The Marine Corps Heritage Foundation Spotlights New Mexico During Nationwide Marines Across America Program

MCHF marks the achievement of New Mexico Marines as part of the Marine Corps' 250th Anniversary Celebration

TRIANGLE, Va. (August 26, 2025) – The Marine Corps Heritage Foundation today celebrates New Mexico Marines as part of the organization's year-long Marines Across America program to mark the Marine Corps' 250th Anniversary. The program highlights Marines who embody the values of honor, courage, and commitment within their communities and showcases the contributions Marines make in their local communities or nationally following their active-duty service. 

From the Navajo Code Talkers of World War II to Marines advocating for veterans' rights, overcoming battlefield injuries, and ensuring strong local communities, New Mexico's Marines carry their courage and commitment far beyond the battlefield.

"Marines have always made their mark on the battlefield, but it's important to remember they've also made their mark in their hometowns and communities," said retired Marine Major General James Lukeman, president and CEO of MCHF. "As we celebrate 250 years of the Marine Corps, we honor the significant contributions that Marines from New Mexico have made to our nation. It's an opportunity for all residents of New Mexico to commemorate this historic milestone and show their appreciation for all Marines who stand ready to protect our nation and continue to put Marine values to work in their communities and professional lives."

Notable Marines with New Mexico ties include:

Cynthia Archuleta Albuquerque, New Mexico: Having dedicated more than 20 years to the United States Marine Corps, retiring as a gunnery sergeant in 2008, Cynthia Archuleta moved into a second career as a respected advocate for veterans. Twice elected commander of VFW Post 5890 in Rio Rancho and later serving as a service officer for the New Mexico Department of the VFW, she helped secure nearly $11 million in benefits for disabled veterans in 2018, earning national recognition as the VFW Accredited Service Representative of the Year. Today, as a Regional Quality Assurance Specialist for the VFW's National Veterans Service in Arizona, she continues to mentor, advocate, and uphold the Marine Corps ethos of service before self.      

Sgt. Dustin Francisco, Mariano Lake, New Mexico: A proud Navajo and Purple Heart recipient, Sgt. Dustin Francisco followed in the footsteps of both his grandfather, a Marine and World War II Purple Heart recipient, and cousin, one of the heroic Navajo Code Talkers. Over eight years and five tours, including a 2011 deployment to Afghanistan where he was seriously injured by a grenade blast, he showed extraordinary dedication to the Corps and to his country. Since returning home, Francisco has become a powerful advocate for veterans in New Mexico, raising awareness of PTSD and helping connect Navajo veterans with vital resources. Now living in Albuquerque with his wife and their five children, Francisco continues to strengthen his veteran community through mentorship, outreach, and service.      

Gene Hackman, Sante Fe, New Mexico: Two-time Academy Award-winning actor Gene Hackman was celebrated for his iconic roles in "The French Connection," "Unforgiven," and "Hoosiers." Long before his famous career and eager to serve, Hackman enlisted in the Marines at just 16, posing as an older candidate. He was deployed as a radio operator and disc jockey in China, Japan, and Hawaii, experiences that shaped his discipline, adaptability, and voice work. Though he often joked that he "was not a good Marine," Hackman credited the Corps with instilling the resilience that fueled his decades-long acting career. Even after Hollywood success he stayed connected to the veteran community, lending his voice to Marine Corps documentaries and projects that honored service members. In retirement, he and his wife ran a home furnishings store in Santa Fe that supported living wages for global artisans through its sourcing choices.      

Cecilia Mavrommatis, Santa Fe, New Mexico: After serving four years in the U.S. Marine Corps as a utilities specialist, deploying both domestically and overseas, Cecilia Mavrommatis built a career dedicated to strengthening government through fiscal stewardship. She managed financial responsibilities for U.S. military commands across the Indo-Pacific with the Department of Defense before bringing her expertise to the New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration in 2022 as a principal policy and budget analyst. Today, she leads the DFA's Local Government Division where she oversees budgets, grants, and has financial oversight for municipalities statewide, ensuring communities have the resources to provide vital services. Guided by the principle that sound financial management is the foundation of thriving communities, Mavrommatis continues her commitment to public service with the same discipline and dedication that defined her time in uniform.      

Chester Nez, Chi Chil Tah, New Mexico: The last surviving member of the original 29 Navajo Code Talkers, Chester Nez helped create the unbreakable code that safeguarded U.S. military communications and proved decisive in World War II. Raised in a time when speaking Navajo was forbidden in boarding schools, Nez turned his native tongue into a tool that protected countless American lives. After the war, he dedicated himself to sharing the story of the code talkers, speaking at schools, community events, and veterans' gatherings across New Mexico and beyond. His outreach educated future generations about Navajo heritage, inspired Native American youth to embrace their identity, and preserved an important chapter of American and Navajo history. Honored with the American Veterans Center's Audie Murphy Award, Nez's life reflected an enduring commitment to service, both on the battlefield and in his community.

"The list of notable Marines from New Mexico is impressive and showcases how they used the values and skills they learned in the Marine Corps to become leaders in their communities," said MajGen Lukeman. "Today marks a special opportunity to recognize these extraordinary men and women for their service to our nation as well as their communities."

The Marines Across America program continues throughout 2025, leading to the official 250th birthday of the Marine Corps on November 10, which will be marked nationwide with official cake-cutting ceremonies at all 50 state capitals.

Members of the public are encouraged to join the anniversary celebration and Marines Across America by sharing stories of Marines they know, both active and retired, who make a difference in their communities and in their professional lives. Submissions may be made through the Marine250.com website or via social media using the hashtag #MarinesAcrossAmerica.