Veterans Services Fair Brings Resources to Sandoval County Residents
The New Mexico Department of Veterans Services and state legislators hosted a Veterans Services Fair on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025, at the Sandoval County Government Complex in Bernalillo to connect veterans with benefits and community supports. The event matters for local residents because it offered direct access to DVS leadership, legislators, and information on food and assistance resources and the possible impacts of a federal government shutdown.
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Hundreds of veterans and their family members in Sandoval County and nearby communities had an opportunity to ask questions and access services at a Veterans Services Fair held on Nov. 5, 2025. The New Mexico Department of Veterans Services partnered with state legislators to staff the event from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Sandoval County Government Complex, 1500 Idalia Rd, Bldg. D, Bernalillo, NM 87004. The fair was listed on the DVS events calendar and intended to provide information about benefits, programs, and community supports.
NMDVS leadership was on site to outline state programs and point attendees to resources. Legislators were available to answer constituent questions and to help navigate state level processes. Organizers included contact information for further inquiries, listing Lisa Brenner at lisa.brenner@nmlegis.gov or 505 946 5590. The DVS November newsletter that accompanied the event listing also included statewide Veterans Day related ceremonies and resource links for food and assistance and guidance about federal government shutdown information for veterans.
The practical importance of an in person fair in Bernalillo is tangible. For many veterans, understanding eligibility for benefits, enrolling in services, or learning about local healthcare and housing supports can be impeded by transportation limits, digital access gaps, or complex paperwork. Local events reduce those barriers by providing face to face help, referrals to social services, and immediate answers to procedural questions. That can directly affect public health outcomes by connecting veterans to primary care, mental health treatment, medication support, and nutritional assistance.
Beyond individual service connections, the fair highlights larger policy and equity questions. Veterans from rural areas, low income households, and communities of color often face disproportionate barriers to care and benefits. Coordinated state outreach helps, but systemic gaps remain between federal, state and local programs. Providing information about federal shutdown contingencies underscored how policy decisions in Washington can have rapid local consequences for access to care and benefits.
Organizers positioned the fair as part of broader preparedness for Veterans Day observances and for ongoing community support. For veterans unable to attend, the DVS events page and newsletter point to additional statewide listings and resource links. Local advocates and health providers say continued outreach, better integration between agencies, and expanded community based services will be essential to close persistent access gaps in Sandoval County. Those seeking more information were advised to contact the legislative office listed in the event notice.
