“Our New Mexico Army Guard is also doing great things,” Nava said. “We are ranked number two in the nation in medical readiness and when it comes to our overall personnel readiness, we are number 8 in the nation. With the help of Maj. Clare Romero (deputy state surgeon) and our partnership with Delta Dental, we are going to improve our dental readiness and become number one.”
Nava said that it is no coincidence that the reception was hosted at the New Mexico Military Museum.
“This building is a very special place,” Nava explained. “This was the World War II Induction Center where over 60,000 New Mexicans went through this building on their way to serve in World War II – including both of my grandfathers.”
“We have a new foundation and we are going to expand the scope of this museum,” Nava said. “What we envision here in this building is a 21st century, interactive museum that is a must-see destination for people coming to Santa Fe which will represent all New Mexicans who have proudly served in our military. Please spend some time in our museum and see what we have to offer.”
Nava also said the New Mexico Military Museum is planning to take the educational component of this museum to our schools.
“You can’t tell the history of the United States without including New Mexico,” Nava said. “We want to tell that story of our proud legacy and we want everyone to know that story. We want our children to know about the price of freedom and those who have served in our military.”
Capt. Gabe Peterman, officer in charge of the museum, presented the audience with a short history and display of one of the museum’s artifacts, a World War I helmet / gas mask and its evolution through the period.
“We are currently in the 100 year anniversary of WWI,” Peterman said as he described how World War I was central to our nation’s history and central to New Mexico. “A lot of people don’t realize why the United States got into World War I. Germany proposed a secret alliance with Mexico that said if you partner with Germany and attack the U.S., Mexico would get New Mexico back.”
Peterman also stated that the New Mexico Military Museum has over 15,000 artifacts. He said while not all are displayed, all of them have an interesting human story behind them.
“We at the museum don’t want to only show you the artifact, but tie it to a particular person or event,” Peterman said. “As we move on with this museum, we not only want to collect these artifacts, we also want to collect these stories, especially of these Soldiers who have since passed away to make sure we never forget them.”
As Nava wrapped up the evening’s event, he also spoke about the role of the World War I Commission and their goal to tell the story of our World War I Soldiers and their families.
“Our event opens on Memorial Day here at this museum and later on in Roswell – where the New Mexico National Guard’s Alpha Battery was from, and who fired the most rounds of any other unit in the War.”
The Adjutant General also thanked all the veterans for their service and for everything they have done and continue to do. He cited that their ‘will to serve’ never goes away, as many of them continue to serve in many different capacities, and he looks to them for their continued support.
Nava also thanked the sponsors, state programs and all the personnel involved in making this inaugural event a great success.
“The National Guard has been an incredible blessing for me, my wife Dawn and my family,” Nava said. “I want to make that opportunity available to more New Mexicans. My goal as the Adjutant General is to grow our Air and Army National Guard, and for that I need all the folks in New Mexico to help me with that.”]]>
