Gov. Abbott addresses Texas National Guard members working on Christmas
(video at source link)
Oscar Margain, KENS 11:42 PM. CST December 23, 2016
Some Texas servicemen and women in the National Guard, deployed to the southern border, are having to spend Christmas away from home. Their families are doing what they can to make sure they spend that day together while they work border security.
“The border never sleeps and the challenges that we face don’t take time off,” said Texas Governor Greg Abbott in front of dozens of troop members and their families at an armory in Weslaco, Texas.
Abbott was visiting the border just days before Christmas in solidarity with the National Guard he’s deployed for over two years now.
“Drug cartels and transnational gangs and human traffickers and smugglers don’t care if it's maybe Christmas Eve,” he said. “They care about their criminal operations where they will not be able to take advantage of what they may consider to be a reduction of forces.”
This means about 100 Texas servicemen and women will be spending the holidays away from home, keeping an eye on illegal activity.
“It’s always concerning,” Daisy Palacios said. “I mean, he works late at night and you don’t know what’s going on.”
Palacios is visiting from Houston to attend the luncheon and spend some time with her husband, who is not allowed to speak to the media for security concerns. She said that it’s been a tough two years.
“We have to support a baby now,” she said.
Palacios noted that she and her daughter only get to see him once a month.
“You know, she’s still little and she needs her dad and he’s missing out on milestones. She’s learning how to crawl and he won’t get to see all that,” she said.
One of the lucky ones this time around is Reanna Herrera, who lives in the area and will have her family together during the holidays.
“We’re thankful that [my husband] gets to be home for Christmas this year,” Herrera said. “It will be a great New Year, so we’re happy.”
Reanna says that she understands the mission and the threat on the other side of the border, but admits that she does get worried, at times.
“Spouse worries, you know? Hope he has a good day, hope he’s safe, and hope to see him for dinner,” she said.
Everyone present is making a sacrifice, families and their spouses alike, with the governor promising that help is on the way.
“In the coming months, we anticipate more forces coming to bear to assist you and aid you, and aid the entire effort to address the challenges you are dealing with,” Gov. Abbott said.
The forces Governor Abbott is referring to are the additional 100 Department of Public Safety troopers already approved for the border. They’re expected to arrive before the end of December.
Daisy and Reanna hope that the extra help means that their husbands get to spend a little more time with their families.
http://www.kens5.com/news/local/texa...home/376354067
