WASHINGTON, D. C. - Congressman Ben Ray Luján, D-N.M., the U.S. House Assistant Speaker spoke Sept. 27 on the passing of Ambassador Joe Wilson:

“It was with profound sadness that I heard of the passing of Ambassador Wilson, a friend and fellow New Mexican for whom I had deep respect. Amb. Wilson was a devoted patriot who put country and duty before politics and who had the courage to speak the truth in the face of extreme criticism. With his passing, our country lost a faithful public servant.

“Today, my thoughts and prayers are with Joe’s family and friends. He will be missed by all those who loved and respected him.”

ALBUQUERQUE/GALLUP - Dr. Christopher Estabillo Gonzaga, a primary care physician specializing in internal medicine and infectious diseases at Rehoboth McKinley Christian Health Care Services College Clinic in Gallup, is being recognized Oct. 5 at the 9th Annual Panama Heritage Award Celebration. The ceremony will be held from 2-4 pm at the South Broadway Cultural Center, 1024 Broadway Blvd. SE, Albuquerque.

Gonzaga is being honored for his support of the RMCHCS-Immediate Action Group program in which he and his wife RMCH Neurologist Dr. Flor Caballar-Gonzaga, along with Gallup volunteers, raise money to feed the homeless.

In addition to treating residents of McKinley County’s...

On Sept. 28 world renowned blues guitarist Carvin Jones will be performing at the historic El Morro Theatre. I had the pleasure of interviewing him by telephone during his tour of Lithuania. Carvin, a musician of whom Eric Clapton said, ”I think he is the next up-and-coming blues player” is also highly regarded by both B.B. King and Buddy Guy.  Jones has opened for the likes of Jeff Beck, Gary Moore, Carlos Santana, and John Mayall.  He enjoys a huge following in Europe as well as the U. S.

Rhonda Quintana: How did you get started in the business?

Carvin Jones: How did I get started in the business (giggles) I was a little boy and my grandfather would play B.B. King records 24...

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. - Aurelius “Aury” Yazzie ran the Code Talker 29K Sept. 8 and came in first place for the 14-and-under age division.

Yazzie is the brand ambassador for Navajo Arts and Crafts Enterprise.

He came in 37th overall in a field of 56 runners with a time of 4:25:35 and an average pace of 14:44. Twenty-nine kilometers is equal to a distance of about 18.02 miles.

The 12-year-old runner is a protégé of Tom Riggenbach, executive director of Navajo Youth Empowerment Services.

NACE CEO Elijah Muskett said, “We made the choice to have Aury as our brand ambassador because he is a great role model for kids and adults. Congratulations on your strong finish while...