New Mexico Department of Veterans' Services

New Mexico Department of Veterans' Services DVS is the state cabinet-level agency that serves New Mexico's veterans and their families.

The New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services

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 Rider

s... on through World War I…World War II’s Navajo Code Talkers and the brave men of the 200th and 515th Coastal Artillery Unit 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.

The New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services (NMDVS) will join the VA and other veteran service organizations at the ...
09/06/2026

The New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services (NMDVS) will join the VA and other veteran service organizations at the East Mountains Veterans Services Fair in Tijeras this Wednesday. This free event will connect Veterans and their families with benefits assistance and resources related to healthcare, housing, food assistance, and more.

Wednesday, September 9, 2026
• 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
• Village of Tijeras Council Chambers
• 12 Camino Municipal
• Tijeras, NM 87059

NMDVS staff and Veteran Service Officers will be on-site to provide information about NMDVS programs, answer questions, and assist veterans and eligible family members with state and federal benefits, including the New Mexico State Parks Lifetime Veteran Pass, disability benefits, property tax exemptions and waivers, VA healthcare, and surviving spouse benefits.

Documents needed to verify eligibility may include:
• A copy of DD-214, NA 13038, NOAA Form 56-16, or PHS Form 1867
• VA Award Letter showing the percentage of disability and other VA correspondence related to claiming benefits
• New Mexico driver's license, ID, voter registration card, or most recent New Mexico Personal Income Tax Return
• For surviving spouses, copies of marriage and death certificates

Claim the benefits you've earned and join us for this free event.

For more information, contact Charlene Smith at [email protected] or 505-946-5622.

Honor September 11 through service and remembrance.Join volunteers at Santa Fe National Cemetery on Saturday, Sept. 12, ...
09/05/2026

Honor September 11 through service and remembrance.

Join volunteers at Santa Fe National Cemetery on Saturday, Sept. 12, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for the National Day of Service & Remembrance. Volunteers will clean headstones and beautify the cemetery grounds in tribute to military members, Veterans, first responders and their families.

The event is part of a nationwide effort honoring the nearly 3,000 lives lost on Sept. 11, 2001, and those who answered the call in the days that followed.

Registration is free but required. Sign up at: https://carrytheload.org/event/santa-fe-national-cemetery-national-day-of-service/

The New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services joins Sgt. Melvin E. Jones’ family, the New Mexico National Guard, and c...
09/04/2026

The New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services joins Sgt. Melvin E. Jones’ family, the New Mexico National Guard, and communities across our state in welcoming him home 84 years after his death.

Sgt. Jones, a New Mexico National Guardsman who endured the Bataan Death March, will be laid to rest with full military honors at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15, at Portales Cemetery in Portales.

We honor Sgt. Jones’ service and sacrifice and remember his family as they finally lay him to rest on New Mexico soil.

Welcome home, Sgt. Jones.

The New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services (NMDVS) Mobile Outreach Vehicle and benefits representatives will be in ...
09/04/2026

The New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services (NMDVS) Mobile Outreach Vehicle and benefits representatives will be in Española on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at the Santa Clara Pueblo Housing Authority, 201 Road Runner Rd., Española, NM 87532

NMDVS Mobile Outreach Vehicle will be set up for one-on-one meetings with Veteran Service Officers who can help with VA and state benefit applications, including guidance on VA healthcare enrollment, disability compensation, pensions, education benefits, and other programs and services available to veterans and their families.

NMDVS benefits staff will assist eligible veterans and eligible unmarried surviving spouses with property tax waivers, exemptions, and applications for the New Mexico State Parks Lifetime Veteran Pass.

Documents needed to verify eligibility:
• A copy of DD-214, NA 13038, NOAA Form 56-16, or PHS Form 1867
• VA Award Letter showing the percentage of disability and any other VA correspondence related to claiming benefits
• NM Driver’s License, ID, voter registration card, or the most recent NM Personal Income Tax Return
• Widow/Widower copy of marriage and death certificates.

This is an opportunity to ask questions, receive information, and get help claiming the benefits you have earned.

The September 2026 edition of the New Mexico Department of Veterans' Services Newsletter is out now! Find out about Forg...
09/03/2026

The September 2026 edition of the New Mexico Department of Veterans' Services Newsletter is out now!

Find out about Forgotten Heroes and more outreach events this month.

You can follow the link below to view the newsletter on our website:
https://www.dvs.nm.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/September-2026-NMDVS-Veteran-Newsletter.pdf

Sign up for the digital newsletter to be delivered to your inbox each month here:
https://www.dvs.nm.gov/nmdvs-newsletter/

Location has changed ...Military Spouses, Your Business Journey Starts Here!Have a business idea? Ready to turn your pas...
09/03/2026

Location has changed ...

Military Spouses, Your Business Journey Starts Here!

Have a business idea? Ready to turn your passion into profit? Or looking to take your current business to the next level?

Join the SBA Military Spouse Pathway to Business Training for a FREE, high-impact training experience designed specifically for military spouses who are ready to build, grow, and succeed.

Clovis Chamber of Commerce
Sept. 10th & 11th
0900–1430
NO FEE TRAINING

You’ll gain practical tools and resources covering business planning, marketing, funding awareness, startup strategies, and SBA partner resources all designed to help you move your business vision forward.

Military life may require flexibility, but your entrepreneurial goals don’t have to stay on hold. Build your vision. Strengthen your future. Create your next opportunity.

505-469-8501
[email protected]

Tag a military spouse who needs to see this! 👇

The New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services (NMDVS) will be at the New Mexico Conference on Aging, September 23–24, ...
09/03/2026

The New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services (NMDVS) will be at the New Mexico Conference on Aging, September 23–24, 2026, at the Glorieta Conference Center.

NMDVS will provide a briefing on benefits and services available to New Mexico veterans and their families. State Benefits personnel, Healthcare Coordination staff, and Veteran Service Officers will also be on hand both days to provide information and assistance.

Our staff can assist with applying for property tax waivers and exemptions, obtaining the New Mexico State Parks Lifetime Veteran Pass, filing for VA benefits and compensation claims, and answering questions about VA healthcare eligibility and enrollment.

Documents needed to verify eligibility:
• A copy of DD-214, NA 13038, NOAA Form 56-16, or PHS Form 1867
• VA Award Letter showing the percentage of disability and any other VA correspondence related to claiming benefits
• NM Driver's License, ID, voter registration card, or most recent NM Personal Income Tax Return
• For widows/widowers, a copy of marriage and death certificates

The annual conference brings together seniors, caregivers, advocates, and professionals from across New Mexico for two days of learning, connection, and resources.

To find an NMDVS office near you, call 1-866-433-8387 or visit https://www.dvs.nm.gov/

Conference registration and information: https://www.aging.nm.gov/conference-on-aging/

Remembering V-J Day: Honoring the Heroes of World War IIAboard the USS Missouri on September 2, 1945, in Tokyo Bay, repr...
09/02/2026

Remembering V-J Day: Honoring the Heroes of World War II

Aboard the USS Missouri on September 2, 1945, in Tokyo Bay, representatives of the Empire of Japan signed the formal documents of surrender, officially ending World War II. General Douglas MacArthur, Supreme Commander of the Allied Powers, led the ceremony as representatives from Allied nations witnessed this historic moment.

For the 16 million American servicemembers who served during World War II, V-J Day (Victory over Japan Day) marked more than a military victory. It symbolized years of sacrifice, endurance, and commitment to freedom and democracy.
New Mexicans played an important role in that history. Members of New Mexico’s 200th and 515th Coast Artillery units were among the first Americans to fight in the Pacific after Pearl Harbor. They defended the Philippines, and many were captured and forced to endure the Bataan Death March and years as prisoners of war.

When news of Japan’s surrender reached home, Americans celebrated from Times Square to communities across New Mexico. Church bells rang, families gathered around radios, and people filled the streets while remembering those who would never return.

For New Mexico families and veterans, V-J Day meant more than victory. It represented survival, relief, reunion, remembrance, and hope.
As we remember September 2, 1945, the New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services honors our veterans, their families, those who supported the war effort at home, and those who made the ultimate sacrifice. By preserving the stories of our World War II Veterans and sharing their legacy, we ensure their service and sacrifice are never forgotten.

September is Su***de Prevention Month, a time to strengthen awareness, encourage connection, and remind Veterans and the...
09/01/2026

September is Su***de Prevention Month, a time to strengthen awareness, encourage connection, and remind Veterans and their families that support is available when they need it.

For the New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services (NMDVS), su***de prevention is a year-round commitment. Military service can continue to affect a person long after they leave the uniform behind. Veterans may experience PTSD, depression, anxiety, isolation or other challenges that affect their mental health and well-being.

You may not always know what someone is experiencing. That is why reaching out matters. A check-in, a listening ear or a number shared at the right moment can make a real difference.

This month, take time to connect with the Veterans in your life. Ask how they are doing. Listen without judgment. Follow up. Remind them that seeking support is a sign that they do not have to face difficult moments alone.

***dePrevention starts with connection.

If you are a Veteran in crisis or are concerned about a Veteran, call or text 988, then press 1 to connect with the Veterans Crisis Line. Confidential support is available 24/7.

***dePreventionMonth

In observance of Labor Day, all New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services offices will be closed on Monday, September ...
09/01/2026

In observance of Labor Day, all New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services offices will be closed on Monday, September 7, 2026.

We will resume regular business hours on Tuesday, September 8nd.

Address

407 Galisteo Street
Santa Fe, NM
87501

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+15058276300

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when New Mexico Department of Veterans' Services posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to New Mexico Department of Veterans' Services:

Shortcuts

Share

Category