VFW Post 5890

☢️ IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR NEW MEXICO RESIDENTS & FAMILIES — RECA CLAIMS

Please share this information with your family, friends, Veterans, and community members. Many New Mexicans may now qualify for compensation under the expanded Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA).

🇺🇸 NEW MEXICO DOWNWINDERS

Under the expanded RECA program, an individual may qualify as a Downwinder if they:

📍 Were physically present anywhere in the State of New Mexico for at least 1 year between September 24, 1944 and November 6, 1962;

OR

📍 Were present in an affected area for the entire period from June 30, 1962 through July 31, 1962;

AND

🩺 Were later diagnosed with one of the diseases covered by RECA.

Covered diseases include certain forms of:

• Leukemia
• Multiple myeloma
• Lymphoma
• Thyroid cancer
• Breast cancer
• Esophageal cancer
• Stomach cancer
• Pharyngeal cancer
• Small intestine cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Bile duct cancer
• Gallbladder cancer
• Salivary gland cancer
• Urinary bladder cancer
• Brain cancer
• Colon cancer
• Ovarian cancer
• Liver cancer, subject to certain exclusions
• Lung cancer

💰 COMPENSATION

Qualifying Downwinders may receive a one-time lump-sum payment of $100,000.

If the qualifying individual has passed away, eligible survivors may be able to file a claim for the payment.

📄 WHAT SHOULD YOU GATHER?

You may need documentation such as:

✅ Proof that you lived in New Mexico during the qualifying period
✅ Medical records showing a qualifying diagnosis
✅ Identification documents
✅ Other supporting documentation requested by the Department of Justice

⏰ CLAIM DEADLINE: DECEMBER 31, 2027

Do not assume that you or a family member does not qualify. Review the official eligibility requirements and documentation instructions provided by the U.S. Department of Justice.

💻 APPLY / GET STARTED ONLINE:

U.S. Department of Justice
Radiation Exposure Compensation Program (RECA)

👇 Use the official DOJ RECA Claim Portal:
https://reca.justice.gov/ClaimsPortal/s/Getting-Started?language=en_US

For complete eligibility information:
https://www.justice.gov/civil/reca

⚠️ PLEASE SHARE!

New Mexico played a unique role in our nation's nuclear history, and families throughout our state may be affected by this expanded program.

Even if this information doesn't apply to you personally, sharing it could help a New Mexico family that has been waiting decades for this opportunity.

🇺🇸 Please help us get the word out.The key points above—including statewide New Mexico eligibility, the covered cancers, the $100,000 Downwinder payment, survivor eligibility, and the December 31, 2027 deadline—come directly from DOJ's current RECA guidance.

[Official DOJ RECA Claim Portal](https://reca.justice.gov/ClaimsPortal/s/Getting-Started?language=en_US&utm_source=chatgpt.com)
[DOJ RECA Eligibility & Program Information](https://www.justice.gov/civil/reca?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

I can also make you a VFW Department of New Mexico RECA flyer/graphic with “New Mexicans May Qualify for $100,000” as the headline and a QR code going directly to the DOJ claim portal.

Comrades: The monthly breakfast scheduled for tomorrow, 9/5/26, has been canceled. We will see you all next month.

Thank you to all who supported the Eagle Project and Summit Project this weekend at Post 5890!

The parking lot has a fresh coat of paint with new railroad ties and a permanent flag retirement pit was installed.

Special thanks to Comrade Paul for assistance with the digging and Comrade Kevin for his awesome job with the block laying for the pit!!

Thank you Scouts from Troop 24 and Crew 16 for making these great improvements at our Post!!

🇺🇸 VFW POST 5890 COMRADE MEETINGS 🇺🇸

House Committee Meeting
Wednesday at 5:30 PM

Officer Meeting
Wednesday at 6:00 PM

General Membership Meeting
Saturday at 10:00 AM

All Post 5890 comrades are encouraged to attend, stay informed, and help shape the future of our Post.

Mark your calendars and join us next Saturday, August 1st for our monthly Breakfast!!!

Congratulations to Comrade J. Haddox for his prestigious examples of leadership.

👑🇺🇸 Congratulations to Our Triple Crown Recipients! 🇺🇸👑

The Department of New Mexico proudly recognizes two outstanding Comrades who have achieved one of the highest honors a VFW Post leader can earn—the prestigious Triple Crown for the 2025–2026 program year.

🏆 James R. Haddox – VFW Post 5890

🏆 Mark A. Decker – VFW Post 9517

Earning the Triple Crown is a testament to exceptional leadership, unwavering dedication, and a steadfast commitment to serving veterans and their communities. This achievement represents excellence through outstanding performance and exemplifies the very best of what the Veterans of Foreign Wars stands for.

Your hard work, commitment, and service have set the standard for others to follow. Thank you for your leadership and for continuing to prove that No One Does More for Veterans.
Please join us in congratulating Comrades James R. Haddox and Mark A. Decker on this remarkable accomplishment! 🇺🇸👏

Congratulations to Commander Robert Keith and Quartermaster Robert Forsythe on their accomplishments for 2025-2026 VFW Year.

🇺🇸 Congratulations to Our New Mexico VFW All-American Posts! 🇺🇸

The Department of New Mexico is proud to recognize the outstanding Posts that earned the prestigious VFW All-American designation for the 2025–2026 program year.

This honor reflects exceptional dedication to membership growth, community service, veteran advocacy, youth programs, and living the VFW mission every day.

🏅 2025–2026 New Mexico VFW All-American Posts:
• Post 401
• Post 614
• Post 1389
• Post 2387
• Post 3370
• Post 4384
• Post 5432
• Post 5610
• Post 5890
• Post 6917
• Post 7686
• Post 9515
• Post 9517
• Post 9676
• Post 11999
• Post 12212

Congratulations to every Commander, officer, Auxiliary member, and Comrade whose hard work made this achievement possible. Your commitment to serving veterans, their families, and your communities truly embodies the VFW motto: "No One Does More for Veterans."

Thank you for setting the standard of excellence. We look forward to another successful year of serving those who have served.

🇺🇸

🇺🇸 The VFW Post 5890 4th of July Open House is in full swing! 🇺🇸

Come celebrate America's birthday with us! The grill is hot, the fellowship is great, and we'd love to see you.

🌭 Burgers & Hot Dogs served beginning at 3:00 PM (while supplies last)

📍 VFW Post 5890 76 Unser Blvd. SE Rio Rancho, NM 87124

Bring your family, bring a friend, and enjoy an afternoon of patriotism, camaraderie, and community. Whether you're a Veteran, family member, or neighbor, everyone is welcome!
Happy Independence Day, and thank you to everyone who has come out to support our Post and our Veterans! 🇺🇸🎆

🇺🇸 Please join us in welcoming Marine Master Sergeant Al Lucero to the family at VFW Post 5890!

We are honored to have you as part of our Post. Thank you for your dedicated service to our nation and for continuing to serve veterans through the VFW.

We look forward to your experience, camaraderie, and involvement as we continue our mission of supporting veterans, serving our community, and strengthening our Post.
Welcome aboard, Comrade Al Lucero! Semper Fidelis! 🇺🇸🦅