State of Neto Mexico
House of Representatifes
Santa Fé
JAMES G. TOWNSEND June 24, 2020 (COMMITTEES:
REPUBLICAN FLOOR LEADER ory, Entonment& Naira Resources
R= Chaves, ty & Otro Sods
Dic Sa Printing & Sipps
Rules & Order of Business
(69 W. Compress Road
‘Axtesia, NM8S210
Home Phone,
Call Phone:
mall janes tounsendenmegs.gov
The Honorable Michelle Lujan Grisham.
Governor, State of New Mexico
State Capitol
490 Old Santa Fe Trail, Room 400
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501
Dear Governor:
The family of Master Sgt. Joseph Wynne Velasquez, who recently passed away while serving in the U.S.
Army at Fort Benning in North Carolina, has requested the assistance of your office in gaining the
necessary government approval for his burial with full military honors at the Santa Fe National
Cemetery, Master Sgt. Velasquez is a former resident of New Mexico and he served his country proudly
during two tours of duty in Iraq and one in Afghanistan. He leaves behind six children, a grandson and
wife of 19 years. The family has stated in multiple articles that they have contacted your office several
times in making this most reasonable request, yet your staff have continually declined to give them the
necessary approval to hold the burial service that this brave man deserves.
‘Therefore, | am writing to request your personal involvement in this matter as | cannot believe you
would ever refuse this hero's request to be buried alongside his fellow brothers in arms. | understand
the COVID-19 pandemic has changed how we conduct our daily lives and how we can no longer take for
granted many group activities that have been associated with family gatherings. However, it seems to
me this request by Master Sgt. Velasquez’s family is a worthy exception to the ongoing limitation of
Public gatherings as his family understands the potential risks of a public burial service and wish to
proceed. But, more important, this request is being made on behalf of a proud American who gave his
life while serving with honor and distinction while protecting our God-given freedoms,
Your immediate approval of Master Sgt. Velasquer's family request to hold a public burial service would
allow this family to properly honor their loved one, as well as end their grief and sorrow. His six
children, his grandson, and his wife have every right to lay to rest this special person in the manner they
deem appropriate. Only you have the power to make their wishes come to pass.
We all have witnessed almost daily the hundreds of people protesting across our state while
disregarding social distancing and other public safety mandates. We watch people pack into grocery
stores, big-box retailers, parks and other public places without wearing required face coverings. Yet,Page 2
why should this family be denied an opportunity to bury their father, grandfather, and husband in one
of our nation’s sacred national cemeteries because they must obey rules that others disregard? | have
ro idea how your office can allow such an inconsistency to continue not just for the Velasquez family,
but forall military families. | implore you to grant the necessary approval for Master Sgt. Velasquez and
his family, and for the thousands of other New Mexican men and women who have paid the ultimate
price so that we can live in the greatest country on earth.
Thank you for your immediate attention to this most urgent matter. | look forward to hearing from you
very soon.
Respectfully yours,
s G. Townsend
House Republican Leader District 54