Park Renamed to Honor WWII Veteran Dorothy Jensen Blanchard
Pioneering military woman remembered through Stories of Us initiative.
The City renamed High Desert Park to Dorothy Jensen Blanchard-High Desert Park as part of the ABQ Stories of Us initiative to honor a remarkable World War II veteran whose legacy of service and leadership helped open doors for generations of women in the military.
Blanchard was among the first women to serve in the U.S. Navy through the Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service (WAVES). Enlisting in 1943, she served until 1952, working at the highest levels in the Pentagon. During her service, Blanchard witnessed key moments in American history including the signing of the National Security Act of 1947. This led to creation of the U.S. Air Force and establishment of Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque the following year.
Her distinguished career shaped national defense policy and paved the way for greater inclusion of women in the armed forces. The Military Women’s Memorial in Arlington, Virginia, honored her with the prestigious Living Legend Award in 2023, recognizing her extraordinary military contributions and lifetime of civic engagement. This legacy continues to inspire women in uniform today.
Later in life Blanchard made Albuquerque her home, living in the High Desert area from 2000 until her passing in 2024 at the age of 101.
“Dorothy was not only a national trailblazer but also an engaged member of the High Desert neighborhood,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “Her story illustrates the powerful role people can play in shaping both history and their community.”City Councilor Dan Champine sponsored the renaming with support from Blanchard’s family. The Metropolitan Parks & Recreation Advisory Board took up the request and, after gathering community input, voted to recommend the name change to the Parks & Recreation Department. Mayor Keller then approved the park name change.
“I was honored to work with the family and many supporters of Dorothy Jensen Blanchard in these efforts to honor Mrs. Blanchard’s selfless contributions. As one of the first women to serve as a WAVE in the US Navy during WWII, she served as an example and paved a path for other women to follow their dreams,” said City Councilor Dan Champine. “Dorothy’s legacy in Albuquerque includes her passion for the Desert Hills Park, her community, and her involvement with our very own Kirtland Air Force Base.”
This dedication is part of ABQ Stories of Us, a program recognizing people who have made a lasting impact on Albuquerque’s cultural, civic, and social fabric. Community members are encouraged to share stories and nominate future honorees on the ABQ Stories of Us website.