Chris TeranSANTA CLARA, NM – The New Mexico Department of Veterans Services (DVS) has hired Chris Teran as its Veterans Service Officer for the agency's Santa Clara/Grant County field office.

Mr. Teran's primary responsibility will be assisting veterans, their eligible dependents, or their widows with filing for their VA or state veterans' benefits. He will also continue doing outreach to veterans in Deming, Lordsburg, Quemado, and Reserve.

Born and raised in Bayard, Mr. Teran comes to DVS from working as a Code Enforcement Officer for the town of Hurley. Prior to this, he worked at the Yucca Lodge Substance Abuse Program at Ft. Bayard Medical Center.
 
Mr. Teran served from 2001-2008 as a U.S. Army Combat Medic, having been stationed at White Sands Missile Range, Ft. Bragg, NC, Camp Mackall, NC, and at Ft. Knox, KY. In 2005, he was sent to New Orleans as part of the Army's disaster relief effort in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
 
The hiring of Mr. Teran to fill the DVS vacancy, according to DVS Secretary Jack Fox, comes after an intensive search which drew applications from several excellent candidates.
 
"We are excited to bring Chris aboard to fill our Santa Clara office vacancy," said Secretary Fox. "He has a passion for helping veterans and their families in his home area--and we couldn't be happier that he now brings this commitment to the DVS team."
 
The DVS Grant County/Santa Clara office is located at 11990 U.S. Hwy 180 East. As with all DVS field offices, "walk-ins" are welcome, but anyone needing assistance is encouraged to make an appointment by contacting Mr. Teran at chris.teran@state.nm.us or (575) 912-3166.