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 Units 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.
OUR MISSION STATEMENT
To provide the highest quality service and advocacy for New Mexico’s veterans and their families.
OUR VISION
To be recognized as a premier agency that anticipates and meets the changing needs of New Mexico’s veterans and their families.
OUR CORE VALUES (‘C.A.R.E.S’)
Commitment
We are committed to our agency’s mandate the very reason of its existence of serving our state’s veterans and their families.
Accountability
We will hold our agency’s employees to the highest standards expected of a premier professional service organization.
Respect
We will treat every veteran, regardless of their rank while they were in military service, with the respect and gratitude they have earned for sacrificing to serve and protect our country.
Empathy
We are all veterans, are closely related to a veteran, or strongly support those who have served in the military…and therefore understand and have a strong compassion for all veterans and their families.
Stewardship
We will ensure responsible stewardship of the human, financial, and informational programs and resources entrusted to us. We will improve performance through the use of innovative technologies, evidence-based practices, and sound business principles.
