Brownsville TX welcomes home a hero
Video at http://www.newschannel5.tv/
By Chris Mahon
The Brownsville Herald
MONDAY, June 26, 2006 --- Under a blue sky with rainclouds on the horizon, the body of Pfc. Kristian Menchaca arrived at the Brownsville/South Padre Island International Airport. By chartered jet
The coffin was carried in a polished, black hearse down Ruben Torres Sr. Boulevard and to the Brownsville Events Center where services will be held this week.
Well-wishers lined the streets and traffic was at a standstill as the procession of about 100 vehicles pulled into the Events Center on Paredes Line Road. Full police escort in video
Before his body entered the venue, Henry Valdez stood on the sidewalk away from the crowds, alone. He shook his head and said, "So young."
Menchaca, and two other U.S. soldiers, were killed last week while on duty in Iraq. Menchaca, whose mother lives in Brownsville, was 23 at the time of his death. He leaves behind a young wife, 18-year-old Christina Menchaca who resides in Big Spring, Texas.
Visitation will begin at 9 a.m. Tuesday and continue until 7 p.m. A rosary will take place between 7 and 9 p.m., with Rev. Alfonso Guevara officiating the services.
Posted by: Sherry 2006-06-26 |