Vanessa Flores
White Sands Missile Range Public Affairs

Photos Courtesy of El Defensor Chieftain

​Brig. Gen. Little speaking at the Veterans Day Observance in Socorro, New Mexico on Nov. 11, 2021. He reminded everyone that the service and sacrifice of our Veterans must never be forgotten. Photo Courtesy of El Defensor Chieftain.

'Tell your story' WSMR Commander emphasizes at Socorro Veterans Day Observance 

SOCORRO, N.M. (Nov. 19, 2021) – Brig. Gen. Eric D. Little, the White Sands Missile Range Commander, spent his Veterans Day in Socorro, New Mexico. Every year on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month is the time the annual Socorro Veterans Day Observance begins. It is a nod to the time and date when the armistice was signed between allies during World War I.

Although the main White Sands Missile Range cantonment neighbors Las Cruces, the most northwestern part of the range is in close proximity to the city of Socorro. Little was the keynote speaker at the city’s observance this year. Other speakers included Lt. Gov. Howie Morales, NM State Rep. Gail Armstrong and Socorro Mayor Ravi Bhasker, amongst others. 

“As I present my remarks today, I have a request for all of our Veterans who are listening. That request is to tell your story,” said Little. “Your story is what connects all Veterans, it is what inspires future generations to serve, it allows your community - our community to hear and understand the importance of service and sacrifice.”

As a young officer in the Army, listening to the World War II Veterans’ stories about the sacrifices they made to protect our nation reinforced his respect for the “greatest generation” and for those who serve. He shared with the audience that when he was a young boy, he was impacted by his older brother and aunt serving in the military. Little is also the proud father of a young U.S. Army Officer, as the tradition of defending our country continues in his family.

White Sands Missile Range welcomed incoming Command Sgt. Maj. José Meléndez, to the installation back in late October of this year and he accompanied the Commanding General to Socorro.

“Everyone was very welcoming and fantastic in Socorro. It was uplifting to see the support and respect that they have for the Veteran community,” said Melendez. “I really enjoyed seeing the Civil Air Patrol. The young members did an outstanding job doing their part to make the observance special, like presenting the colors.”

As a part of their visit to Socorro, Little and Melendez made it a point to spend time with the community and their leadership. City Council Member Peter Romero and Mayor Ravi Bhasker both spent time sharing about the history and inner workings of the city with their White Sands Missile Range guests.

“As Mayor of Socorro for thirty years, it was one of my highlights to have Brig. Gen. Little participate in our most important ceremony of the year, Veterans Day,” said Bhasker.

Little and Melendez also visited New Mexico Tech University to learn more about the educational programs they are offering to the community of Socorro. Specifically, they visited the Energetic Materials Research and Testing Center, where they conduct explosive research and testing.