Hispanic group honors John Pinto with Lifetime Achievement Award

ALBUQUERQUE

John Pinto can now list a lifetime achievement award among the many honors he has received.

The Hispano Round Table of New Mexico honored Senator Pinto (D-3, McKinley/San Juan), who is a member of the Navajo Nation, with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Pinto, who is 91 years old, was presented with the award during the 22^nd annual tribute held at the La Fonda Hotel in Santa Fe last week.

It’s the first time in its history that the all-Hispanic organization recognized a non-Hispanic at the annual tribute to Hispanic legislators, according to the organization’s chairman Ralph Arellanes.

“Senator Pinto has a life story that is unique. It’s a story of hard work and service to the people of New Mexico.  We felt it was important to recognize his leadership and his life,” said Arellanes.

Besides, Arellanes added,

“Hispanics and Native Americans have a long history together in New Mexico. It’s past time to recognize each other on our accomplishments and weave them together. We can do much more together,” he said.

“Of course he joked, ‘What took you so long?’” said Arellanes about Pinto’s reaction when he was given the award.

“Senator Pinto is a perfect example of what leadership is all about. He’s a former Navajo Code Talker, a state senator, and a statesman. We are very happy to honor him tonight,” commented Raymond Mondragon, the government affairs director for the Eastern Plains Council of Governments, during the event.

He does this for the people. He loves helping people,” said Pinto’s granddaughter, Lisa Arviso, who accompanied Pinto to the awards ceremony.

“I was happy to be there and see him accept the award.  He was the celebrity of the night,” recalled Arviso.

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