Can we help, senor?
Posted on 09/08/2005 7:53:30 AM PDT by SwinneySwitch
For the first time in nearly a century, the Mexican Army is advancing on American soil, although this time it is for a good cause - the convoy of soldiers and medical personnel is heading to San Antonio to help Hurricane Katrina victims sheltered there.
It is expected that the convoy will cross the Solidarity Bridge in Colombia, Nuevo Leon, early this morning. The soldiers spent the night at a temporary camp they set up on the south side of the Rio Grande near the bridge.
Meanwhile, the Mexican Navy vessel Papaloapan reached the Mississippi shore Wednesday night, anchoring about 30 miles south of hurricane-ravaged Biloxi. Mexican sailors promptly began offloading rescue equipment via helicopter.
It's the first time the Mexican military has come to the United States to provide this kind of aid.
There are nearly 200 soldiers, doctors, nurses and health personnel in the 47-vehicle convoy sent by the Mexican Army, all ready to assist the thousands of refugees at KellyUSA in San Antonio.
Besides officers, the convoy is also bringing three portable water-treatment plants, three dentist chairs equipped for basic and emergency procedures, more than 180 tons of nonperishables and medicine, an ambulance and two portable kitchens capable of feeding up to 7,000 people, three times a day.
Leading the Mexican convoy is Gen. Francisco Ortiz Valadez, a member of the Estado Mayor, which is a high-ranking group of officers who advise the president.
"The personnel in charge and I are following a direct order from President Vicente Fox, and we are doing it with good intentions during these hard times for the victims of Hurricane Katrina," he said.
"We have 196 officers that will perform different duties depending on the needs and priorities that arise, "he said." Meanwhile, we have to arrive in San Antonio, and from there determine what will be our duty."
Master Sgt. Christopher Allbright, spokesman for the Fifth U.S. Army at Fort Sam Houston, said Texas Department of Public Safety troopers and U.S. Army officers will escort the Mexican convoy's march through South Texas.
"This is not a military operation by no means, but Fifth Army is going to be here to help the Mexican army get to where they are going, " he said.
Allbright said the Mexican convoy will provide help to the 3,000 to 5,000 refugees in San Antonio at the Kelly City Base for about 30 days, and explained that the convoy will not go to the areas that were hit by the hurricane.
"The people who are coming up are to supply and run the operation in Kelly City Base. They are not going to Baton Rouge or to New Orleans, " he said."We really appreciate this gesture from the Mexican government, and we are working out the details as to where this can best be used. And right now, that 's why we are going to San Antonio because of the large number of evacuees in the city. "
Allbright said several agencies are working together to make sure the crossing of the convoy goes without any delays.
"I have seen the Border Patrol people here, the people who run the border, DPS and a lot of folks who are involved in making sure the Mexican Army convoy gets through the checkpoint very smoothly, " he said."It is going to be done in a very quick and professional manner, and I think it is going to be really smooth tomorrow. "
When asked how the water treatment plants would be used, Allbright said Federal Emergency Management Agency officers will meet the Mexican convoy in San Antonio and decide how best to use the goods they are bringing.
Laredo Mayor Betty Flores is expected to be at the Colombia bridge to welcome the convoy this morning.
The last time a foreign army marched through U.S. soil was in 1916, when Mexican revolutionary leader Pancho Villa briefly invaded Columbus, N.M.
(Javier Barroso may be reached at 728-2580 or by e-mail at jbarroso@lmtonline.com) (Vicente Rangel contributed to this article.)
Gracias.
There were LOUD CHEERS by MECHA and AZTLANers shown on Mexican TV as the convoy crossed the border in USA soil.
They see it as a sign to begin THEIR revolution here in the USA
<mixed feelings>
Gee, the last time the Mexican Army went to San Antonio didn't they have some sort of problem getting past some sort of ruckus at a church? And didn't their leader have sort of sexual scandal near Houston?
I imagine the DRT will be armed & ready.
SS,
This Mexican force is such a small one: 30-odd vehicles, 200-odd people.
I cannot fathom why with all the military we have in TX (let alone in the broader Gulf region, let alone CONUS-wide), the DoD didn't have the people, expertise, or equipment to do the mission the Mexicans have tasked themselves to do.
LOL. I hope not. Seriously, though. When Mexico has earthquakes, we send teams to help. Now we should thank them for their help. Maybe by working together on this issue we can then work closer together on other issues.
lol!
"If you're federales, let's see your badges."
"the convoy is also bringing three portable water-treatment plants"
Last night Fox News reported that a Mexican Goverment convoy of water treatment plants was enroute to the Gulf Coast.
I haven't laughed that hard in a long time!
"Badges?"
I was hoping someone would ask! LOL
"Badges? We ain't got no badges. We don't need no badges. I don't have to show you any stinking badges!"
Maybe they should clean up their own mess first. Towns on the border like Nuevo Laredo and Reynosa look like a hurricane went through recently.
Its a nice gesture, and we appreciate the kindness of friends.
One of Hollywood's most memorable lines!
Pancho Villa blew into the border town and the nervous hotel clerk showed him his room:
Clerk: "I'll put fresh sheets on your bed for you, sir!"
Pancho: "Comprende, you put sheets on my bed, I shoot you!"
OK, it's estupido.
Well, we're sure to have more illegals living here. IMO.
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