed by the
NM State Personnel Office. Veterans honorably discharged with a service
connected disability will have ten (10) points added to their final passing
numerical score.
Business Tax Credit for Hiring Recently-Returned Veterans
Any business in the state of New Mexico can qualify for up to a $1,000 business tax credit for each hire of a
recently-returned veteran. Please contact the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department for
additional information at (505) 827-0700 or http://www.tax.newmexico.gov.
5% Procurement Advantage for Veteran-Owned Businesses or Contractors
The state of New Mexico shall set aside an additional 5% hiring preference for
veteran-owned businesses or contractors over the existing 5% preference currently established for
locally-owned businesses during the bidding process for state contracts and jobs.
Military Discharge Papers Protection
Military discharge papers filed with county clerks in the state of New Mexico shall only be made available
to the veteran who filed them, the veteran’s next-of-kin, or a person designated by a court of law as the
veteran’s general power-of-attorney.
Deceased Military Person’s Disposition Arrangements
A person designated as the immediate contact on the Department of Defense (DoD) Emergency Data Form
of an active-duty member of the U.S. Armed Forces can determine the means of disposition of that
deceased Armed Forces member. The designee is authorized to make burial, funeral and disposition
arrangements.
Page 43
State Veterans’ Benefits (continued)
Veterans’ Free and Reduced-Fee Recreational Benefits
Veterans’ Day Recreation and Museum Privileges
Every Veterans’ Day holiday, any New Mexico resident who was honorably discharged from the U.S.
Armed Forces or is currently on active-duty—along with their spouse and children--is entitled to free use
of any New Mexico state park. Admission fees will be also be waived for campsites, the Museum of New
Mexico, the New Mexico Museum of Natural History, and the New Mexico Museum of Space History.
Day-Pass and Three Free Camping Nights for Disabled Veterans
Any veteran rated 50% or higher service-connected disabled may obtain an annual free day-use pass and
three free nights of camping for personal use only. Qualified veterans can obtain these passes by showing
proper identification and proof of disability at any NMDVS field office.
Free State Monuments and Museums Pass for Disabled Veterans
Any veteran rated 50% or higher service-connected disabled may obtain a free state monument and
museum pass for personal use only. Qualified veterans can obtain this pass by showing proper
identification and proof of disability at any NMDVS field office.
Lifetime Hunting and Fishing License for Disabled Veterans
Any veteran rated 100% service-connected disabled is eligible for a free lifetime New Mexico small-game
hunting and fishing license.
Reduced-Fee Hunting and Fishing License for Disabled Veterans
New Mexico’s 26,000 service-connected disabled veterans may apply for a reduced fee $10 small-game &
fishing license--no matter what percentage their disability.
Hunting Fee Discount for Non-Resident Disabled Veterans Undergoing Rehabilitation
Hunting licenses for deer, antelope, elk, javelina and turkey may be sold to non-resident disabled U.S.
Armed Forces members or veterans at resident license-fee rates if the applicant is undergoing a
rehabilitation program utilizing hunting activities supported by the U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs
(VA) or an authorized nonprofit organization.
Temporary Hunting and Fishing License for Active-Duty Military Personnel
Any active duty military personnel, National Guard or Reserve member who is a legally domiciled resident
of New Mexico can apply for a temporary active duty fishing or small game hunting license. Applicants
must show proof of residency and not claim residency elsewhere. Applicants may also apply if they are on
active duty outside the state but are currently on leave here in New Mexico for not more than 30 days.
(photos courtesy NM Dept. of Game & Fish
Page 44
Health Care Program
Coordination Division
The New Mexico Department of Veterans Services created a Healthcare Program
Coordination Division in 2015 to manage the agency’s VA, state, and local
healthcare alliances. The division serves in an advocacy role to ensure that New
Mexico’s veterans are aware of their health benefits--and to assist any veterans
and their eligible dependents with navigating the New Mexico VA Healthcare
system. The division is also responsible for developing and managing
partnerships with non-VA healthcare entities which serve veterans in our state—
especially for veterans who do not qualify for VA health care.
The division has created a Network of Care portal; a one-stop-shop not only for
health care service, but also for services, information, support, advocacy, and
much more. This public service is an attempt to bring together critical
information for all components of the veterans' community--including veterans,
Mitchell Lawrence
family members, active-duty personnel, reservists, members of the New
NMDVS Health Care
Mexico National Guard, employers, service providers, and the community at
Coordination Director
large. This link can be found at www.newmexico.networkofcare.org/veterans.
The Healthcare Program Management Division is led by Mitchell Lawrence, who before coming to the
NMDVS served 26-years with the United States Air Force before retiring as a Senior Master Sergeant and
Superintendent of the 377th Medical Group at Kirtland. Mitchell can be reached at (505) 383-2430 or
[email protected]
Page 45
Homeless and At-Risk Veteran Shelter & Services
The New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services partially funds the New Mexico Veterans’ Integration
Center (NMVIC) in Albuquerque and the Mesilla Valley Community of Hope in Las Cruces to provide
housing and transition services for homeless and at-risk veterans.
The NMVIC is located at the Value Place Hotel in Albuquerque. The
facilities also offer life-skills training designed to help residents
reintegrate into society. Residents must commit to a medium-to-long
term program which may take up to two years to finish. They must also
pledge to abstain from consumption of alcohol and illegal drugs.
In 2015, the 50-bed facility provided transitional housing help for 144
homeless veterans. Through a VA Supportive Services for Veteran
Families Grant, the NMVIC was able to help an additional 185 single
veterans—for a total of 329 homeless veterans helped for the year.
The New Mexico Veterans’
Integration Center (NMVIC) is
located in Albuquerque, at
13032 Central Avenue NE.
For more information about the New Mexico Veterans Integration
Center, please go to www.nmvic.org.
In the southern part of the state, the NMDVS has forged a partnership
with the Mesilla Valley Community of Hope
(MVCH) in Las Cruces. The MVCH is an alliance of agencies which addresses
homelessness in the Las Cruces area.
In addition to transitional housing at an on-site temporary “tent” facility, the staff
of each agency is dedicated to helping clients obtain services that meet basic human
needs and offer life-changing opportunities such as more permanent housing (via a
local housing authority-managed complex), education, counseling and job training.
As with the NMVIC, the NMDVS assisted with the writing of a VA Grant to help
start the program. In FY2015, the MVCH assisted 377 homeless and near-homeless
veterans with temporary housing or some other form of housing assistance (rent, security deposit,
utilities, emergency housing, and eviction assistance). For more information, please go to the Mesilla
Valley Community of Hope website at www.mvcommunityofhope.org.
YWCA Henderson House for Women Veterans
The NMDVS assisted with submitting a VA Grant and provided initial funding to help establish the
YWCA/Rio Grande Chapter’s Henderson House in Albuquerque in March of 2011.
The Henderson House is a supportive transitional living similar to the
program featured at the NMVIC—but geared towards homeless women
veterans and their dependent children. It was the first such shelter in
the nation and has been referred to as a model followed by several
states since its opening. In 2015, twenty women veteran residents
were housed at the Henderson House; eight of whom were eventually
transitioned into permanent housing.
For more information, please go to the Henderson House website at
www.ywca.org/site/c.cuIRJ7NTKrLaG/b.7739285/k.8850/
Henderson_House.htm
Page 46
New Mexico State Veterans’ Home in
Truth or Consequences
The New Mexico State Veterans' Home provides full-care
residential services in an atmosphere that promotes the
physical, social and emotional well-being of every resident.
Every effort is made to continuously improve care while
safely assisting residents to live as independently as
possible and as they choose, thereby assuring dignity and
respect at all times. Any honorably discharged veteran of
the U.S. Armed Forces is eligible for residency in the
145-bed New Mexico Veterans’ Home in Truth or
Consequences, or in the 40-bed Veterans’ Residency Wing
of the Ft. Bayard Medical Center—both of which are
managed by the New Mexico Department of Health.
New Mexico State Veterans’ Home
in Truth or Consequences
Preference shall be granted to New Mexico veterans. Spouses, surviving spouses, and Gold Star parents are
also eligible. For more information about the two facilities, please go to: www.nmstateveteranshome.org
or www.fortbayardmedcenter.org
Network of Care Portal
The Behavioral Health Collaborative of the New Mexico Human Services Department (HSD) and New
Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services (NMDVS) have launched new online portals that will act as
“one-stop shops” to help people find and navigate the behavioral health-related and veterans services
available to them.
The new Network of Care for Behavioral Health and Network of Care for Veterans, Service Members
and Their Families portals streamline access to behavioral health-related and veterans’ services,
providing a single place for information and resources for individuals, families, agencies and
providers.
Available online at newmexico.networkofcare.org/mh, Network of Care for Behavioral Health
provides a comprehensive directory of services and information for individuals and their families
seeking to address depression, substance abuse and other behavioral health-related issues. Services
include contact information for and access to addiction treatment and recovery; education and
employment resources, child, adolescent and family services; legal and medical providers; and more.
The portal also provides access to the latest news about behavioral health-related conditions,
treatments and other valuable information.
The Network of Care for veterans, service members and their families can be accessed at
newmexico.networkofcare.org/veterans. It brings together critical information for all components of
the veterans' community, including veterans, family members, active-duty personnel, reservists,
members of the New Mexico National Guard, employers, service providers and the community at
large.
To increase accessibility and accommodations for users, the Network of Care portals provide
near-universal access, regardless of income or literacy levels, to their web-based information and
services through text-only versions and other adaptive technologies. The site is fully ADA-compliant
and available in multiple languages.
Page 47
Veteran Transportation Services
In northern and central New Mexico, disabled veterans can get
free rides to and from their home and the Raymond G. Murphy VA
Medical Center in Albuquerque through a transportation
service provided by the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) of
New Mexico. For more information, call (505) 294-6193 or go to
http://www.davmembersportal.org/nm/default.aspx .
In the southeastern part of the state, the Southeast New Mexico
Veterans Transportation Network provides this free service. For more information, call(575) 622-6520 or
go to www.senmtransport.com.
Veterans’ and Family Support Services (VFSS)
New Mexico Veteran and Family Support Services (VFSS)
improves transitions of care for soldiers, veterans, and their
families experiencing issues associated with trauma and other
behavioral health problems, through quality and comprehensive
behavioral health and medication management, support services,
education, training, and outreach. VFSS services include:
▪Comprehensive case management
▪Behavioral health counseling and skills training
▪Psychiatric and medication management
▪Traditional Healing
▪Telemedicine
The VFSS Program is managed by the New Mexico Behavioral Collaborative and is administered by
Presbyterian Medical Services—both of which are frequent NMDVS veterans’ outreach partners. For more
information, visit http://www.nmvets.com.
New Mexico Veterans’ Treatment Court
Veterans who run afoul of the law in the Albuquerque metro area can
elect to have their cases adjudicated through the New Mexico Second
Judicial District’s Veterans Treatment Court—which offers an
alternative to incarceration for eligible veterans who are arrested for
certain crimes and who may be suffering from Post Traumatic Stress
Disorder (PTSD). Last year, 147 veterans were screened. Of these, 32
were admitted...and 4 veterans successfully completed the program.
The remaining 28 are working on completing their programs. Eligible
veterans can receive treatment and counseling instead of incarceration.
For more information, contact Veterans Treatment Court Coordinator
Ginger Varcoe at (505) 841-5433 or [email protected]
New Mexico Domestic Violence Court/Veterans Track
The Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court launched a Domestic
Violence Early Intervention Program/Veterans Track designed to help veterans facing first-time domestic
violence charges to get the needed help that might keep them out of jail. The program is part of the Court’s
Domestic Violence Early Intervention Program, but geared specifically for veterans. The New Mexico
Department of Veterans’ Services helped advise the Court with the formation of the program, which was
launched in June of 2014. Participating veterans must enter the program voluntarily, have no previous
domestic violence charges, display a desire to take responsibility for their actions, be screened by the
court’s probation department and be approved by Judge Sandra Engel. In 2015, 26 veterans successfully
completed this program.
For more information, contact Metropolitan Court Probation Supervision Division Program Manager
Andres Garcia at (505) 841-8182 or [email protected].
Page 48
Albuquerque Regional VA Facilities
Albuquerque VA Regional Office (VARO)
The Albuquerque VA Regional Office (VARO) provides non-medical veterans' benefits
and services to the 171,528 veterans located throughout the State of New Mexico. The
main office is located in downtown Albuquerque. In addition to the Veterans Service
Center (VSC), Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) and Support Services
divisions, the VARO houses seven veterans service organizations.
The VSC is located on the second floor of the VARO at 500 Gold Avenue SW. The VR&E
office is on the sixth floor. For more information, visit the Albuquerque VARO website
at www.benefits.va.gov/albuquerque
New Mexico VA Health Care System
The New Mexico Veterans Affairs Health Care System
(NMVAHCS) strives to provide the highest quality primary,
secondary, and tertiary health care for New Mexico’s veterans and
their families through a compassionate, innovative health care
system, excellent training and education of health care
professionals, and effective use of available resources. For more
information about NMVAHCS services and programs, go to the
NMVAHCS website at www.albuquerque.va.gov
The centerpiece of the NMVAHCS is the Raymond G. Murphy VA Medical center, named after Korean
War Medal of Honor Recipient and former longtime Albuquerque VA counselor Raymond G. “Jerry”
Murphy. The facility is located in Albuquerque at 1501 San Pedro SE. The Medical Center’s main
information number is (505) 265-1711, or toll free at (800) 465-8262.
Veterans Community-Based Outpatient Centers (CBOC’s)
and Vet Centers
In addition to the Murphy VA Medical Center in Albuquerque, the
VA operates fifteen Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOC’s)
which provide primary medical service for veterans and their
eligible family members located in communities throughout the
state. (For residents of the Four Corners area of New Mexico, a
CBOC is located in Durango, Colorado.)
The VA also operates four Vet Centers (Farmington, Santa Fe,
Albuquerque, and Las Cruces) which provide a broad range of
counseling, outreach, and referral services to eligible veterans in
A new Santa Fe Community-Based
Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) opened its doors in order to help them make a satisfying post-war readjustment to
the Fall of 2014. The state-of-the-art, energy- civilian life.
efficient facility is located in the south side of
the city just off Interstate 25 and is more
For a listing and contact information for the CBOC’s and Vet
than double the size of the older facility it
Centers in New Mexico, go to the VA CBOC website at
replaced.
www2.va.gov/directory/guide/state.asp?STATE=NM
Page 49
New Mexico
Veterans Business Outreach Center
In 2010, the New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services was one of only 15
recipients of a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) grant to help veterans
open or improve small businesses. This grant enabled the NMDVS to create the
New Mexico Veteran’s Business Outreach Center (VBOC) in Albuquerque to help
veterans in the state and throughout SBA Region VI .
2015 Recap
In 2015, the VBOC was directly responsible for helping launch 16 veteran-owned
businesses. (A list and more details of these businesses can be obtained by
contacting the VBOC at the contact information listed below.)
In an effort to reach out to more veterans, the VBOC along with Wells Fargo
bank, local chambers of commerce and other resource partners presented the
Joseph Long
popular VBOC On the Road workshops—an ongoing series of free business
VBOC Director
development breakfast or lunch workshops throughout the state to help veterans
realize their dream of business ownership. Attendees can also take advantage of
private one-on-one business consultations following each workshop.
In calendar year 2015, 204 veterans attended seven workshops presented in Roswell, Las Cruces,
Alamogordo, Raton, Taos, Ruidoso, Santa Rosa—and a VBOC On the Rez workshop in Mescalero. This
new On the Rez program is similar to the On the Road workshops, but are tailored specifically to
Native-American veterans and have information about programs specifically for Native-American
veterans and entrepreneurs. In 2016, the VBOC will again be presenting VBOC On the Road and On the
Rez workshops throughout the state.
Additionally, in 2015 the VBOC presented 36 Boots to Business seminars attended by 642 transitioning
active-duty personnel at military bases in New Mexico, Colorado, Oklahoma, and western Texas. These
intensive two-day seminars focus on an Introduction to Entrepreneurship course for military veterans,
Guard/Reserve/transitioning active-duty service members, and their spouses. Attendees then take an
eight-week online course through the Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University
for a more academic approach to the small business world.
The VBOC also presented the 2015 New Mexico Veterans Business Conference on March 20 in
Albuquerque. The free day-long conference was attended by 224 veterans who own small businesses. In
addition to providing information about available help for veterans in the business world, the conference
allowed the entrepreneurs to network with each other and with federal and state prime contractors.
The VBOC is managed by Joseph Long, who prior to coming to the NMDVS had a successful career
owning several small businesses. From 2004-2006, Joe also served as the Project Manager during the
construction of the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Quantico, Virginia. He served 37 years with
the Marines and Marine Corps Reserves—and was presented with a Purple Heart Award after he was
wounded in the Vietnam War. Joe eventually retired as a Colonel with the Reserves.
VBOC Director Joseph Long can be contacted at (505) 383-2401 or [email protected]. More
information about the VBOC can be found at www.nmvboc.org.
Page 50
VBOC REPORT For Calendar Year 2015
Number of Veterans/Spouses Counseled: 134
Start-Up assistance
Financial advice
Government contracting opportunities
Business plan assistance
Other
80
16
16
11
11
Business Training Workshops (NMVBOC Initiated or Facilitated):
VBOC on the Road
7 Events 169 Attendees
VBOC on the Rez
1 Event
35 Attendees
NM Veterans Business Conference
1 Event 224 Attendees
Boots to Business Seminars (NM, OK, CO, western TX)
36 seminars/642 students
Outreach Events: 21 Expos, Summits, Industry Days, etc. /795 attendees
New Businesses Started by NMVBOC Clients: 16
Employment Help for Veterans
The New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services has formed a strong
partnership with the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions
(NMDWS), to help veterans looking for employment.
The NMDWS employs a State Veterans’
Coordinator to oversee all aspects of employment assistance, unemployment
benefits assistance, job training and employer outreach for veterans. The
coordinator also oversees the federal Jobs for Veterans State Grant (JVSG)
program which manages Local Veterans’ Employment Representative
(LVER) and Disabled Veterans Outreach Program Specialist (DVOP) grants
to assist eligible veterans and spouses.
Chris Zafra
State Veterans Coordinator,
The JVSG program works with the New Mexico Department of Veterans’
New Mexico Department of
Services to host employment/transition workshops, job fairs, and outreach
Workforce Solutions
to employers. More information about the NMDWS veterans’ programs can
be found on the NMDWS website at www.dws.state.nm.us or the Workforce
Connection Center website at www.jobs.state.nm.us. Chris Zafra can also be contacted at
(505) 841-8517 or [email protected].
Page 51
State Approving Agency Division
Each state has a State Approving Agency (SAA) responsible for ensuring the
quality and integrity of post-secondary education and training programs for use by
a veterans’ GI Education Benefit Bill (GI Bill).
The New Mexico SAA is managed by the New Mexico Department of Veterans’
Services. Its primary focus is the review, evaluation, and approval of education and
training programs to ensure they meet strict state and federal criteria. The SAA
does this by conducting on-site supervisory and inspection visits to institutions.
The SAA also provides technical assistance for interested parties upon request, and
is actively engaged in outreach activities throughout New Mexico to educate about
and promote the GI Bill.
Marilyn Dykman
NMSAA Director
The mission of the SAA is to promote and safeguard quality education and training
for veterans, ensure greater educational and training opportunities to meet their
changing needs, and to protect available GI Bill resources by assisting the VA in preventing fraud, waste,
and abuse of the GI Bill. With the passage of Public Law 111-377 in August of 2011 and the Post-9/11
Veterans Educational Assistance Improvements Act of 2010, SAA’s nationwide were tasked with
supporting the VA in performing Compliance Surveys of approved schools.
For Fiscal Year 2015
Number of program approvals
Number of program disapprovals
Number of compliance surveys
Technical Assistance
Technical Assistance School Visits
Outreach Events
● Military Day at the 2014 NM Legislature
● New Mexico Apprenticeship Council
● NMDVS Las Cruces Women’s Conference
313
24
36
197
20
3
SAA Director Marilyn Dykman served in the U.S. Army for eight years as a UH-1H helicopter pilot—then
transferred to the Coast Guard, where she became our nation’s first female Hispanic and minority pilot,
retiring as a Lieutenant Commander. “Mandy” came to the NMDVS after serving as the Director of the
Veterans Resource Center and VA School Certifying Official at the University of New Mexico. She can be
contacted at [email protected] or (505) 383-2418.
Page 52
State Cemetery Program Division
The State Veterans’ Cemetery Program is a statewide strategic initiative to plan,
design and construct up to four State Veterans’ Cemeteries in Ft. Stanton, Gallup,
Angel Fire, and Carlsbad, New Mexico within the next five years. The goal is to
provide an easily accessible and honorable final resting place for rural-area veterans,
and to accommodate their future burial needs.
Thomas Wagner
State Cemetery
Program Director
The four selected sites represent areas of the state with large, underserved veteran
populations. In July of 2013, Governor Susana Martinez announced the launch of
the State Veterans’ Cemetery Program Initiative to seek construction funding
through the VA’s Cemetery Grant Program. The primary purpose of the grant is to
help states whose burial needs are not met by existing VA national cemeteries to
build VA-funded-but-state-managed veterans cemeteries.
Presently, New Mexico—the mostly rural, fifth-largest state in the nation in terms of
size—has just two national cemeteries: Santa Fe National Cemetery in northern New Mexico, and Ft.
Bayard National Cemetery in the southwestern part of the state. According to VA data, more than 150,000
veterans live beyond the VA’s designated 75-mile service-area radius of these two cemeteries. For families
of these veterans, the two locations are too far for consideration for burials. These families are relegated to
burying their loved ones in local, non-veteran cemeteries—or face drives of several hours for future
visitations.
The Governor launched the initiative to provide a solution for these rural-area veterans.
On October 2, 2015, the VA approved the state’s application and awarded a grant in the amount of $5.7
million for New Mexico to construct its first State Veterans’ Cemetery at Ft. Stanton in the southeastern
part of the state. Groundbreaking happened on November 11, 2015—Veterans Day.
In addition, the VA also notified Governor Martinez that the state’s application for a veterans’ cemetery in
Gallup has been accepted for inclusion on the VA’s 2016 list of pre-approved cemetery sites. The same
design and architectural pre-requisite for the Ft. Stanton process are currently being worked on for the
proposed Gallup State Veterans’ Cemetery. Efforts to establish cemeteries in Carlsbad and Angel Fire will
also proceed—with applications for other communities planned in the coming years.
The State Veterans’ Cemetery Program is managed by Thomas Wagner, a U.S. Army veteran and double
Purple Heart Recipient from the Vietnam War who, prior to coming to the NMDVS, had a long
upper-management career with the VA in Washington, D.C., Houston and Albuquerque. Tom can be
reached at [email protected] or (505) 383-2415.
Page 53
Military Honors Burial Program
One of the mandated missions of the New Mexico Department of
Veterans’ Services (NMDVS) is to ensure that all honorably
discharged veterans receive a proper burial upon death.
The Final Salute
The NMDVS established its Military Honors Burial Program to
ensure that, upon death, all honorably-discharged veterans be
buried with honor and dignity.
The NMDVS is committed to supervising 34 all-volunteer Honor
Guard Teams throughout the state to provide a Final Salute at a
veteran’s funeral. These teams provide trained uniformed men and women to perform the ceremonial
funeral duties of covering and uncovering of a casket with an American Flag, the folding and presentation
of the flag to a widow or family member, a 21-Rifle Salute, and the sounding of Taps.
This service is provided free to the family of any deceased
honorably-discharged veteran. The NMDVS ensures that all units
undergo training and are provided with a small stipend for each
service performed.
Please contact the nearest Honor Guard Team listed below to make
arrangements.
For further questions, or if you are interested in forming an Honor
Guard team, please contact Josetta Rodriguez at (505) 827-6356 or
by E-mail at [email protected].
New Mexico Honor Guard Teams
ACOMA
American Legion Post 116
PO Box 116
Acoma Pueblo, NM 87034
(505) 362-2868
ALBUQUERQUE
American Legion Post 69
9000 4th St. NW
Alameda, NM 87114
(505) 379-1136
ALBUQUERQUE
Women Veterans of
New Mexico
PO Box 36648
Albuquerque, NM 87176
(505) 306-3756
ALAMOGORDO
Marine Corps League Det. 850
PO Box 4171
Alamogordo, NM 88311
(575) 434-4774
ALBUQUERQUE
American Legion Post 13
1201 Mountain Road NE
Albuquerque, NM 87102
(505) 243-1901
ALBUQUERQUE
Marine Corps League Det. 381
PO Box 81552
Albuquerque, NM 87198
(505) 926-0600
ALBUQUERQUE
47th NM Regiment Honor Guard
PO Box 21842
Albuquerque, NM 87154
(505) 298-9800
CAPITAN
American Legion Post 57
PO Box 245
Capitan, NM 88316
(505) 354-3421
CARLSBAD
Carlsbad Veterans
Honor Guard
PO Box 605
Carlsbad, NM 88220
(575) 885-4834
(list continues on next page)
Page 54
CUBA
American Legion Post 23
PO Box 1074
Cuba, NM 87013
(575) 385-6787
ESPANOLA
American Legion Post 17
PO Box 1273
Espanola, NM 87532
(505) 753-6712
ESTANCIA
American Legion Post 22
PO Box 656
Estancia, NM 87016
(505) 384-3096
FARMINGTON
VFW Post 2182
5513 Highway 64
Farmington, NM 87401
(505) 327-2182
FRUITLAND
Upper Fruitland Chapter
PO Box 1257
Fruitland, NM 87416
(505) 960-5032
GRANTS
VFW Post 3221
202 Davis Street
Grants, NM 87020
(505) 287-2328
GRANTS/BLUEWATER
Mt. Taylor TSO DZIL Honor Guard
PO Box 215
Bluewater, NM 87005
(505) 280-5483
HOBBS
Lea County Marine Corps League
PO Box 862
Hobbs, NM 88240
(575) 399-9307
ISLETA PUEBLO
Isleta Pueblo Veterans Association
PO Box 338
Isleta, NM 87002
(505) 514-7332
LAS CRUCES
El Perro Diablo Detachment #478
PO Box 7322
Las Cruces, NM 88006
(575) 523-1236
LAS VEGAS
Vietnam Veterans of Northern NM
Chapter 1063 Honor Guard
PO Box 3211
Las Vegas, NM 87701
MORA
VFW Post 1131
PO Box 0555
Mora, NM 87732
(575) 387-2618
PORTALES
American Legion Post 31
PO Box 275
Portales, NM 88130
(575) 226-0302
RATON
VFW Post 1793
PO Box 716
Raton, NM 87740
(575) 445-3318
RIO RANCHO
Marine Corps League Det. 1316
PO Box 44304
Rio Rancho, NM 87174
(505) 892-5618
ROSWELL
Roswell Veterans' Honor Guard
702 Broken Arrow
Roswell, NM 88201
(575) 623-8985
SANTA CRUZ
DAV/Luchetti Castner Chapter 13
PO Box 1759 Santa Cruz, NM
87567
SANTA FE
American Legion Post 1
1601 Berry Ave.
Santa Fe, NM 87505
(505) 469-6270
SHIPROCK
VFW Post 9517
PO Box 2506
Shiprock, NM 87420
(505) 327-2182
SILVER CITY
Marine Corps League Det. 1328
PO Box 2251
Silver City, NM 88062
(575) 574-0361
SANTA FE
VFW Post 2951
307Montezuma St.
Santa Fe, NM 87504
(505) 983-9045
SILVER CITY
American Legion Post 18
2323 Kimberly Drive
Silver City, NM 88061
(575) 338-2460
TOHATCHI
Tohatchi Veterans’ Association
PO Box 460
Tohatchi, NM 87325
(910) 916-9395
SOCORRO
DAV Chapter 24
PO Box 1584
Socorro, NM 87801
(575) 418-7513
TAOS
VFW Post 3259
523 Upper Ranchitos Road
Taos, NM 87571
(575) 779-7850
Page 55
Forgotten Heroes Burial Program
In the event no family members come forward to claim the body of a veteran upon death, the New
Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services has established the Forgotten Heroes Burial Program to
ensure that no veteran will be alone at the end—and that the deceased veteran will receive a military
funeral and burial.
The Forgotten Heroes Burial Program covers the deaths of homeless or indigent veterans.
The program was developed in 2009 as the result of a cooperated effort between the NMDVS,
Bernalillo County, the state Office of the Medical Investigator to properly honor and bury unclaimed
deceased veterans in the county.
The Forgotten Heroes Program designates the NMDVS as the family of record of any veteran upon
death whose body goes unclaimed by family members and which has been cremated and stored at
state-contracted funeral homes. If the cremated remains have been identified by the VA as that of a
veteran, the NMDVS will take possession of these cremains and contacts the Santa Fe National
Cemetery and an Honor Guard Team to provide a full military funeral. The remains will then be
interred at the cemetery’s Columbarium. The public is invited to any Forgotten Heroes Funeral to
function along with the NMDVS as the “family” to provide the farewell and “Final Salute” which
these veterans have earned through their service to our country.
For more information, please contact Josetta Rodriguez at (505) 827-6356 or by E-mail at
[email protected].
Page 56
Administrative Services Division
The Administrative Services Division of the New Mexico Department of Veterans’
Services is responsible for overseeing financial and administrative matters of the
agency.
Salvador Soto
Administrative Services
Director
The division works with the cabinet secretary to manage the agency’s budget-operating under the parameters set by the overall state budget passed each year by
the state legislature and signed into law by the Governor. In addition, the division
oversees all inter and intra-agency administrative, technological, supply, safety
and other infrastructure matters. The Administrative Services Division is based in
the main downtown Santa Fe office located in the Bataan Memorial Building
under the direction of Salvador Soto. Sal has an extensive background with the
U.S. Armed Forces, state government, and the private sector as a business owner.
He retired from active duty with the New Mexico Army National Guard in 2002 as
a Chief Warrant Officer-5. Sal can be reached at [email protected] or
(505) 827-6374.
New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services
FY 2015 BUDGET STATEMENT
(in dollars)
Personal Services
Contractual Services
Other Costs
TOTAL
3,500,000
BUDGET
1,840,800
694,200
672,000
3,207,000
ACTUAL EXPENDITURES
1,781,443
627,937
488,907
2,898,287
BUDGET
ACTUAL EXPENDITURES
$3,362,500
3,000,000
$3,120,798
2,500,000
$2,020,100
2,000,000
$1,927,721
1,500,000
$810,000
1,000,000
500,000
0
$719,489
Personal
Services
Contractual
Services
$532,400
$473,588
Other Costs
TOTAL
Page 57
Fiduciary Services
The Administrative Services Division assists a limited number of veterans who need help with the
management of their financial assets. This determination can be made by a court of law, the United
States Social Security Administration, or the U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs. The division is
responsible for ensuring the appropriate application of income to manage all expenses and investment
income of remaining funds of an enrolled veteran. This service was established following World War II
and has provided thousands of disabled veterans with sound financial service.
The division receives the monthly income of a participating veteran and immediately deposits the funds
into a trust account at the First National Bank of Santa Fe. Each enrolled veteran has an individual
account. The funds are then dispersed to ensure the veteran’s personal needs are met and all bills are
paid. Residual funds are invested in federal government money market funds for liquidity and federal
government Treasury Bonds for growth. As of the end of Fiscal Year 2015, there are 45 clients managed
by the NMDVS, and $7.26 million in assets under NMDVS financial management.
The veteran is provided an annual account statement of the trust account. This statement is also
provided to the U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA), the Social Security Administration, and any
court of jurisdiction. The division is also audited annually by an independent external accounting firm.
Each veteran is assigned a fiduciary social worker who meets with the veteran or the veteran’s caregiver
to determine the veteran’s needs and preferences. The assigned social worker assists the veteran with
all financial matters to include the buying and selling of real estate, automobiles and other titled assets,
the selection of services, and the purchase and disposal of normal lifestyle items such as furniture or
electronics.
The enrolled veteran remains in the program for as long as necessary as determined by a court of
jurisdiction or the income source. If and when a veteran is able to manage their own financial
responsibilities, the trust account is closed and a final accounting is provided to the veteran and all
involved parties. Upon satisfactory review of this final accounting by all involved parties, the funds are
then turned over to the veteran. All future monthly income is then routed to that veteran in a matter
designated by the veteran. If a veteran remains in the program until death, the same finalizing
procedures are followed, and the estate is turned over to a previously-designated recipient.
VA Expenditures in New Mexico (FY2015)
Total VA Expenditures
Breakdown:
Compensation & Pension
Medical Care
Education, Vocational Rehab, Employment
Construction
General Operating Expenses
Insurance & Indemnities
Number of Unique VA Patients:
$1,450,002,000 (+$137,059,000 from
FY 2014)
$794,229,000 (+$108,007,000)
540,540,000
(+33,041,000)
79,524,000
(+9,209,000)
11,767,000
(-14,804,000)
12,854,000
(+268,000)
11,087,000
(-1,483,000)
51,702 (+1,721)
Page 58
New Mexico’s
Veteran Population
Facts & Figures
(source: 2015 VA Data)
Page 59
New Mexico’s Veteran Population (by County)
The population data in this section is based on the VA’s actuarial projection models
developed by the Office of the Actuary (OACT). Using the best available veteran data,
VetPop2015 provides living veteran counts by key demographic characteristics such as age,
gender, period of service, and race/ethnicity.
Page 60
Map of New Mexico’s Veteran Population
Total Veteran Population: 170,132
BOLDFACE = COUNTY
●=Location of 17 NMDVS Field Offices
●
Farmington
SAN JUAN
9,528
McKINLEY
3,627
●Grants
CIBOLA
2,136
RIO ARRIBA
2,633
●
Raton
TAOS
●
LOS ALAMOS
1,602
UNION
261
COLFAX
2,583
1,529
MORA 439
●
●Las Vegas
SANDOVAL SANTA SAN MIGUEL
FE
12,657
2,139
10,678
HARDING
84
●Albuquerque
BERNALILLO 53,446 GUADALUPE
Los Lunas●
441
VALENCIA TORRANCE
1,854
6,946
DE BACA
202
CATRON
474
SOCCORO
1,574
SIERRA
2,155
GRANT
3,664
●
Silver City
LUNA
2,347
DOÑA ANA
15,047
Las Cruces
●
LINCOLN
2,334
●
Alamogordo
OTERO
8,760
CHAVES
5,240
●
Roswell
EDDY
4,293
QUAY
955
●Clovis
CURRY
4,929
ROOSEVELT
1,448
LEA
3,676
●
Hobbs
●
Carlsbad
HIDALGO
449
For more information about the 17 Field Offices of the New Mexico
Department of Veterans’ Services, please go back to page 7.
Page 61
Quick Facts About NM’s Veteran Population
Veteran Population in the USA
Percentage of U.S. Population Who Are Veterans
21,680,534
6.7%
Total “General” Population of New Mexico
2,085,109
(Source: U.S. Census)
Veteran Population in New Mexico
170,132
Percentage of NM Population Who Are Veterans
8.2%
(Source: Dept. of Veterans Affairs)
_____________
Five Largest Veteran-Populated Counties in New Mexico*
Bernalillo 53,446
Doña Ana 15,047
Sandoval 12,657
Santa Fe 10,678
San Juan
9,528
Total
101,356
*60% of New Mexico’s veterans live in these five counties
Albuquerque Metro Area Veteran Population**
Bernalillo 53,446
Sandoval 12,657
Santa Fe 10,678
Valencia
6,946
Total:
83,727
**49% of New Mexico’s veterans live in the Albuquerque metro area
Page 62
Where New Mexico’s Veterans Have Served
Wartime
WWI
WWII Era only
WWII + Korean War Eras
WWII + Korean + Vietnam War Eras
(2015)
127,710
0
5,117
184
202
(+/- Since 2014)
-708
0
- 1,025
-27
-29
Korean War Era only
Korea + Vietnam War Eras
9,608
1,607
-745
-125
Vietnam War Era only
Vietnam + Gulf War (Pre-9/11 Combat) Eras
Vietnam + Gulf War (Pre-9/11 Combat) + Post 9/11
56,263
2,898
203
-924
-42
-2
Gulf War Era (Pre-9/11 Combat) only
Gulf War Era (Pre-9/11 Combat) + Post 9/11
21,199
9,521
+31
+503
Post 9/11 only
20,908
+1,677
Peacetime
Pre-WWI
Between WWI & WWII
Between WWII & Korea
Between Korea & Vietnam (“Cold War”)
Between Vietnam & Gulf War
42,422
0
284
289
13,784
28,065
-688
0
-72
-35
- 520
-61
170,132
-1,396
TOTAL
Data Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Page 63
Age of New Mexico’s Veterans
Age
18-19
Total
48
+/- from 2014
-1
20-29
20-24
25-29
7,392
1,953
5,439
+113
-148
+261
30-39
30-34
35-39
16,227
7,585
8,642
+46
-406
+452
40-49
40-44
45-49
21,060
9,183
11,877
-355
-558
+203
50-59
50-54
55-59
30,209
14,337
15,872
-1,086
-685
-403
60-69
60-64
65-69
43,842
17,575
26,267
-1,455
-787
-668
70-79
70-74
75-79
30,740
17,921
12,819
+1,202
+1,848
-646
80-84
10,495
-32
85+
10,119
+172
170,132
-1,396
TOTAL
Data Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Page 64
Racial/Gender Makeup of New Mexico’s Veterans
Race
White
Hispanic
Native American
African American
Asian/Pacific Islander
Other
Total
102,920
48,640
9,099
5,977
1,460
2,036
TOTAL
170,132
% of Vet Population
61%
28%
5.5%
3.5%
<1%
1%
Women Veteran Population
Number of Women Veterans in New Mexico: 16,956
Number of Women Veterans in the USA: 2,035,213
County
1. Bernalillo
2. Doña Ana
3. Sandoval
4. San Juan
5. Otero
6. Santa Fe
7. Valencia
8. Curry
9. McKinley
10. Chaves
Top Ten Counties
Women Veteran Population
5,873
1,587
1,237
1,107
1,046
1,001
668
524
473
472