GRANTS, N.M. - Representative Harry Garcia (D-Grants) has received two prestigious accolades for his work as a New Mexico state legislator, both on a national and local level.
The Northwest New Mexico Council of Governors recently named Rep. Garcia the 2023 Regional Champion from Cibola County for his policy leadership and service to the community. He was also one of a handful of lawmakers across the nation honored by the U.S. National Guard with a Charles Dick Merit Award at a recent ceremony in Reno, Nevada.
A U.S. Marine Corps Vietnam veteran and lifelong New Mexican, Rep. Garcia has long championed policies and budget investments to support military members and veterans across the state, as well as the diverse communities in Cibola and all across his district. He has worked to spur economic development in the region, support its energy workers, ease the tax burden for New Mexico veterans, and increase availability of funds for the state’s National Guard members.
“It has been my honor and privilege to advocate for the needs of Northwestern New Mexico and the service men and women across our state in the Roundhouse,” said Rep. Garcia. “We’ve achieved important victories in recent years, and I’m committed to continuing to champion the needs of our military members and my beloved hometown community.”
Rep. Garcia also serves as Chairman of the legislative Committee on Military and Veterans affairs.
The Charles Dick Medal of Merit was established in 1988 to recognize the contributions to the National Guard by elected representatives to legislative bodies at the state and national levels. It is named in honor of Major General Charles Dick, the former National Guard Association of the United States president, who also served as a Congressman and later a Senator from Ohio.
The Northwest New Mexico Council of Governors established its Regional Champion awards in 2005 and has honored recipients at its Annual Luncheon since 2010. Honorees must demonstrate regional leadership, collaboration, and service to Northwest New Mexico, and a commitment to improving the quality of life, economy, environment, and overall development of the region.