HOUSE MEMORIAL 69

51st legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2013

INTRODUCED BY

Jane E. Powdrell-Culbert

A MEMORIAL

RECOGNIZING NEW MEXICAN WOMEN VETERANS AND THE WOMEN VETERANS OF NEW MEXICO ORGANIZATION AND DECLARING FEBRUARY 21, 2013 "WOMEN VETERANS OF NEW MEXICO DAY" IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

     WHEREAS, New Mexico has a proud tradition of service; and

     WHEREAS, New Mexican women have bravely stood in defense of this country in every armed conflict since the Civil War; and

     WHEREAS, women make up fourteen percent of the nation's active duty force, eighteen percent of the national guard and fifteen percent of reserve forces; and

     WHEREAS, twenty percent of new recruits to the armed forces are women and, of those, eleven percent are also single parents; and

     WHEREAS, New Mexico is home to more than sixteen thousand female veterans, a population that faces unique issues; and

     WHEREAS, the women veterans of New Mexico organization advocates for female veterans' issues, rights and benefits; and

     WHEREAS, members of women veterans of New Mexico serve their sister veterans after they are discharged from active duty through outreach and mentoring; and

     WHEREAS, the women veterans of New Mexico organization works to provide for the immediate needs of women who suffer from posttraumatic stress disorder, military sexual trauma and other mental and physical injuries; and

     WHEREAS, the women veterans of New Mexico organization has partnered with the veterans' services department, the United States department of veterans affairs and other organizations that serve female veterans;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that recognition be extended to New Mexican women veterans;

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that February 21, 2013 be declared "Women Veterans of New Mexico Day" in the house of representatives; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all New Mexicans take a moment to honor women veterans for their commitment, dedication and brave service to the country.

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