Let's Thank Our Vets......all of them (hoa, transfer, build)

[Poncho_NM]

A lone marker in Bernalillo, New Mexico. Photo by Rich Sanchez, April 14, 2010:

Women Veterans of New Mexico

New Mexico has a proud history of military service. We are a state of culturally diverse
citizens who are willing to defend our freedom and rights. Over 15,00 women in New Mexico have volunteered to serve in
our military. These women have take up arms throughout our history, and New Mexico honors them for their considerable
contributions and sacrifice."

[Poncho_NM]

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen, U.S. Navy, speaks with Army 2nd Lieutenant. Brandy Mason at the III
Corps Headquarters at Fort Hood, Texas, on November. 10th, 2009. Mason was shot in the hip during a November 5th shooting
rampage that left 13 dead and 30 wounded. Courtesy DoD photo, by Petty Officer 1st Class Chad J. McNeeley, U.S. Navy.

[crazyworld]

I have to say you take the most incredible pictures and seem to capture EVERY moment as it is happening. Thank you.

[Poncho_NM]

U.S. Army veterans from the 141st Infantry Regiment and the 442nd Regimental Combat Team stand during the 65th
Anniversary Tribute dinner for the veterans of the Rescue of the Lost Battalion in Houston, Texas, November. 1st, 2009. The
dinner commemorates a battle in 1944, when the 141st was surrounded by Nazi forces in the Vosges Mountains of Northern
France. After several failed attempts to reach the unit, the 442nd, a segregated unit comprised of mostly Japanese-Americans,
fought for five days to break through Nazi lines and reach the battalion, rescuing 230 men. Photo courtesy DoD, photo by Mass
Communication Specialist 1st Class Chad J. McNeeley, U.S. Navy.

[Poncho_NM]

Veterans Day Ceremony, November 2006, Rio Rancho High School, New Mexico. Photo by Rich Sanchez.

[crazyworld]

A Soldier is someone who at one point in their life wrote a blank check made payable to the United States for an amount up to, and including, their life! That is an honor, and there are way too many people in this country today, who no longer understand that fact! Copy and paste this if you are thankful for your freedom...THANK.... A SOLDIER...TODAY

[Poncho_NM]

The U.S. Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon performs during a ceremony honoring World War II veterans from North Carolina
October 20th, 2009, at the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Courtesy U.S. Marine Corps, photo by Corporal Charles M. Groff.
The United States Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon is a 24-man rifle platoon that performs a unique precision drill exhibition. This
highly disciplined platoon exemplifies the professionalism associated with the United States Marine Corps. They first performed in
the Sunset Parades of 1948 and received such an overwhelming response that it soon became a regular part of the parades at
Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C. The Marines execute a series of calculated drill movements and precise handling of their
hand-polished, 10 and one-half pound, M-1 Garand rifles with fixed bayonets. The routine concludes with a unique rifle inspection
sequence demonstrating elaborate rifle spins and tosses. These Marines are individually selected from the Schools of Infantry
located in Camp Pendleton, California and Camp Lejune, North Carolina from interviews conducted by Barracks personnel. Once
selected, Marines are assigned to Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C. to serve a 2-year ceremonial tour. Beyond their ceremonial
duties, the Marines collaterally train in the field as infantrymen. Throughout the year, these Marines hone their infantry skills at
the Marine Corps Combat Development Command in Quantico, Virginia and other bases.

[Poncho_NM]

USMC Sergeant Major Evans, retired, Veterans Day ceremony, November 12, 2007, Rio Rancho, New Mexico. Photo
by Rich Sanchez.

[Poncho_NM]

U.S. Navy Command Master Chief Kathleen A. Hansen, assigned to Naval Medical Center San Diego (NMCSD), hugs retired Chief
Electrician's Mate Stuart Hedley, a Pearl Harbor survivor and president of Chapter 3 of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association,
during the commemoration of the 68th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor at NMCSD, California, December 4th, 2009.
Photo courtesy U.S. Navy, photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Chad A. Bascom.

On May 8th 2008, the Naval Medical Center San Diego (NMCSD) was rededicated as the Bob Wilson Naval Hospital, named after
San Diego Congressman Bob Wilson. Located on Florida Drive in San Diego adjacent to Balboa Parkit it is the most technologically
advanced Navy medical treatment facility. Nicknamed Balboa, the Pride of Navy Medicine, the hospital has played a vital role in
the history of San Diego for more than 80 years. The original tent dispensary established in 1917 was augmented by designated
hospital buildings in 1922; and the 85-acre, 89-building complex with 2,600 beds was the largest military hospital in the world
during the Vietnam War. The mission of the high-tech, ultra modern facility of the 1990s, has remained constant to provide the
finest medical care in a family-centered care environment to the operational forces, their families, and to those who served their
country in the past.

[Poncho_NM]

A Soldier in the multi-service color guard stands out front holding the Army colors during the Fort Bliss, Texas, Veterans Day
celebration on November 11, 2008 at Memorial Circle. Photo by Stephen Baack.