Purple Heart vets upset by campaign ad

RIO RANCHO, N.M. (KRQE) - Sitting in a quiet corner of Rio Rancho's Veterans Park sits a monument, a tribute to Purple Heart recipients, dedicated in August.

Each name honored there has a story of sacrifice tied to it.

"This is a sacred place," said Marty Cantu, commander of Bataan Chapter 176, a local branch of the Military Order of the Purple Heart. "People come here to sit and look at the name on the wall of their loved ones."

Cantu says the monument should not be used for political or commercial purposes which is why he and his group are now upset with Democratic State Senate candidate Linda Allison.

A campaign mailer for Allison featured a picture of the candidate chatting with a veteran in front of the monument.

Cantu says the group's objection has nothing to do with Allison's politics.

"To me I feel it's being used for [political] reasons and that's not what this monument is for," Cantu said. "They're not respecting the sentimental reasons for this monument and to me I don't think that's right."

"For her to use that, this monument right here for her own benefit, it doesn't sit with us at all," said Thom Towell, a Marine who earned his Purple Heart in Vietnam.

But Allison, the mother of a combat veteran, says she was trying to show her support.

"Politicians should do more for their veterans and that's what I stand for," Allison said. "If a mother of a combat veteran can't take a picture in front of this memorial, which is a public place, who can."

Retired Brigadier General George Franzen doesn't have a problem with the mailer.

"Her statement is for the veterans so I think it's appropriate," Franzen said.

KRQE News 13 sent a copy of the ad to the National Group for the Military Order of the Purple Heart. A spokesman said in a phone interview the group had no problem with ad.

Allison is facing Republican Craig Brandt in a race to represent State Senate District 40, which covers a good portion of Rio Rancho and Sandoval County.