Today, Governor Susana Martinez acknowledged the selfless acts of four New Mexicans who have gone above and beyond in making their communities a better place to live, work, and raise a family. These four New Mexico True Heroes, credited for their bravery, dedication, kindness, and compassion, are the inaugural group of citizens receiving recognition from the State of New Mexico and the Gildan New Mexico Bowl.
“The quality we seek in a hero, first and foremost, is courage,” said Governor Martinez. “From convincing a student to drop his gun, to standing by a veteran suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, these four individuals have demonstrated that they have the courage to stand up and do what is necessary to be good friends, neighbors, and citizens.”
Recognized today were: John Masterson of Roswell for his bravery in stopping a school shooting at Berrendo Middle School, Jan DeMaggio of Albuquerque for her creation of dream bedrooms for children with life-threatening illnesses, Chuck Howe of Angel Fire for his work in aiding veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Jim Stogsdill of Albuquerque for the advocacy and protection he and his group provide for children in abusive or intimidating situations.
“In New Mexico we have a lot to be proud of; our culture, our landscape, and most importantly, our people,” Governor Martinez continued. “I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the four of you for lending your time and talents in making our communities safer, healthier, and more enjoyable.”
John Masterson of Roswell is being honored for his bravery in stopping 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. “The difference John has made is giving the people of Roswell the comfort of knowing that their teachers are willing and able to provide safety for their children, whenever the need may arise,” said Masterson’s sister, Deb Stephens.
Jan DeMaggio of 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. “The children that we work with through Special Spaces live a life of fear, trauma, and needles outside,” said DeMaggio. “Everything we do is about making them smile, and when they walk in to their new bedroom they forget, for a moment, that they’re 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. When asked what is the most impactful thing about working with veterans suffering from PTSD, Howe said, “Watching veterans heal. We don’t use the word ‘cure;’ we use the word ‘heal.’”
Jim Stogsdill of 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 that uses his biker image to provide strength and stability for families in crisis. When asked about his dedication to protecting children that are suffering from abuse, Stogsdill explained that there is heartache but they do what’s necessary. “Somebody has to stand up for the children.”
The New Mexico True Heroes program was developed by the New Mexico Tourism Department in partnership with the Gildan New Mexico Bowl. Nominations were submitted from friends, family members, students, and co-workers answering the questions “what makes the person you’re nominating a New Mexico True Hero” and “what have this person’s actions done to make their community a better place?”
“We see some of the best of what New Mexico has to offer in telling the world about our beautiful state,” said Cabinet Secretary of Tourism Monique Jacobson, “but there’s more to New Mexico than breathtaking scenery and unparalleled adventure. New Mexico has heart, and we’re so excited to tell that story through these four New Mexico True Heroes.”
The New Mexico True Heroes will also be recognized during the festivities for the Gildan New Mexico Bowl, December 20th, following the 2014 NCAA football season.
“The Gildan New Mexico Bowl is very excited to be associated with the New Mexico True Heroes program,” said Jeff Siembieda, executive director of the Gildan New Mexico Bowl. “There are truly magnificent people with amazing stories in the Land of Enchantment. We look forward to honoring and recognizing more of New Mexico’s extraordinary residents each year during our state’s premier annual sporting event.”