Bill Sharer, a New Mexico District 1 Senator, has called for State Treasurer Laura Montoya to issue a public apology for remarks she made about Senator Jay Block. Montoya allegedly claimed that Block does not care about veterans. This statement was released in a press release on January 28.
"As a fellow veteran, I am disappointed by the State Treasurer's classless comment about someone who selflessly served our country," said Sharer, District 1 NM State Senator, according to Facebook. "Our veterans answered the call to defend American freedom, even at the cost of their lives and personal safety. Senator Block and I, together with veterans across New Mexico, are disheartened by Ms. Montoya's statement, and we call on the State Treasurer to issue a public apology for her offensive comments."
According to the Pinon Post, during the New Mexico Counties Association’s Treasurers’ Affiliate meeting, Montoya reportedly said that "all veterans ‘except Jay Block’ care about veterans’ issues." In response, Senator Block, who is a retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel and combat veteran, highlighted his efforts to support veterans in Sandoval County. He said, "I’m amazed she wasn’t paying attention when I fought for a veteran services officer to meet veterans at the Sandoval County facility."
Block's website details his military service history. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1989 and served as a nuclear weapons officer for over two decades. During his service, he was entrusted with the nation's nuclear codes and selected to test-launch a Minuteman III Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) in 2001. Block also volunteered for a combat tour in Afghanistan and commanded twice on foreign soil before retiring as a lieutenant colonel in 2016.
Sharer has represented New Mexico's District 1 in the State Senate since 2001. Born on September 22, 1959, in Albuquerque and raised in Farmington, he earned an Associate of Arts degree from the New Mexico Military Institute and a Bachelor of Arts degree from New Mexico State University. Sharer served as an infantry officer in the U.S. Army from 1981 to 1992 and graduated from both the U.S. Army Airborne and Ranger Schools. In his civilian life, he owns the Credit Bureau of Farmington and participates actively in community organizations such as the Knights of Columbus and the Rotary Club.
