By Rodd Cayton
Veterans in the East Mountains area will have the opportunity next month to find answers and resources they need. The office of House District 22 Rep. Stefani Lord is hosting the Sept. 9 East Mountains Veterans Services Fair, which will bring together several agencies to create a one-stop shopping situation.
A news release announcing the event says representatives of New Mexico Veterans Affairs, the New Mexico Department of Veterans Services, New Mexico Veterans Integration Centers, and Paws and Stripes (a local nonprofit that connects veterans with service dogs) to provide one-on-one assistance in understanding the benefits and services that are available.
Veterans, their spouses and active-duty military personnel will also get information on housing and mental health programs, food assistance, available tax breaks and other topics. “The main thing is to bring your concerns and questions and pick up your free lifetime state park and camping pass,” Lord’s legislative aide, Charlene Smith, said.
She told the Route 66 Independent the area is underserved in terms of services for veterans. “We owe this to them,” Smith said. “They earned these benefits, and there are probably a lot of veterans who are unaware of all the benefits they’re entitled to.”
There’s no need to register for the event, which is from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Village of Tijeras Council Chambers, 12 Camino Municipal. Participants are encouraged to bring their discharge documents, identification/proof of residency, marriage and death certificates (for surviving spouses) and VA award letters (If applicable). Applications for some benefits can be made on-site.
“We have a responsibility to support the individuals who have protected our nation,” Lord said in the release. “By bringing this fair to the East Mountains, we are delivering important, direct, face-to-face assistance closer to home, ensuring our veterans and their families have easy access to the care they have earned. We’d like to recognize and thank the Village of Tijeras for providing the venue for this important event.”