WASHINGTON, D.C., June 4, 2019 – The Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation (GWOTMF), the congressionally-designated non-profit foundation tasked with organizing, fundraising and coordinating efforts to build a new memorial on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., today announced one new member will be joining its advisory board.
Former New Mexico Governor Susana Martinez, a Blue Star mother, will contribute to the GWOTMF’s mission by lending her expertise and strategic insight in support of fulfilling our national obligation: to honor the individuals, the families, and the communities who have served, and continue to serve, in the GWOT. Governor Martinez’s stepson is a veteran of the United States Navy’s Special Warfare Combatant-Craft Crewmen and is currently serving as a police officer.
“As the former Governor of my home state and District Attorney for my hometown, I consider it a blessing to have Governor Martinez lend her talents and abilities to the GWOT Advisory Board,” said GWOTMF President and CEO Michael “Rod” Rodriguez. “Through her close relationship with the men and women of the New Mexico National Guard and her experience as a Blue Star Mother, she knows the importance of honoring those who have served and continue to serve every day. Her proven leadership and contributions to our organization will greatly enhance the mission we serve.”
Governor Martinez served as the 31st governor of New Mexico from 2011-2018. She became the state’s first female governor and the first Hispanic female governor in the history of the United States. Prior to being elected governor, Martinez was a prosecutor for 25 years along the nation’s southern border and served as Doña Ana County’s elected district attorney for more than half that time. As governor, she prioritized keeping New Mexico’s communities safe, ensuring all students receive a high-quality education, supporting the New Mexico National Guard and diversifying and growing the state’s economy.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to support an effort to honor all who have served in uniform as well as the many men and women who serve in roles supporting our nation’s military,” said Gov. Martinez. “It is not just about the sacrifice made by those who serve, but also the sacrifice made by their families, communities and those who care about them. We hope this memorial will honor all who have been impacted by the Global War on Terrorism.”
For a head shot and an official bio of Governor Martinez: https://www.susanamartinez.com/bio/
To learn more about the GWOT Memorial Foundation or to donate, visit gwotmf.org or follow the Foundation on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
About Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation
The Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) Memorial Foundation is the congressionally-designated nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide the organizing, fundraising and coordinating efforts to build a memorial on the National Mall in Washington D.C. to honor our fallen warriors, United States services members, their families and all those who have served in our nation’s longest war. Through its dedicated efforts, the Foundation seeks to build a tangible symbol of the sacrifices made by our country’s service members and their families. The Foundation is a platinum-level GuideStar participant, demonstrating its commitment to transparency.
Since Sept. 11, 2001, nearly 3 million American service members have deployed in support of the GWOT (this figure does not include the DoD contractors, private contractors and other government employees who have served in support of the GWOT). Of those service members, close to 8,500 have been killed, with 52,000 wounded in action and an estimated 20 percent of veterans returning home grappling with the invisible wounds of war such as posttraumatic stress (PTS) and traumatic brain injury (TBI). The GWOT Memorial Foundation believes that our service members, their families and the American people deserve a fitting memorial where our country can learn about, reflect and honor their selfless service, strength and sacrifice. To learn more or donate, visit gwotmf.org or follow the Foundation on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
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