SANTA FE, N.M. – Maj. Gen. Kenneth Nava, the Adjutant General of New Mexico, and the New Mexico National Guard hosted the second annual Legislative Reception Feb. 20 at the New Mexico Military Museum here.
The reception is designed to provide state legislators and representatives with a firsthand look at the current focuses and challenges of the NMNG and network with Guard members to find the best possible outcomes for New Mexico and its communities.
Visitors were able to explore the collections of the museum while enjoying finger food and vintage WWI music to celebrate the addition of last year’s interactive outdoor WWI exhibit. High-tech touchscreens depicting historic planes, famous military memorials, and the USO tours of Bob Hope were provided by Ideum.
Nava gathered guests in the museum’s auditorium for a presentation, where Michelle Lujan Grisham, the governor of New Mexico, thanked National Guard members for their service to the community.
“I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for the sacrifices and services that you provide to our state,” Grisham said. “You really are a wonderful asset to our community and the services that you all provide are irreplaceable.”
Grisham spoke about the Guard and the role that it plays in keeping New Mexicans safe.
“I know that each and every one of our guard members plays an important role in public safety and your importance to the state can’t be understated, whether it is providing search and rescue or helping in the fire season,” Grisham said. “I will be here with you as your commander in chief every step of the way.”
Nava spoke about elevating the NMNG to the top of national lists.
“I want to see the New Mexico National Guard in the top spots of all of the national lists,” Nava said. “Look at our aviation record; it’s among the best with no class A or Class B accidents. It’s that kind of professionalism and expertise that we need here in the state and I need all of your help to make it happen.”
“There are wonderful senators and representatives working with us to benefit Guardsmen and their families,” Nava said, “but we need to keep doing what we’re doing at getting better at doing it.”
Nava thanked the service members and veterans in attendance for their dedication to the NMNG and for their service to the state of New Mexico.
Nava also thanked all of the sponsors of the reception, including the Enlisted Association of the New Mexico National Guard, the New Mexico National Guard Association, and the New Mexico Military Museum Foundation.