New Mexico Department of Veterans' Services

New Mexico Department of Veterans' Services DVS is the state cabinet-level agency that serves New Mexico's veterans and their families.

The New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services

New Mexico has a long and proud military legacy dating back before it became the nation’s 47th state on January 6, 1912. From its early “citizen soldiers” who trekked up the El Camino Real, through the formation of the “New Mexico Territory”...through the Battle of Glorieta during the Civil War...playing a major role in Teddy Roosevelt’s Rough Riders... on through World War I…World War II’s Navajo Code Talkers and the brave men of the 200th and 515th Coastal Artillery Unit who endured the infamous Bataan Death March…through the wars in Korea, Vietnam, and the current Middle East crisis--New Mexicans have always served with honor and distinction at one of the highest rates of service of any state in our nation. In 2003, after finally recognizing this long history of service by its citizens, the New Mexico State Legislature passed the Veterans Service Department Act to elevate the venerable New Mexico Veterans Commission to a cabinet-level agency—the New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services—providing our state’s veterans a cabinet-level voice within the executive branch of state government. The agency is led by the Cabinet Secretary, who is appointed by and reports directly to the Governor.

Military & Veterans Day today at the New Mexico State Fair was a day filled with connection, celebration, and appreciati...
09/16/2026

Military & Veterans Day today at the New Mexico State Fair was a day filled with connection, celebration, and appreciation for New Mexico’s military and veteran community.

The New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services (NMDVS), in collaboration with the New Mexico National Guard (NMNG), brought veterans, active-duty service members, families, and community partners together for a day of recognition and connection.

NMDVS programs from across the department were on hand, including the Women Veterans Program, Healthcare Coordination, Tribal Liaison, State Benefits, and more. Staff answered questions and shared information about benefits and resources available to veterans and their families.

Fairgoers also toured our Mobile Outreach Unit and learned how NMDVS reaches communities across New Mexico. Veterans could connect with NMDVS Veteran Service Officers to learn more about VA benefits and compensation claims, property tax benefits, the New Mexico State Parks Lifetime Veteran Pass, and other programs.

The day included a special ceremony at the Pavilion Stage honoring New Mexico’s military and veteran community. Speakers included NMDVS Cabinet Secretary Jamison Herrera; Maj. Gen. Miguel Aguilar, Adjutant General of NMNG; Col. Justin Secrest, commander of the 377th Air Base Wing at Kirtland Air Force Base; Thomas Tozier with the City of Albuquerque Mayor’s Office of Veterans’ Affairs; New Mexico Gold Star Mother Shirley Tetreault; and others. The Dukes of Albuquerque American Legion Band provided music for the celebration.

Thank you to NMNG, the New Mexico State Fair, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, veterans service organizations, community partners, and everyone who helped make the day special.

Most of all, thank you to New Mexico’s veterans, service members, and military families. It was an honor to spend the day with you and recognize all you have given to our state and nation.

09/15/2026

Forgotten heroes to be honored with a ceremony and military burial this Thursday, September 17, 2026.

Fifty U.S. military veterans who served their country but whose remains have gone unclaimed will be remembered for their service and laid to rest with full military honors Thursday, Sept. 17, through New Mexico’s Forgotten Heroes Funeral Program.

The public is invited to stand as family for them.

The program ensures that veterans whose remains go unclaimed receive a military funeral with the dignity and respect they earned through their service. The ceremony is coordinated by the New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services (NMDVS), Bernalillo County, the New Mexico National Guard and Santa Fe National Cemetery.

“These veterans answered the call to serve our nation, and we have a responsibility to ensure their service and sacrifice are never forgotten,” NMDVS Cabinet Secretary Jamison Herrera said. “The Forgotten Heroes Funeral Program ensures they are laid to rest with the dignity, gratitude and respect they have earned.”

Memorial Ceremony
When: 9 a.m.
Where: Legacy Church, 4701 Wyoming Blvd. NE, Albuquerque

“These men and women were people with lives, hopes and stories that mattered. Honoring their service is our way of affirming that they remain part of this community and will not be forgotten,” said Bernalillo County Manager Cindy Chavez.

Following the memorial ceremony, law enforcement officers and motorcycle groups representing veteran service organizations will es**rt the veterans’ urns to Santa Fe National Cemetery.

Military Burial with Full Honors
When: 11 a.m.
Where: Santa Fe National Cemetery, 501 N. Guadalupe St., Santa Fe

Both the Albuquerque memorial ceremony and the burial at Santa Fe National Cemetery are open to the public, offering New Mexicans an opportunity to come together and pay their respects to those who served

The New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services (NMDVS) Mobile Outreach Vehicle and benefits representatives will be in ...
09/15/2026

The New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services (NMDVS) Mobile Outreach Vehicle and benefits representatives will be in Laguna at the Pueblo of Laguna Administrative Office, 22 Capital Rd, Laguna, NM 87026, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Friday, September 18, 2026.

NMDVS Mobile Outreach Vehicle will be set up for one-on-one meetings with Veteran Service Officers who can help with VA and state benefit applications, including guidance on VA healthcare enrollment, disability compensation, pensions, education benefits, and other programs and services available to veterans and their families.

NMDVS benefits staff will assist eligible veterans and eligible unmarried surviving spouses with property tax waivers, exemptions, and applications for the New Mexico State Parks Lifetime Veteran Pass.

Documents needed to verify eligibility:
• A copy of DD-214, NA 13038, NOAA Form 56-16, or PHS Form 1867
• VA Award Letter showing the percentage of disability and any other VA correspondence related to claiming benefits
• NM Driver’s License, ID, voter registration card, or the most recent NM Personal Income Tax Return
• Widow/Widower copy of marriage and death certificates.

This is an opportunity to ask questions, receive information, and get help claiming the benefits you have earned.

Voices from the Armory Returns This FallThe New Mexico Military Museum invites the community to its Fall 2026 Voices fro...
09/15/2026

Voices from the Armory Returns This Fall

The New Mexico Military Museum invites the community to its Fall 2026 Voices from the Armory Lecture Series in Santa Fe.

Beginning Sept. 17, the series features historians and experts sharing stories and insights on American and New Mexico history.

The New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services is proud to support and share community events that connect Veterans, their families, and New Mexicans with our state’s rich military history.

See flyer for the full lineup, dates, and times. For more information, visit: https://www.nmng.nm.gov/military-museum/exhibits/

Forgotten heroes to be honored with ceremony and military burial this Thursday, September 17, 2026.SANTA FE — Fifty U.S....
09/14/2026

Forgotten heroes to be honored with ceremony and military burial this Thursday, September 17, 2026.

SANTA FE — Fifty U.S. military veterans who served their country but whose remains have gone unclaimed will be remembered for their service and laid to rest with full military honors Thursday, Sept. 17, through New Mexico’s Forgotten Heroes Funeral Program.

The public is invited to stand as family for them.

The program ensures that veterans whose remains go unclaimed receive a military funeral with the dignity and respect they earned through their service. The ceremony is coordinated by the New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services (NMDVS), Bernalillo County, the New Mexico National Guard and Santa Fe National Cemetery.

“These veterans answered the call to serve our nation, and we have a responsibility to ensure their service and sacrifice are never forgotten,” NMDVS Cabinet Secretary Jamison Herrera said. “The Forgotten Heroes Funeral Program ensures they are laid to rest with the dignity, gratitude and respect they have earned.”

Memorial Ceremony
When: 9 a.m.
Where: Legacy Church, 4701 Wyoming Blvd. NE, Albuquerque

“These men and women were people with lives, hopes and stories that mattered. Honoring their service is our way of affirming that they remain part of this community and will not be forgotten,” said Bernalillo County Manager Cindy Chavez.

Following the memorial ceremony, law enforcement officers and motorcycle groups representing veteran service organizations will es**rt the veterans’ urns to Santa Fe National Cemetery.

Military Burial with Full Honors
When: 11 a.m.
Where: Santa Fe National Cemetery, 501 N. Guadalupe St., Santa Fe

Both the Albuquerque memorial ceremony and the burial at Santa Fe National Cemetery are open to the public, offering New Mexicans an opportunity to come together and pay their respects to those who served.

The New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services supports Operation Homefront’s Military Child of the Year® Awards, recog...
09/14/2026

The New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services supports Operation Homefront’s Military Child of the Year® Awards, recognizing the achievements, resilience, and strength of military children.

Military teens ages 13 to 18 may be nominated by a parent, teacher, mentor or guardian. Award recipients receive a $10,000 cash award, a laptop, and a trip to Washington, D.C., with a parent or guardian for the April 2027 Awards Gala.

Nominations are open through December 1, 2026.

https://operationhomefront.org/military-child-of-the-year/

Today marks the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, a...
09/11/2026

Today marks the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and United Airlines Flight 93. We remember the nearly 3,000 innocent lives lost and honor the courage of the first responders, service members, and Veterans who answered the call to defend our nation in the days, months, and years that followed.

Patriot Day, established by Congress as a National Day of Remembrance, reminds us to pause, reflect, and honor the resilience and unity that emerged from one of our nation's darkest days.

Across New Mexico, communities continue to honor and remember those who lost their lives and those who answered the call to serve. Belen's 9/11 Memorial Park offers a place for reflection and remembrance, while the New Mexico State Fair will hold its annual Patriot Day ceremony at noon at the corner of Heritage Avenue and Main Street.

The New Mexico Department of Veterans' Services stands with our communities, veterans, military families, and all Americans in honoring those we lost, recognizing those who served, and reaffirming a promise that endures 25 years later: We will never forget.

#911

New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services (NMDVS) Cabinet Secretary Jamison Herrera visited The Woodmark at Uptown Sen...
09/11/2026

New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services (NMDVS) Cabinet Secretary Jamison Herrera visited The Woodmark at Uptown Senior Living in Albuquerque to unveil its new veterans wall, honoring residents who served our nation.

The ceremony recognized residents and guests in attendance who served in the military. During a special pinning ceremony, Secretary Herrera presented each veteran with a pin in recognition of their military service. Chief Armen Rodriguez, an Army veteran, was among those honored.

NMDVS thanks Executive Director Kelley Lee and Community Relations Director Julie Ellison for inviting Secretary Herrera and NMDVS to take part in this special occasion.

The new veterans wall provides a lasting tribute to residents who answered the call to serve and a place to recognize and remember their service and sacrifice.

Military & Veterans Day at the New Mexico State Fair September 15ALBUQUERQUE — New Mexico’s military community will be h...
09/11/2026

Military & Veterans Day at the New Mexico State Fair
September 15

ALBUQUERQUE — New Mexico’s military community will be honored at the New Mexico State Fair on Tuesday, Sept. 15, as veterans, military retirees, National Guard and Reserve members and active-duty service members receive free admission for Military & Veterans Day.

Presented by the New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services and the New Mexico National Guard, the special day honors the men and women who have served or continue to serve New Mexico and the nation in the U.S. armed forces.
The State Fair is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Currently serving active-duty, National Guard and Reserve service members, military retirees and veterans receive free admission by presenting a valid Uniformed Services ID Card, VA health care identification card or veteran-designated driver’s license.

Free admission applies only to veterans, military retirees and service members and does not extend to spouses or other family members. Parking fees still apply.
From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., fairgoers can visit dozens of displays, booths and information tables hosted by the New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services, New Mexico National Guard, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, veterans service organizations and community groups.

A special Military & Veterans Day program begins at 11 a.m. at the Pavilion Stage and will feature music and guest speakers representing the New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services, New Mexico National Guard, Kirtland Air Force Base, and Gold Star Mothers.

The New Mexico Department of Veterans' Services (NMDVS) was honored to serve Veterans in Tijeras at the East Mountains V...
09/10/2026

The New Mexico Department of Veterans' Services (NMDVS) was honored to serve Veterans in Tijeras at the East Mountains Veterans Services Fair.

Bringing our services directly into communities helps us meet veterans where they are, saving them a trip into Albuquerque while connecting them with the state and federal benefits, services, and resources they have earned. NMDVS was well represented at the event, with our Veteran Service Officers and staff from State Benefits, Su***de Prevention, the Women Veterans Program, and the State Approving Agency for Veterans’ Education and Training on-site to provide information, answer questions, and assist veterans and their families.

Thank you to State Representative Stefani Lord and her staff, the Village of Tijeras, the VA, the Bernalillo County Assessor's Office, and the other Veteran organizations in attendance for collaborating to bring these important resources closer to veterans and their families.

NMDVS is proud to work with our partners across New Mexico to bring services directly into communities and help Veterans access the benefits, services, and support they have earned.

Address

407 Galisteo Street
Santa Fe, NM
87501

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+15058276300

Website

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