The New Mexico Business Coalition and Rebound New Mexico will host a heroes banquet at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Albuquerque on Nov. 2. Carla Sonntag, president of the New Mexico Business Coalition, believes that this event will allow her fellow New Mexicans to honor heroes such as veterans and first responders.
"This is a great opportunity for New Mexicans to learn about our local heroes who have risked their lives for our freedom and safety," Sonntag said. "Some of these Heroes gave a lot – and some of them gave it all, losing their lives while protecting the rest of us."
At this event, a Veteran of the Year and a Fallen Hero will be honored. The Fallen Hero, who will be honored, is Anthony Ferguson of the Alamogordo Police Department, according to a press release. Other community, business, and youth leaders will be recognized and honored throughout the night as well.
The keynote speaker of the event will be Attorney Jeremy Gay, who has practiced law as a Judge Advocate in the United States Marine Corps. Gay has also advised hundreds of service members, veterans, and their families on how to navigate family law issues, estate planning, and legal readiness.
The two Masters of Ceremonies for the event will be Jim Williams and Nancy Laflin. Williams, a co-host of last year's event, hosts a popular radio show on ABQconnect. He was born and raised in Albuquerque and is currently the development director at SICORP. Laflin, an Emmy award-winning former news reporter for KOAT-7 news, hosted the event in 2019 and is currently the Communications Specialist and Spokeswoman for the Second Judicial District Attorney’s Office.
Proceeds from the event will go to scholarships for the children of fallen first responders and a 100 Club donation, a charity that provides immediate funds for fallen hero families. The banquet will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Nov. 2, with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. Seating is limited, and it is encouraged that attendees register beforehand.