New Mexico Lawmakers Hold Listening Event for Veterans in Gallup
Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández, joined State Representatives D. Wonda Johnson, Harry Garica, and Eliseo Alcon to meet with veterans and discuss concerns about the proposed closure of local VA Clinic
Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández addressing attendees at the Voices for Veterans listening event in Gallup hosted by State Representative D. Wonda Johnson
Gallup, NM-Today Representative D. Wonda Johnson (D-Churchrock) hosted a town hall listening event on the UNM Gallup Campus. Rep. Johnson was joined by panelists US Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández (D-NM 03), State Representatives Eliseo Alcon (D-Milan) and Harry Garcia (D-Grants), city officials, and representatives from the Department of Veterans Affairs and local veteran’s organizations. Panelists listened to local veterans discuss their healthcare needs and the impact that the federal proposal to close the local Gallup VA clinic would have.
“Our patriotic community is home to so many veterans who have sacrificed for our country. These veterans have earned the right to quality healthcare, and closing our local VA clinic would hurt their access to care and needed treatment,” said Representative Johnson. “I am working with our federal delegation to advocate to the VA to keep our clinic open and protect access to the specialized care our veterans need in Gallup and other rural New Mexican communities.”
During the listening session, veterans and their families also received help with veterans’ benefits and tax exemptions, rehabilitation and wellness services, and access to a community food pantry.
“In rural communities like Gallup our veterans rely on VA clinics to provide critical care. Many of these veterans aren’t able to travel long distances or receive the care they need through telehealth appointments,” said Congresswoman Leger Fernández. “We must ensure that we honor our veterans and their service to our country by protecting their health and wellbeing.”
“It was an honor to be here today and hear from our veterans about their concerns,” said Representative Garcia. “As a veteran myself, I know how important it is to protect the specialized care we get at the VA.”
“In order to provide our veterans with the quality health care they deserve, we have to make sure their voices are included in the decisions that impact them,” said Representative Alcon, who is a Vietnam veteran.
State Representative D. Wonda Johnson, State Rep. Eliseo Alcon, Jim Dumont, field representative for Senator Martin Heinrich, and Congresswoman Leger Fernández listen to veterans in Gallup
The VA has recommended the closure of New Mexico rural health clinics in Gallup, Las Vegas, Raton, and Española. If implemented, these closures would take effect in 2026.
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