Members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars State of New Mexico,

 Thank you for placing your trust in me to serve alongside you and help advance our cause in the 

Land of Enchantment.  And more importantly, thank you for being a member of this great 

organization. If you are newly elected or appointed to a leadership position by your Post, 

District, or Department, congratulations! It is truly an honor to serve alongside such an 

incredible group of volunteers with a passion of helping our veterans. My theme for the 2024-2025 VFW year is simply that … Helping Our Veterans! Thank you for your dedication and commitment to our veterans, military members, families, and communities.  I ask you to join me to tackle veterans’ issues in solidarity through Commitment, Courage, Character, & Integrity (C³I).

 Helping Our Veterans requires Commitment. Commitment to go the extra mile: Commitment to serve our fellow veterans: and Commitment to help the families of veterans in our communities.

 Community service is at the heart of everything we do in the VFW. While serving our communities, we need reinforcements in our ranks. So, while we serve, we shall seek to recruit new members at every opportunity. Incoming VFW Command in Chief Al Lipphardt is committed to service, while striving for excellence. You will often hear him say, "efforts will be recognized, excellence will be rewarded.” New Mexico … be excellent! Everyday … in everything you do!

 

 Helping Our Veterans requires Courage. Courage to do the right thing: Courage to go the extra mile, even when we are exhausted: and Courage to overcome whatever fears we face to help our veterans, military members, and their families. We are still losing too many veterans to suicide. 1 a day is 1 too many – 22 a day is a downright tragedy! Through the help of veteran outreach programs like Combat Impact Outdoors, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, veterans are given a second chance.  Combat Impact Outdoors is dedicated to helping combat veterans enjoy the great outdoors and improve their mental health and well-being.  Let us have the Courage to help veterans receive the care they need, whether it is mental, physical, social, or spiritual wellness, through programs like Combat Impact Outdoors. 

 

 Helping Our Veterans requires Character.  Character to serve our veterans with honesty: Character to serve responsibly: and Character to serve loyally.  Ethical leadership is expected and demanded.  As VFW leaders, we cannot afford the scrutiny of poor leadership, bad judgment, or questionable character.  We should strive each and every day to do what is right. Look ourselves in the mirror and ask ourselves, "What will I do to help a veteran today?” 

 C³I - Commitment, Courage, Character, & Integrity.  Comrades, I stand before you ready to serve our veterans across this great state.  I intend to lead from the front but ask that you bring your best, to serve our veterans with C³I.  More than 8,000 members strong are we – a band of brothers and sisters striving for a common cause …Helping Our Veterans!  If we band together and focus on the needs of our state, nothing can stop us from reaching our goals.  Comrade, What will you do to help a veteran today?