Political Quotes

“I rise today to remember a great New Mexican and a great American, Dr. Miguel Encinias, who passed away on Saturday, February 20, at the age of 92. New Mexico has a long and proud tradition of military service. Dr. Encinias is often called ``New Mexico's most decorated veteran.'' He fought in three wars and was the recipient of 3 Distinguished Flying Crosses, 14 Air Medals, and 2 Purple Hearts. His military career is one of courage and sacrifice. He later played an important role in the creation of the World War II Memorial here in Washington, DC. If the measure of a life is living to the utmost of one's talents and giving the utmost of one's self, Miguel Encinias is an inspiration to all of us. I think that is why he will long be remembered with such admiration and gratitude. His service began at the young age of 16 when he joined the New Mexico National Guard in 1939. Within 4 years, he had become a second lieutenant and a pilot in the Army Air Corps. Over the next three decades he fought with distinction in three wars: World War II, the Korean war, and Vietnam. As his friend and mine, Ralph Arellanes, who is chairman of the Hispano Roundtable of New Mexico, said of Miguel: Miguel flew 245 combat missions as a fighter pilot. Few American aviators in history have flown combat missions in three wars. Miguel was one of them. He was shot down over Italy in 1944 and served over 15 months in a Nazi prison camp.…”