Veterans & Military Affairs Advisory Board

Purpose

The Veterans and Military Affairs Advisory Board (VMAAB) works to identify concerns of the Military and Veteran community in the City of Albuquerque, with the responsibility of drafting recommendations to both the City Council and the Mayor’s Office.

The Board also serves as a network for the exchange of information relative to veterans activities.

Structure

The VMAAB has a Chair (the Military & Veteran Liaison appointed by the Mayor) and a Vice-Chair (voted on by the board). There are three subcommittees that members of the board, and the public, may join and participate in ongoing discussions and research pertaining to identifying concerns and solutions for the Military & Veteran communities.

Subcommittee Mission Statements

Transition and Reintegration

• Identify programs and resources currently available in the community and determine gaps in service for the larger military and veteran community
• Examine different variables of transition (retiring, homelessness, end-of-service), and how they affect the veteran population
• Determine efficacy of resources and where improvements can be made to increase positive outcomes
• Submit report which examines all factors and makes recommendations on where the City of Albuquerque can contribute to improve

Critical Needs

• Assess the needs of the community that are in a critical junction, such as homelessness, mental health, and behavioral health.
• Gather information from community and government sources to determine the level of critical services needed
• Determine whether or not the City of Albuquerque or City Council will be able to address those needs, or if it will need to be addressed through partnerships or other entities
• Create a list of current services and options for either policies or plans that the City of Albuquerque can take to address gaps of critical needs.

Community Engagement

• Implement a plan of veteran inclusiveness with key stakeholders, partners, and agencies that removes barriers and stigmas of what veterans are/need.
• Identify current programs and systems working to engage veterans and military families
• Create a program to develop a more engaged veteran community with local partners and agencies
• Develop an engagement package to promote business and veteran community involvement

Membership

The Mayor, with the advice and consent of the Council, shall appoint the members from names recommended by local Military and Veteran organizations, and other Department of Defense or Department of Veterans Affairs organizations providing services to Veterans.

Members must meet at least one of the following criteria:

• be an involved Veteran
• a Representative of a Veteran Organization providing services directly to Veterans
• Active Military member representing Veteran interests within military units, operating within the Albuquerque Metropolitan Area

Meeting Information

Information for each meeting can be found in the monthly agenda.

Dates & Time: Meetings are held the third Wednesday of every month, from 9 to 11 a.m.

Location: New Mexico Veterans’ Memorial Park, 1100 Louisiana Blvd. SE 87108. Meetings occur both in person and through Zoom.

• January 17, 2024
• February 21, 2024
• March 20, 2024
• April 17, 2024
• May 15, 2024
• June 19, 2024
• July 17, 2024
• August 21, 2024
• September 18, 2024
• October 16, 2024
• November 20, 2024 - No Meeting due to proximity to Holiday
• December 18, 2024 - Will begin at 9:30 AM