The Bataan Chapter remains busy so far this year. We have stepped up our presence at more functions due to our current political and social changes.
We continue to support the New Mexico Veterans Memorial Park with our volunteering as docents every month.
The chapter was well represented at the memorial for member Johanna’s death. She was our only Korea War veteran and received a Quilt of Honor.
We had an information table, staffed by Penn Baker and Steph Patten at a concert held at the First Unitarian Church.
Steph Patten, director for music for The Long Determination, organized the last recording session with the musicians, singer, and recording engineer. The music has now been passed onto the professional editor to be added into the documentary.
Steph Patten was the primary speaker for our local PFLAG group. Of course, the topic of discussion is how all of the changes going on affect the LGBTQ+ community and our veterans.
Steph Patten and Matt Eldringhoff staffed an informational table at the Tribute to Women in the Military event held at American Legion Post 13 in Albuquerque.
Steve Loomis and Ron Freeny attended the Veterans March at the New Mexico Capitol on Friday (March 14) Noon as part of a 50 State Capitols March to protect Veterans Benefits. We represented AVER and all veterans with our Chapter Flag and banner. I was impressed by 200 veterans and supporters on a cold and windy morning at the capitol in Santa Fe. There were Korean War, Vietnam War, Iraq War and Afghanistan War Vets from every service present. The attendees very clearly represented the entire spectrum, including many conservatives. All are concerned about the possible loss of veteran’s benefits and the ability of the Veterans Administration to provide support for our earned benefits as being considered by the current administration in Washington. It was clearly shown by dozens of often angry signs held by the veterans present. I encourage all vets to keep their eyes and ears open for any planned changes to the VA and our hard-earned benefits. It has already started with our trans men and women. To those who participated in your home state capitols – Thanks!
Thank you for your service to our country.
Veterans Proudly serving since Valley Forge!
Steve Loomis
LTC, EN, U.S. Army (Retired)
National President Emeritus
The chapter is registered for the following, all late May to the end of June:
- Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony. We will have a float in the parade and set up and informational table at our Inclusive Memorial at the New Mexico Veterans Memorial Park.
- We will be presenting colors for the opening ceremonies for Los Ranchos Pride. The chapter will have an information table (booth) at the family friendly event.
- We plan on having our color guard and float in the Albuquerque Pride parade and have a booth at the festival which is being held on the civic plaza in downtown Albuquerque. We are waiting on registration to open.
- We are planning on presenting colors at both the Isotopes Pride Night game as well as at the New Mexico United Pride on the Pitch soccer game.
- The chapter is registered for Santa Fe Pride and will have our color guard and float in the parade and an informational booth at the festival.
serve. We want to thank our veterans for the commitment they made to serve our country.
