The Bataan Chapter was formed so that New Mexico and the surrounding regional areas would have a voice in the issues that affect the LGBTQ+ Veterans living here. We are just one of many chapters and are proud to say we are an active chapter. We have hosted two national conventions, have had several members hold positions as National President, National Treasurer, National Membership Chair, National Transgender Liaison, and National Web&IT Development. Our chapter designed and installed the third LGBTQ+ memorial (called the Inclusive Memorial) in the United States. It is located at the New Mexico Veterans Memorial Park in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

We choose “Bataan” for our chapter name in order to honor the high number of New Mexicans that were involved in the Bataan Death March during WWII.

-Steph Patten
Chapter President, AVER Bataan Chapter