The New Mexico Business Coalition, in collaboration with Rebound New Mexico, recently hosted their 2023 Heroes Banquet at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. New Mexicans from all over the state came together to honor the first responders, veterans, and other advocates of the community.
In one of the event's highlights, the New Mexico Business Coalition paid tribute to fallen first responder Officer Anthony Ferguson. "The Ferguson family joined the banquet, honoring Anthony’s life and service", with Aaron Jones, CEO of International Protective Service presenting a memorial award to the family.
The coalition also offered a token of appreciation to all military and public safety personnel attending the event. "All active duty military, veterans, and public safety heroes in attendance at the banquet were given a commemorative American star," according to The New Mexico Business Coalition.
The gala saw Nancy Laflin, a former KOAT-7 news anchor and Jim Williams of ABQ Connect radio show acting as co-masters of ceremony for the night. Keynote speaker Jeremy Gay, a former Judge Advocate for the U.S. Marines said that he “reminded the audience that anyone can be a hero, what it takes to be a hero, and the fact that it's these heroes who shield the rest of us from the evil that's in the world.”
Awards were handed out during 2023 Heroes Banquet: Ken O'Keefe was named Veteran of Year; Sgt. Francisco Hernandez, Officer Alex Castellano and Retired Officer Kent Parsons received Public Safety Heroes award; Sgt. Rachel Discenza-Smith and Officer Ben Jemmett won Public Safety Heroes award; Community Advocate Heroes award went to Sarah Smith from New Mexico Freedoms Alliance and Juan Garcia from Coalition of Conservatives in Action; finally Jeremy Gay from Advocate Law Center P.A., was recognized as Business Hero.
In addition to celebrating heroes in our community, The New Mexico Business Coalition gave back through donations during this event. "A donation was made to the 100 Club, which can help families receive financial assistance following the loss of a loved one", as reported by The New Mexico Business Coalition.