The National Guard has a long and interesting history in New Mexico. Many major U.S. conflicts occurred on this soil. The local militia served in the 16th century under the Spanish flag which is reflected in the official mariachi band of the current National Guard. Under U.S. rule, the local militia served in the Civil War, the Spanish-American War, World War I and all other wars from then on. There has been a history of unbroken service from New Mexicans for centuries. Come and enjoy a wonderful presentation about our National Guard and their dedication to this State and its people for Veteran's Day.  

Jack R. Fox attended high school and junior college at New Mexico Military Institute in Roswell. He graduated from New Mexico State University in 1969 and received a Masters of Education degree from Georgia State University in 1975. He is a graduate of the Army Command and Staff College and the United States Army War College. He served in the US Army and the New Mexico National Guard from 1969 to 1995. In 1999 he became the Commandant of Cadets for New Mexico Military Institute in Roswell, and in 2004 he was selected to service as the president of St. John’s Military School in Salina, Kansas. He was recalled to active military service in 2007, was assigned as Deputy Adjutant General, and was promoted to Brigadier General. Upon retirement in 2010, he served as the Director of the New Mexico National Guard Museum and Youth Challenge program. He served as secretary of the New Mexico Veterans Service Department from 2015-2018.