President Obama in Albuquerque Today to Meet with South Valley Families to Discuss Jobs, Economy (Photos)

Note: Also see our later coverage including photos from the President's event in the South Valley, as well as of President Obama answering a question posed to him asking why he is a Christian.

President Barack Obama arrived in Albuquerque on Air Force One last night, and will get together with a South Valley family and their neighbors today to hear their thoughts on the economy and jobs. The President will meet with the Cavalier family at their home in Albuquerque 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.

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.

State Auditor Hector Balderas, Alex Flores

Governor Bill Richardson, Rep. Martin Heinrich (D, NM-01) and Lt. Governor Diane Denish are also expected to attend.

Mary Ellen is on site with other media and will be reporting in with photos and videos later today, so keep an eye out.

Click on images for larger versions. All photos by Alex Flores.