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A JOINT MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE SECRETARY OF VETERANS' SERVICES TO PURSUE THE

CONSTRUCTION OF A FISHER HOUSE FOR FAMILY MEMBERS OF VETERANS

UNDERGOING TREATMENT OR REHABILITATION IN NEW MEXICO.

WHEREAS, the United States department of veterans

affairs operates a major medical center in Albuquerque with

about seven thousand patient admissions each year; and

WHEREAS, there is no residential facility in the

vicinity of the Albuquerque veterans affairs medical center to

temporarily house family members of injured or ill veterans

who are undergoing treatment or rehabilitation at the center;

and

WHEREAS, having supportive family members nearby while

undergoing treatment or rehabilitation is beneficial both

mentally and physically for soldiers, sailors, airmen and

marines; and

WHEREAS, a unique public-private program known as the

Fisher house program is responsible for constructing dozens of

Fisher houses near veterans hospitals and medical centers; and

WHEREAS, the houses, which range in size from five

thousand to sixteen thousand square feet, are built on

government land, donated as gifts to the military or the

United States department of veterans affairs and operated and

maintained by the respective services; and

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WHEREAS, Fisher houses provide tangible benefits to the

family members of men and women who have dedicated themselves

to the service of the United States;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE

STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the secretary of veterans' services

be requested to pursue construction of a Fisher house in the

vicinity of the veterans affairs medical center in

Albuquerque; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the legislature support the

construction of a Fisher house in New Mexico; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be

transmitted to the secretary of veterans' services.