Category Archives: Info

AVER IS CONCERNED

Graphic Operation Pushback

AVER Operation Pushback Logo


You’re concerned. So are we. We don’t know what to expect. Many of our achievements over the past 34 years may be in jeopardy. But this is nothing new to AVER. We’ve been in the trenches for a long time. We’ve won battles and we’ve lost battles. Sacrifices have been made. And change has been created.
Your national board met this past weekend in Albuquerque to plan strategies for the path forward. We talked with our fellow LGBTQ+ veteran and active-duty service organizations. We will maintain close communications with them in the coming months and work closely with them to combine efforts. We remain committed to our mission of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender service. No one left behind.
We will keep you informed. You are needed again. AVER’s experience over these decades of service is extremely valuable. We will ask you to recall your efforts in the past and be prepared for action when needed. Keep your sword and shield close at hand. Your armor polished. The strategies of battle are familiar to us. Stand your watch. Hold your ground. Prepare for action.

Lone Star Chapter at 2024 San Marcos, TX Pride

American Veterans for Equal Rights(AVER) Lone Star Chapter participated in a small city Pride Parade on 5 September 2024 at 10 am in San Marcos TX. AVER led the parade with the color guard. The parade lasted a hour. We hope to see you there next time! Be proud of who you are because we are you!

2024 San Marcos Pride

Lone Star Chapter at 2024 San Marcos Pride Parade

2024 San Marcos Pride

Lone Star Chapter at 2024 San Marcos Pride Parade

2024 San Marcos Pride

Lone Star Chapter at 2024 San Marcos Pride Parade

2024 San Marcos Pride

Lone Star Chapter at 2024 San Marcos Pride Parade

2024 San Marcos Pride

Lone Star Chapter at 2024 San Marcos Pride Parade

2024 San Marcos Pride

Lone Star Chapter at 2024 San Marcos Pride Parade

Chris Sedillo Selected as Delegate

Bataan Chapter Treasurer Chris Sedillo has been selected as one of New Mexico delegates to represent NM at the Democratic National Convention. He joins all the other proud delegates who will decide who will run for president/vice-president in November.

Disclaimer, AVER does not endorse any candidate in any of the political parties. This is just news of a Bataan Chapter meeting.

Bataan Chapter Happenings

Bataan Chapter President Steph Patten is interviewed by Sue Wolinsky from the NM Veterans and Military Families Caucus. You can see the article under the Bataan Chapter News section.
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Veterans Town Hall Meeting held at the NM Veterans Memorial Park in Albuquerque, NM. Here is a report from President Penn Baker.

New Mexico’s US Representative Melanie Stansbury hosted a Veterans Town Hall meeting and included US Representative Mark Takano (CA-39), the ranking member of the Committee on Veterans Affairs. I had the opportunity to shown Representative Takano the Bataan Chapter “Inclusive Memorial” During the meeting I was able to ask the representative why there was such a disparity between the VA and how the DOD handled Transgender Veterans, his answer was that they were under different funding streams. A nice way of saying very POLITICAL!

We need to be keenly aware of how important this up coming election is. As we get closer to the election there will be many town halls near each of us. I ask each and everyone to attend the town halls geared towards veterans and active duty service members and hold our elected officials feet in the fire. We vote and they need to know it.

Veterans Town Hall Meeting

President Emeritus Steve Loomis and President Penn Baker listen to Representative Melanie Stansbury.

Veterans Town Hall Meeting

Bataan Chapter member Ron Freeny asking a question at the Veterans Town Hall Meeting.

Veterans Town Hall Meeting

AVER President Penn Baker with Rep Mark Takano (CA-39) at the Inclusive Memorial.


Ever Vigilant
Penn Baker Veteran USN
AVER National President
AVER National Transgender Liaison
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Bataan Chapter holds it’s 15th annual End of Summer Pool and BBQ Party on August 14th. It was well attended by both chapter members, supporters of the chapter and friends. Lots of food, good conversations and great friends.

Bataan Chapter End of Summer Pool and BBQ Party

PJ and Tony enjoying the company of chapter members and friends.

Bataan Chapter End of Summer Pool and BBQ Party

Bataan Chapter President Steph Patten presenting Vice-president Ron with the Excellence in Pride award.

Bataan Chapter End of Summer Pool and BBQ Party

Group shot while President Steph Patten present a Excellence in Support award to hosts Paul and Jere.

Bataan Chapter End of Summer Pool and BBQ Party

Bataan Chapter President Steph Patten present the Excellence in Support to hosts Paul and Jere.

Lone Star Chapter Attends 2024 Pride in Austin, TX

American Veterans for Equal Rights(AVER) Lone Star Chapter participated in the Austin Pride Parade on 10 August at 20:00 hours. AVER led the parade with the color guard. The parade lasted hours and involved over 10,000 participants. We hope to see you there next time!

Lone Star Chapter at 2024 Austin Pride

Part of the Lone Star color guard.

Lone Star Chapter at 2024 Austin Pride

Lone Star Chapter color guard.

Lone Star Chapter at 2024 Austin Pride

Danny Ingram is the US Flag bearer for the Lone Star Chapter color guard.

Lone Star Chapter at 2024 Austin Pride

Members of the chapter talking to the Austin Pride folks.

Lone Star Chapter at 2024 Austin Pride

Danny Ingram and Diane Stubel with the Austin Pride folks.

Lone Star Chapter at 2024 Austin Pride

Lone Star members

Lone Star Chapter at 2024 Austin Pride

Lone Star Chapter color guard in front of Texas State capitol building.