Hays County Commissioners Court commemorates fallen local army private

SAN MARCOS — The Hays County Commissioners Court approved a proclamation commemorating the 18th anniversary of the death of U.S. Army Private First Class Kristian Menchaca on June 18.

Before enlisting in the Army, Menchaca furthered his education by attending the Gary Job Corps Center in San Marcos from September 2004 to February 2005, earning a GED certificate and completing the security officer program, the proclamation stated. During his Job Corps training, Menchaca volunteered his time and talents at a number of local events, including the Sights and Sounds of Christmas, while demonstrating respect for others and an admirable commitment to his goals which exemplify the Job Corps’ core values.

In 2006, while assigned to the 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, PFC Menchaca was killed following an insurgent attack on a U.S. Army checkpoint south of Baghdad, Iraq and was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart and Prisoner of War medals, the proclamation continued. June 16, 2024 marked the 18th anniversary of the death of Menchaca.

“Willing to lay down their lives in the service of their fellow citizens, the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces demonstrate exceptional courage, honor and love of country and time can never diminish the profound debt that all Americans owe to Kristian Menchaca for the challenge he undertook and the immense sacrifice he rendered,” the proclamation stated.

In 2019, Hays County designated a portion of State Highway 21 between Highway 80 and Yarrington Road as the “PFC Kristian Menchaca Memorial Highway.”

“He is the only P.O.W. of the post-9/11 wars in Hays County and maybe the only P.O.W. from our county that at least I am aware of. It is such a unique thing for our county to have a resident like that. That is why we named that road after him and that is why we are going to continue that legacy of people that warrant that so we can carry their name on forever,” said Veterans Services Office Director Jude Prather. “For our citizens, just down the road is the Hays County [Veterans] Memorial and you’ll find his name, along with other names. Each one of those names has a story. It is part of the deep history of Hays County and our community.”

At the June 18 commissioners court meeting, Randolph Goodman, community relations coordinator of the Gary Job Corps Center, said that he appreciates the court for approving the proclamation — along with other officials and first responders for what they do — for the greater good of the community.

“Isaiah 6:8 and it says, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?  Then said I, Here am I; send me.’ That’s you guys because being an elected official, I come to commissioners court sometimes and listen to some of the community comments, how you are assailed on things that you do,” Goodman said. “But you do things for the betterment of the community and the betterment of the county. I appreciate all that you do.”

Commissioners Debbie Ingalsbe and Michelle Cohen said that they are thankful that Hays County, along with those at the Gary Job Corps Center, are continuing to keep Menchaca’s memory alive for both his family and the community.

“I’m sure that means a lot to the family and community as well, so thank you for being here,” Cohen said.

To listen to the full commissioners court meeting, visit www.hayscountytx.new.swagit.com/videos/308220. More information about the Gary Job Corps Center can be found at gary.jobcorps.gov.