Local veterans groups solicit flag sponsors and push outreach to help veterans file disability claims

DeBo Wakefield, identified at the meeting as the Veterans Advisory Council’s Veteran of the Year, asked community members and districts to sponsor flags at the Old Glory Memorial and urged outreach to encourage veterans who have not filed disability claims to do so for the benefit of their families.

“We're soliciting participation for our flags. Our flags have to be maintained and so what we would like to see is for every district that's represented to at least sponsor one flag, which is $50 for the whole year,” Wakefield said. She said sponsors will be recognized on tabs attached to the memorial and that the program covers flag repair and replacement.

Wakefield also described a campaign to reach older veterans who did not file claims after past conflicts and are now without service records. “If you don't want it for yourself, please don't be selfish. Think about your family,” she said, urging faith‑based outreach in the Northeast district.

Mike Barnes, chair of the El Paso County Veterans Advisory Board, said the board has rebuilt membership and plans to brief county leadership. “We've been aboard by 8 years and kinda slid back a little bit. Now we're going forward,” Barnes said, adding the board wants to “reunite and reengage with our perspective communities.”

Community volunteers and organizations also presented. Lazarus Frazier, director of public relations for Mu Beta Phi Military Fraternity, Inc., said the group opened a local chapter in February and seeks partnerships with other organizations in El Paso. Nicole Castaneda, volunteer coordinator with Gentiva Hospice, outlined hospice volunteer services and bereavement support and said her team helps veterans access benefits and housing as part of interdisciplinary care.

Speakers also described Honor Flight participation and the psychological benefits of trips to Washington, D.C. A council member said Las Cruces is putting Honor Flight applications online so veterans can apply and upload documents such as a DD 214 and emergency contacts; the speaker said the program is fully funded for participating veterans.

Council members encouraged coordination among city and county offices, economic development and veteran service organizations to maintain lists of veteran‑owned businesses and to coordinate hiring and support efforts.

For follow‑up, Wakefield and Barnes invited council members and community groups to contact their offices about flag sponsorship and outreach collaboration.