During the VMFC monthly advisory committee Zoom, Caucus Chair Frank Smith introduced guest speakers Josh Jones and Greg Seely, both members of the Caucus.  Jones is currently a County Commissioner for Sandoval County, Vice Chair of the New Mexico Council of Governments (mid-region), and Vice President of the New Mexico Association of Counties. Greg was a 2024 candidate for State Senate and, with Josh, supports Haaland’s campaign as an advisor on Veterans’ issues. 

Josh Jones reviewed Deb Haaland’s background as a Military Family member. Haaland’s father “Dutch” Haaland. Major Haaland, USMC, served in Vietnam, where he was awarded the Silver Star for  “conspicuous gallantry,” and retired from the Corps after 30 years. Jones stressed that Haaland knows the sacrifices military families have to make and is committed to providing veterans access to healthcare and services to transition to civilian life. Jones and Seeley explained that Deb Haaland understands policy is best when based on listening to everyday people, especially in New Mexico where the Veterans community is diverse and the “one size fits all” philosophy can’t meet its needs.

Helping Haaland shape a Veterans Advisory Commission, Greg Seeley said he is assembling a team that reflects the diversity of New Mexico Veterans.  It will be an independent group that can act and make recommendations without state intervention, and VMFC would be part of the group. 

Greg Seely also pointed out that our state legislature has the fewest number of Veterans of any state’s legislature and urged that we send more veterans to state office

Deb Haaland then joined the meeting, surprising the Zoom attendees. She expressed gratitude for the Caucus’s work to lift veterans across the state, and noted that many Federal programs supporting Veterans are currently in jeopardy. She then pledged to work with the Caucus to make sure Veterans have everything they need to thrive. 

Before she left the call, the Chair assured Deb Haaland that she has our endorsement for Governor.