White House Press Release - Background on Tuesday's Event in New Mexico

On Tuesday, the President will meet with the Cavalier family in Albuquerque, New Mexico at their home before hosting a backyard discussion with neighbors and families from the area. Throughout the summer, President Obama has met with families to listen to their concerns and to discuss specific ways to jumpstart job creation and strengthen the middle class. He met with residents of Fairfax, Virginia, earlier this month and families in Columbus, Ohio, in August. After Albuquerque, the President will travel to Des Moines, Iowa, and Richmond, Virginia, for more conversations with middle-class families.

BACKGROUND ON THE CAVALIERS

Andy Cavalier is an Albuquerque native and retired Marine Corps staff sergeant. He is a disabled veteran and is active with the local veteran community. Etta Cavalier is a native of California's Central Valley and has served 36 years as a public school educator. Etta is currently a counselor at Los Lunas High School. Together, Andy and Etta have six children and eight grandchildren. They married at their residence in 2007.

ELECTED OFFICIALS EXPECTED TO ATTEND

Governor Bill Richardson
Representative Martin Heinrich, D-NM
Lt. Governor Diane Denish