Women Veterans of New Mexico Serving She Who Served April 1 2025

In a recent broadcast of “Thank You for Your Service” on KSWV Suave Radio, host Ken Dettelbach welcomed a distinguished guest whose life and leadership continue to uplift New Mexico’s veteran community. Elizabeth “Liz” Bryant, President of the Women Veterans of New Mexico, joined the program to share her powerful story of service, family, and the vital mission of her organization.

A proud native of Santa Fe and Pecos, Bryant’s journey is deeply rooted in New Mexico’s history. Born to George and Tessie Lewis, Liz grew up in Pecos, where her father owned the local business Casanova, now known as Frankie’s Casanova. After attending Pecos Elementary and St. Michael’s High School, she embarked on a military career that would span over three decades.

Motivated by a desire to serve from a young age, Bryant attended New Mexico Military Institute in Roswell and joined the New Mexico National Guard. Over the course of 34 years, she rose through the ranks to become the first female Brigade Command Sergeant Major in the state’s National Guard—a groundbreaking achievement in a traditionally male-dominated field. She credits the late General Edward Baca for mentoring her early in her career and guiding her path forward.

Bryant’s dedication to service extends beyond her own career. She and her husband, Richard Bryant, raised four children, two of whom are veterans themselves. Their youngest son, James, served with the 101st Airborne Division in Afghanistan, where he was severely injured by an IED explosion, resulting in the loss of both legs. Despite the trauma, James has defied expectations and lives independently in an ADA-compliant home in New Braunfels, Texas, built by Homes for Our Troops.

The Women Veterans of New Mexico, now under Bryant’s leadership, was founded in 2006 as a nonprofit organization committed to supporting and advocating for the 17,000 women veterans living in New Mexico. Currently, the organization has 360 members and is actively working to expand its reach and connect with as many women veterans as possible.

“We serve as an educational and supportive resource for women veterans who have been separated from the military under honorable or general conditions,” Bryant explained. “Our membership includes women from every branch of service, reflecting the rich diversity of our military community.”

The organization provides tangible assistance to women veterans who may not qualify for help from traditional agencies such as the VA. From mortgage and car payments to food, employment support, and temporary housing, Women Veterans of New Mexico steps in to fill the gaps.

“We’ve helped women who were living in their vehicles, struggling to find their footing after service,” Bryant said. “Our mission is to help them rebuild their lives.”

Beyond direct support, the organization also works to celebrate and preserve the history of women veterans in the state. During the broadcast, Dettelbach referenced the “Proudly We Serve” exhibit, which honors New Mexico’s women veterans and is now housed at the Bataan Memorial Building in Santa Fe.

Bryant shared that the organization will soon honor Dorothy Jensen Blanchard, a trailblazer who served as a WAVES member during World War II. Blanchard, who passed away at age 101, was instrumental in bringing Kirtland Air Force Base to Albuquerque and worked at the Pentagon and in naval intelligence during the war. A proposal is underway to rename or dedicate part of Albuquerque’s High Desert Park in her honor.

The conversation concluded with an invitation to the public to learn more about the organization, donate, or become a member. Women Veterans of New Mexico does not charge dues and operates solely on donations and community support. More information can be found at womenveteransofnewmexico.org.

“Our mantra is simple—one team, one fight,” Bryant said. “We are committed to uplifting our women veterans and ensuring they know they are not alone.”