[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.

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