The Hays Commissioners Court commemorated the 19th anniversary of the death of U.S. Army Private First Class Kristian Menchaca and payed tribute to his memory and service with a proclamation.
Before enlisting in the Army, Kristian 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.
“During his Job Corps training Kristian Menchaca, an inspiring young man, 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,” the proclamation stated. “In 2006 while assigned to the 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, Private 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.”
In 2019, Hays County designated a portion of State Highway 21 between Highway 80 and Yarrington Road as the “PFC Kristian Menchaca Memorial Highway.”
“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. “June 16, 2025 marks the 19th anniversary of the death of U.S. Army Private First Class Kristian Menchaca of Brownsville, providing a fitting opportunity to reflect on his life and his service to his country.”
