Did You Know

Did you know Allen most recently served in Iraq? In 2003-04, he was recalled from the Retired List to serve in Iraq and given a key leadership role with the creation and organization of the new Iraqi Army. Allen returned to Iraq in 2008 as a guest of the Iraqi Armed Forces and was updated on the progress they have made since this effort began in 2003.

Did you know Allen is a highly decorated Marine Corps combat veteran? He is the recipient of the Silver Star, the Bronze Star with “V,” three Purple Hearts and five Air Medals. In addition to these combat awards, he has also received the Legion of Merit and two Meritorious Service Medals.

Did you know Allen was directly involved in overseeing the operations of 85,000 Marines, Sailors and civilians as Chief of Staff of Marine Forces Pacific? In 1997, Allen was asked to serve as Chief of Staff of Marine Forces Pacific, the largest operational command in the U.S. Marine Corps.

Did you know Allen served two tours in Vietnam? After earning his B.S. at UNM,  Allen was selected for Officer Candidate School and was then sent to Vietnam in 1967. Three months into his tour, he was badly wounded while leading a reconnaissance patrol behind enemy lines. After seven months of recovery, Allen asked to be sent back to Vietnam in 1969 where he served another tour commanding an infantry company and received two more Purple Hearts.

Did you know Allen is a University of New Mexico alumnus? After enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps for three years, Allen was accepted to attend The University of New Mexico where he completed a four-year degree in two years and 10 months. After serving two tours in Vietnam, he returned to New Mexico and UNM to obtain a Master’s degree in Counseling, with a business concentration.

Did you know Allen has been a runner all his life? Allen, 67, is a life-long advocate of healthy living, believing that proper nutrition and sufficient exercise play a critical role in combating serious illnesses like cancer. He has competed in several health awareness races across the country, ranging in distances from 5 kilometers to half-marathons.

Did you know Allen attends Calvary? Faith and family are a very important part of Allen’s life. He has attended Calvary Chapel in Albuquerque for 12 years. He also believes the government, at all levels, should do nothing to weaken  or interfere with our families, regardless of what an individual family may look like. He believes government should have policies that encourage and help families stay together, and not interfere with faith based assistance programs which frequently are far superior to anything a government agency can do.

Did you know Allen loves history? A voracious reader, Allen is an avid student of history with particular interest in American military history and the American Revolution. Some of his favorite reads include 1776, by David McCullough; The Glorious Cause, by Robert Middlekauff; and A Bridge Too Far, by Cornelius Ryan. One Allen’s favorite pastimes is cooking for his wife and family. His favorites are Italian pastas and Middle Eastern dishes. Become his friend on Facebook to learn some of his favorite recipes.

Did you know Allen is a chef? One of Allen’s favorite pastimes is cooking for his wife and family. His favorites are Italian pastas and Middle Eastern dishes. Become his friend on Facebook to learn some of his favorite recipes.

Did you know Allen is an organic farmer? Allen and his wife, Becky, have grown organic raspberries for more than 15 years. They grow a fall bearing variety called “Autumn Bliss” that starts producing a large fruit in July and runs through October. Allen’s crop has been sold locally over the years to natural food stores in Albuquerque and at local growers’ markets.

Did you know Allen is a cancer survivor? Upon returning from military service in Iraq in 2004, Allen was diagnosed with prostate cancer. After undergoing treatment, he was declared cancer free in mid-2004 and remains so today.

Did you know Allen has racked up more than 30,000 miles on his blue pick up truck while talking to voters across New Mexico? Allen knows the importance of talking and listening to people all across New Mexico.

Did you know Allen’s two daughters now fill key positions in his company? His oldest Daughter, Deborah Maestas, is their Executive Vice President, and daughter Ashley Dunn is the company’s Vice President – Administration.

Did you know that Allen didn’t receive a paycheck for three years when he first started his business? That same company, CSI Aviation, is now a multi-million dollar business, helping fuel New Mexico’s economy.