NM veterans’ services secretary stepping down

New Mexico Department of Veterans’ Services Secretary Timothy Hale is stepping down.

Gov. Susana Martinez made the announcement Tuesday during a packed Veterans Day ceremony in Albuquerque. She says Hale is leaving his post to spend more time with family and to take a job as a pilot with a local company.

Martinez called Hale an amazing secretary, saying he has helped to make things easier for those being deployed as well as those returning from duty around the globe.

Taking Hale’s place is retired Brig. Gen. Jack Fox. He’s an Army veteran and has served in the New Mexico National Guard.

Hundreds of people turned out for Tuesday’s ceremony, including Purple Heart recipients, Navajo Code Talkers, officials from Kirtland Air Force Base and Medal of Honor recipient Hiroshi Miyamura.