Pass for Active Military Personnel

News Release Date: May 20, 2012

Contact: Jason Lott, 505-672-3861 x502

Active Duty U.S. Military Offered Free Entrance to All National Parks
Thank-You to America's Armed Forces

The National Park Service announced that on May 19, Armed Forces Day, they will begin issuing an annual pass offering free entrance to all 397 National Park Service areas for active duty military members and their dependents. This military version of the America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass also permits free entrance to sites managed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the Bureau of Reclamation, and the U.S. Forest Service. The pass is available at these locations as well.

"We all owe a debt to those who sacrifice so much for our country," said Bandelier National Monument Superintendent Jason Lott. "We are proud to recognize these brave men and women and hope that a visit to park areas will offer an opportunity to relax, have fun with their families, and enjoy a special part of the heritage they work to protect."

Active duty members of the U.S. Military and their dependents can pick up the pass at federal parks nationwide. To obtain it they must show a current, valid military identification card. More information is available at www.nps.gov/findapark/passes.htm. In addition, Bandelier National Monument, Pecos National Historic Park, Fort Union National Monument, and Capulin Volcano National Monument are sponsoring an event in Santa Fe on June 3 at the New Mexico National Guard Troop Command Building in the Oñate Complex. Rangers will be available from 11-3 to issue passes at that location. Access Passes, offered free to any U.S. resident with a permanent disability, will also be available.

According to Lott, "There are more than a dozen National Park Service areas in this state, and we hope New Mexicans will get out and explore them all." Bandelier, located about 45 miles north and west of Santa Fe, has archeological sites, hiking trails, special events throughout the summer, and a Visitor Center, campground, bookstore, gift shop, and snack bar. Beginning June 1, there will be free buses run by Atomic City Transit to shuttle visitors from White Rock to the park.

More information about Bandelier National Monument and upcoming events is available by visiting the park website at www.nps.gov/band or the Facebook page at BandelierNPS, or calling the visitor center at 505-672-3861 x517.