Dear Editor,
Northwest New Mexico is home to a large population of men and women who have bravely served our country. Our community is proudly patriotic and deeply grateful to each of these individuals.
It has been my distinct honor to represent our local vets and their families in the New Mexico House of Representatives since 2001. For over two decades, I have continuously fought to ensure that our vets are treated with the respect and honor they deserve and have access to all the services and resources they have earned.
During the recent special legislative session called by the governor to address federal funding cuts, state lawmakers protected food assistance for the 15,000 veterans across our state who rely on these benefits. We also worked with the governor to provide emergency food assistance during the federal government shutdown.
Over the last few years, we have increased tax exemptions for armed forces retirement pay and on property taxes for our veterans, invested in suicide prevention and mental health resources for service members and veterans, and built a new state-of-the-art State Veterans’ Home.
Still, we know there is much more we can do for those who served our country so courageously. We all have a role to play in making sure our veterans receive the proper respect and appreciation for all they have sacrificed for our nation.
So this Veterans Day, I encourage you to thank a veteran you know, or consider volunteering with or donating to one of the many great organizations that support those who so bravely protected this great nation that we’re blessed to call home.
Veteran’s Day is Nov. 11.
Sincerely,
Rep. Patty Lundstrom, D-Gallup
