This past weekend, the UNM Athletics Department and the central New Mexico military community joined forces to create an event to honor veterans: 2016 Lobo Football Heroes Day.
For UNM Student Veterans Association President Eliberto Calderon, this annual event is a bit different than in previous years, because more groups participated in its creation than usual — APD, Albuquerque Fire Department, the New Mexico National Guard, UNM ROTC and Women Student Veterans of UNM were just a few of the groups involved.
This year’s Heroes Day was “a celebration of all the great service our first responders, military and veteran communities provide,” he said.
Calderon said the day included a Veteran Outreach event near the area.
His association, along with others, provided refreshments and welcomed all veterans and their families to participate in the gratitude-infused tailgate.
Four helicopters and various ground asset displays were also on view, while the community and military had the opportunity to engage with one another.
Apart from receiving discounted tickets to the football game between the Lobos and Nevada Wolfpack, veterans also had the opportunity to be involved in the game as guest coaches, and were recognized for their services during halftime.
Student Veterans of UNM Event Coordinator Eli Miera is an E-4 Senior Airman. As part of the Air Force, he said he was stationed at the Francis E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
He said he served for three years and was on active duty during the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
During his time in the military, Miera said he formed lifelong friendships with individuals with a variety of personality types and backgrounds.
“The structure of military life was a good thing for me,” he said. “The biggest thing I learned from my time in service is a sense of duty, and the importance of service to your community. I was discharged because of a knee injury, and just because I wasn't able to serve anymore didn't mean that my commitment to my country had ended.”
Miera said he hopes Heroes Day reminds others of the sacrifices military members make each day to protect and defend American freedoms.
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“I don't consider myself a hero, but I do know that I have been really fortunate to have known and served right alongside some real heroes,” he said. “This day is a time for me to reflect on those who made the ultimate sacrifice.”
Both Calderon and Miera emphasized the importance of Heroes Day and similar events, as well as the need for veteran organizations to help veterans build one another up.
Calderon hopes to see Heroes Day expand every year, particularly through a increases in athletic event attendance, widespread appreciation for first responders, and military and veteran involvement, which can improve New Mexicans’ understanding of what the military is all about and just how many people don a military uniform.
He said he hopes Heroes Day sparked awareness of veterans’ issues and needs, while also increasing the spirit of camaraderie by encouraging veterans to stop by and enjoy a meal.
“Events like these give us veterans an opportunity to showcase our efforts to bring about positive changes in our communities,” he said. “Beyond serving in defending our nation, we (as veterans) strive to be positive role models in the community.”
Although veterans can be viewed under a negative light when PTSD and emotional trauma are discussed or presented inaccurately, he said there are veterans throughout the nation “that pride themselves in being assets to our families and communities.”
“Veterans are living, breathing examples of what makes this country great,” Miera said. “To think that there are people that will take an oath to protect and defend the Constitution is a testament to the power and importance of that document.”
Elizabeth Sanchez is a reporter for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at news@dailylobo.com or on Twitter @Beth_A_Sanchez.
