Los Lunas VFW Post Honors Medal of Honor, Vietnam War Veterans Saturday

Ninety-five percent of the members of Daniel D. Fernandez VFW Post 9676 in Los Lunas are Vietnam veterans. A few of them knew Daniel D. Fernandez personally, the Medal of Honor recipient the post was named to honor.

That history stood at the center of the post's annual observance of National Medal of Honor Day and National Vietnam War Veterans Day, held Saturday morning at the Los Lunas post home. The event drew veterans, families, and members of the general public beginning at 9:30 a.m., with a formal ceremony, door prizes, and finger food and refreshments.

Post Adjutant Frank Gurule spoke directly from personal memory, describing his experiences and friendship with Fernandez. Quartermaster Jack Lovato, a decorated lifetime member and Vietnam veteran who also serves as the post's webmaster, delivered remarks under the title "Vietnam Generation and Carrying Vietnam Veterans Memory Forward." Their presentations anchored a program designed to bridge two national dates: National Medal of Honor Day falls on March 25 and National Vietnam War Veterans Day on March 29. The post scheduled its event on the intervening Saturday to give more veterans, families, and younger residents the chance to participate.

Post 9676 is led by Commander Chet Pino alongside Chaplain Andrew Garcia, Junior Vice Commander Tony Griego, Gurule as adjutant, Trustee Orlando Gurule, and social media coordinator Gabe Barela.

Beyond commemoration, the ceremony pointed to veterans' continuing needs: health care access, mental-health services, housing, and benefits navigation. Organizers encouraged attendees to follow the post's notices for upcoming service projects, fundraising drives, and volunteer opportunities.

Eligible veterans who want to join Post 9676 can reach Quartermaster Jack Lovato at 505-550-4076 or Commander Chet Pino at 505-414-0288.