Category Archives: General Info

AVER Bataan Holiday Party

Since 2008, Steve Loomis and Ron Freeny have been hosting the annual Holiday Party at their house. This year on December 14th, we had a great turnout, enjoyed good food and camaraderie. Unfortunately, no photos were taken as far as I know.

Bataan Chapter Meets With NMVIC

The board of the Bataan Chapter (Steph, Matt, Ron, and Chris) met with the board of the New Mexico Veterans Integration Center on December 17th.

Bataan Chapter Board Members meet with NMVIC Board Members

Bataan Chapter Board Members meet with NMVIC Board Members

The Bataan Chapter presented a gift of $300.00 and a Challenge Coin to Brock, Fermin, and Raymond of the New Mexico Veterans Integration Center. They has moved into this great new building in September with 42 rooms to integrate homeless and evicted veterans back onto their feet. For more info, please visit www.nmvic.us

From Modern Military Association of America

Dear Allies,

The FY2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) is attacking transgender and nonbinary military youth.

The rider removing medically-necessary healthcare was added in bad faith at the last minute; lawmakers had already negotiated a clean bill that would not have targeted military families with transgender dependents. However, the rider was unilaterally added as the deadline to pass the NDAA looms, essentially negating months of discussions. Lawmakers filed the bill on Saturday, 12/7:

“Medical interventions for the treatment of gender dysphoria that could result in sterilization may not be provided to a child under the age of 18.’’ (SEC 708)

HOW YOU CAN HELP

1. Read and share our new article here that reveals:
– How the current version of the NDAA attacks transgender and nonbinary military youth
– Available resources for how to help LGBTQ+ military youth, including email templates, phone scripts, representative contact information, a story sharing link, and targeted resources.

2. Share the posts linked below on how to advocate via:

– Facebook
– Instagram
– LinkedIn

In Solidarity,
Modern Military Association of America
www.modernmilitary.org

Great Article from MMAA

Here is an article of importance for any active duty and veteran transgender individual on how to protect yourself.

https://modernmilitary.org/2024/11/protectyourself/

From Steph Patten – Membership

AVER IS CONCERNED

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!