Gov. Susana Martinez

STATE News:

Gov. Susana Martinez will be in Albuquerque at 2 p.m. today to recognize the extraordinary citizens being honored as New Mexico True Heroes.

Through a partnership with the Gildan New Mexico Bowl, the New Mexico True Heroes program honors four New Mexicans who contribute to making their communities a better place to live, work, and raise a family.

The Governor will recognize:

• John Masterson, Roswell, is being recognized for his bravery in ceasing a school shooting at Berrendo Middle School in early 2014. Masterson is a married father of three who teaches social studies and coaches track and soccer. His selfless act has inspired students in Roswell to speak up when they witness bullying or if they notice another student with trouble coping.

• Jan DeMaggio, Albuquerque, is being honored for her work as Director of Special Spaces, a non-profit organization that creates dream bedrooms for children with life-threatening illnesses. DeMaggio founded the Albuquerque chapter of this nationwide group in 2011 and is motivated by the moment a child walks into their new bedroom and forgets that they are sick.

• Chuck Howe, Angel Fire, is being recognized for his work as a veterans advocate and in aiding veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. A veteran himself, Howe is the force behind the creation of the National Veteran’s Wellness and Healing Center in Angel Fire and serves on the board of the David Westphall Veterans Foundation.

• Jim Stogsdill, Albuquerque, is being honored for the work he and his group, Guardians of the Children – Rio Grande Chapter, do as advocates and protectors of children put in abusive situations. Stogsdill is a Marine Corps veteran and avid motorcycle enthusiast who uses his biker image to provide strength and stability for families in crisis.

Along with being honored by the Governor and Cabinet Secretary Monique Jacobson, a tribute video of the New Mexico True Heroes will be shown and they will receive recognition and a gift bag from the Gildan New Mexico Bowl, which includes VIP tickets to the team luncheon and bowl game, overnight accommodations in Albuquerque, and a $500 Visa gift card from Advanced Presentation Systems.

Today’s event at 2 p.m. the New Mexico Veteran’s Memorial and Museum, 1100 Louisiana Blvd SE in Albuquerque is open to the public.