SENATE JOINT MEMORIAL 73

47th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2006

INTRODUCED BY

Timothy Z. Jennings

A JOINT MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE NEW MEXICO NATIONAL GUARD TO DEVELOP STREAMLINED PROCEDURES TO FACILITATE REQUESTS FOR MILITARY FLYOVERS AT MEMORIAL SERVICES FOR NEW MEXICO SOLDIERS KILLED IN COMBAT.

     WHEREAS, at least twenty New Mexicans serving their country in the United States armed forces have died in Iraq or Afghanistan since September 11, 2001; and

     WHEREAS, at least nine other members of the military with ties to New Mexico have met the same fate; and

     WHEREAS, it is fitting that memorial services for fallen soldiers include a flyover by military aircraft, if it is desired by the soldier's loved ones; and

     WHEREAS, military regulations allow New Mexico national guard commanders to approve military flyovers only for five holidays, and approval from higher authorities is required for flyovers at other occasions, including memorial services; and

     WHEREAS, family members of soldiers killed in the line of duty should not be expected to navigate the sometimes confusing regulations governing military flyovers at the same time that they are grieving their loss;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the New Mexico national guard be requested to take whatever steps are necessary and feasible to streamline the process for family members to request military flyovers at the services of fallen soldiers; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be transmitted to the adjutant general of the New Mexico national guard.

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