Dear President Obama,
Greetings from New Mexico, better know as "The Land of Enchantment." My name is Ernesto Lovato. I am a ninety-year resident and native of Albuquerque. I served in the Army Air Corps "Bloody 100th" during WWII and included a couple photos for you. While stationed over-seas I painted many B-17 noses, including "Shilaylee" for which I was a mechanic. One of the planes I painted, "Reluctant Dragon," is now in a National Museum in the Czech Republic.
My wonderful wife of 71 years, Crucita, and I have four children that are now grown with families of their own. Our first born is a Catholic Nun, our second a psychology professor at the University of British Columbia, our third a teacher and musician for the New Mexico Philharmonic, and our youngest a Master Sergeant in the Air National Guard for which he has served twice in Iraq.
For quite some time I have been meaning to send you this letter of sincere thanks for taking the time to visit the Southwest. We understand that you had a meal from the famous "Barelas Coffee Shop" where my wife and I used to often dine in our younger days. Ah, the red chili menudo, que saboroso! "Obamanos!"
We hope you consider returning to New Mexico in the near future and thank you again for your continued devoted service to our country.
Sinceramente,
Ernesto y Crucita Lovato
