The Commission hosted the “AmeriCorps Salutes Veterans” on February 12, 2012 at the American Legion Post 49. Over 200 Veterans and their families attended the Valentine Luncheon and learned about the importance of National Service in New Mexico. The Delta Company Fourth Reconnaissance Battalion Marie Corps opened the event with the Color Guard presentation. U.S. Marine Corps Major Christopher Lucas welcomed the participants and spoke on the importance of engaging Veterans in National Service. The Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce provided outreach materials on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service. Paul Caputo, with the Marine Corps, recruited former Marines to volunteer. Judge Alisia Hadfield shared community resources for Veterans and their families. Guest were served a delicious spaghetti dinner by the AmeriCorps Members from the Rio Grande Community Farm and the American Red Cross. Veterans and their sweethearts danced to the lively music played by the all Veteran band, Driftin’ Country. AmeriCorps celebrated the service of Veterans and shared the on-going collaboration of Military Service and National Service.