VVF Statement on Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland’s visit to Castner Range

Washington, D.C. — Today, Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland visited El Paso’s Castner Range. In reaction to the visit, Vet Voice Foundation CEO, Janessa Goldbeck, released the following statement:

Creating permanent protections for places like Castner Range is a patriotic undertaking — veterans and military family members understand this. That’s why a group of retired general and flag officers recently sent a letter to President Biden, Secretary Austin, Secretary Haaland, and Chair Mallory outlining their support for a national monument designation for Castner Range.

As the daughter of two veterans, Secretary Haaland understands the connection that veterans and military families have to our public lands. We applaud her visit to Castner Range today and her unwavering commitment to our nation’s natural treasures. 

It’s encouraging to see such a diverse group of public lands advocates, including local El Paso-based military veterans, come together and work to protect former military training sites like Castner Range.

We look forward to continuing to work with the Biden administration and Congresswoman Veronica Escobar to see Castner Range designated as America’s next national monument – ensuring it’s safeguarded and permanently protected for generations to come. 

Vet Voice Foundation has also recently launched an online ad campaign in support of a national monument designation for Castner Range. The ads can be viewed here and here.

You can also use photos and b-roll video of Castner Range found here.