Albuquerque event brings resources to veterans and community

Albuquerque event brings resources to veterans and community

Veterans in and around Albuquerque, N.M., received resources on suicide prevention, healthcare, college tuition and employment at the first Student-Veterans Resource Fair on Nov. 15 at American Legion Post 13.

Paul Espinoza, the Department of New Mexico National Executive Committeeman and Post 13 commander, said this event was important “because we have a tremendous number of veterans coming in asking for these resources.”

The event at Post 13 hosted 25 employers and 21 resource agencies and organizations. Planning for the event began in June with a committee including members of Post 13; veterans resource centers at the University of New Mexico and Central New Mexico Community College; and the state Departments of Veterans Services and Workforce Solutions.

The event also included breakout sessions on adaptability and funding resources available to veterans; free passes for veterans, active duty, National Guard and reservists to the Freedom to Ride Rail Runner, a public transportation system across the state; and a celebration of The American Legion’s centennial.

While veteran-focused, the event was also open to the community.

“I think the event worked out tremendously,” Espinoza said.