As the rising chair of the New Mexico Veterans Military and Family Caucus Committee for Veterans Advocacy, I want to thank you for your support. 2025 was a busy year and it is our intent to keep the momentum rolling.
In the upcoming year the first commitment is to ensure that every Veteran and military family in our state knows they are seen, heard, and fiercely represented. This Caucus stands on the belief that our country has a sacred moral obligation to honor all who have worn the uniform and the wounded warriors who carry the visible and invisible scars of their service.
As you know, the Caucus works tirelessly to champion policies and programs that protect earned benefits, strengthen support systems for families, and bring more veterans with shared values into the NMVMFC. At the same time we serve as a bridge between Veterans, policymakers, and communities so that issues specific to Veterans and their families remain front and center in the work of the DPNM.
What’s on the Horizon
Looking ahead, the Caucus will be sharpening its legislative advocacy around key priorities that directly affect Veterans’ quality of life in New Mexico. That includes pushing for expansion within New Mexico Department of Veterans Services case workers, eliminating veteran homelessness and hopelessness, and strengthening behavioral health services in rural communities.
This year, we will continue the work to expand into protecting veterans from predatory practices tied to obtaining VA benefits, supporting concurrent jurisdiction solutions for juvenile offenses on military installations, and backing reforms like paid legislators, professional staff, and longer sessions so veteran issues receive sustained attention. Initiatives like “Welcoming Military Families” and “America Serves in New Mexico” will guide efforts to make our state a place where those who serve and their families can thrive.
Growing Veteran Power and Engagement
On the civic side, the horizon is about growing veteran power inside the Caucus and at every level of government. The Caucus will be calling on Veterans and military families to join forces with the Caucus to track priority bills, attend committee meetings, and offer compelling public comment and testimony.
Without you, our forces are diminished. With you by our side, we grow stronger. If you are not in a position to donate your time, then put your money where your heart is and provide financial support. Use this link to donate. We encourage you to talk to other Veterans and their family members and ask them to invest in us, work with us, and remember us, as we work for all of us.
There will be a strong push to encourage more veterans and family members to contact their legislators, amplify their voices in public forums, and step forward to run for office — from municipal and school board seats to statewide and national roles. Above all, the Caucus will continue to rally Veterans and military families to vote, represent one another, and ensure that those who fought for us know that now we are fighting for them.
