Las Vegas – The New Mexico State Transportation Commission has decided to dedicate the South Las Vegas interchange on Interstate 25 as the Sgt. Felix R. Barela Veterans Memorial Interchange. This decision was made unanimously on March 27, 2025.
Sgt. Felix R. Barela, originally from Las Vegas, New Mexico, was born on June 29, 1947. He joined the United States Army on December 15, 1966. While serving with Battery C, 6th Battalion, 29th Artillery, 4th Infantry Division, he showed remarkable bravery on March 26, 1968. During intense enemy attacks involving mortar and rocket fire, Sgt. Barela and his section defended their position against two battalions of enemy infantry until reinforcements arrived.
In recognition of his actions during this event, Sgt. Barela received the Distinguished Service Cross on July 18, 1968. He also earned several other honors including the Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with Bronze Star, and the Vietnam Campaign Service Medal.
The memorial aims to honor Sgt. Barela’s legacy and acknowledge the contributions of all veterans from San Miguel County. A dedication ceremony is scheduled for July 16, 2025 at Exit 343 off Interstate 25 at 9:30 a.m., where the public can pay tribute to Sgt. Barela and others who have served.
