RECOGNIZING PETE BENAVIDEZ

RECOGNIZING PETE BENAVIDEZ

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 58 (Friday, March 27, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 58 (Friday, March 27, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E282] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING PETE BENAVIDEZ ______ HON. GABE VASQUEZ of new mexico in the house of representatives Friday, March 27, 2026 Mr. VASQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Pete Benavidez for his outstanding contributions to New Mexico's veteran community and his service to our country. Pete is a veteran who devotes his free time to advocating for and helping other veterans in his community. Pete is originally from Albuquerque, New Mexico, and he now lives in Belen. For over twenty years, Pete served and protected our country in both the Army and the New Mexico National Guard. During his service, he worked as a Track Vehicle Repairer and was deployed to combat. While conducting a recovery operation for a vehicle, Pete was injured by an Improvised Explosive Device, which caused severe brain damage and resulted in him being medically discharged from the military. Pete attempted to work several jobs after his discharge but could not maintain employment because of his combat-related disability. As Pete faced health challenges, he sought help from his local Department of Veterans Affairs and the Raymond G. Murphy VA Medical Center. There he received treatment that improved his health, allowed him to continue working towards being a family man, and pushed him to serve his community. To this day, Pete remains an active force in New Mexico's veteran community and shares his story to bring awareness to the greatest issues impacting veterans. During my time in Congress, he has worked closely with my office to advocate for the Major Richard Star Act and other measures to improve veterans' lives. In his free time, he supports other veterans in his community by helping them apply for VA benefits, educating them on services available to them, and even driving veterans to their appointments and veteran group meetings. Pete's commitment to service continues through his son, who is now serving in the New Mexico National Guard. On behalf of the people of New Mexico's 2nd Congressional District, I would like to thank Pete for his service to our country and his commitment to ensuring our brave men and women receive the care and support they deserve. ____________________