By Representative Rudy Martinez

Every year on Veterans Day we take the time to commemorate those who honorably served our country. Parades, meals, and prayers remember and bless those who served, those we lost, and those still serving. For me, it’s a somber day filled with tradition, and as a Vietnam veteran who served 4 years in the Air Force, this day is also a reminder that government can and should always strive to do better by our veterans and their families.

As the State Representative of House District 39 in southern New Mexico, advocacy for veterans has given me tremendous pride, joy, and respect for the people willing to lay their lives on the line and sacrifice for the freedoms others enjoy. In return, it’s my duty and honor to be a voice for our veterans, helping them and their families in connecting with the proper agencies to receive healthcare and benefits. It’s been an honor to work alongside veterans, advocates, and fellow legislators to create a new Task Force for Veterans Transportation – so our veterans living in rural New Mexico can get to their destinations to receive health care. I’ve also endorsed legislation requiring police departments to provide training which recognizes PTSD, and sponsored and passed a bill to provide veterans with reduced hunting and fishing licenses, so they can enjoy our beautiful country that they’ve fought for.

Let us not forget the families of veterans too – they also sacrifice every time their child, parent or partner leaves home. We often overlook this kind of sacrifice, allowing it to go unnoticed though the kids still need to be picked up, dinner still needs to be made and bedroom closets are left half empty. For these families every day is like Veterans Day, so let’s be sure we recognize them too.

Ideally, these efforts wouldn’t be required because we’d have guaranteed all of the services and supports our service members and their families could ever need. Until that day, in addition to the annual celebrations we share for our veterans and their families, let’s give our support today and every day and learn more about the journey they’ve all been through in serving our country.