HONORING A HERO

U.S. Army Pfc. Kristian Menchaca was honored Tuesday with the unveiling of a highway named after him. 

A stretch of State Highway 21 — from State Highway 80 to Yarrington Road — is named after Menchaca, who died on Jan. 19, 2006 in Baghdad, Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. 

Members of the Gary Job Corps Color Guard present the colors during Tuesday's dedication ceremony for Pfc. Kristian Menchaca 

“This has been a labor of love that has taken over a year to accomplish,” said Randolph Goodman, who worked on dedicating the highway in Menchaca’s honor. “(Menchaca) was a young man who graduated from Gary Job Corp in 2003 and joined the United States Army … It has taken a long time to make this possible.” 

Menchaca was born in Houston and raised in South Texas. He came to San Marcos to attend Gary Job Corps. After graduating from GJC in 2003, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. Menchaca died in Iraq after insurgents ambushed a military checkpoint in Yusufiya — an area south of Baghdad. He survived a gun battle but was captured and killed by the insurgent group. 

Randolph Goodman speaks during a dedication ceremony for Pfc. Kristian Menchaca.

Command Sgt. Maj. Lawrence Wilson, who attended Tuesday’s ceremony, said he had the honor and privilege of serving with Menchaca from 2003-04. 

“Menchaca was a young man with a bright future ahead of him,” Wilson said. “(He was a) great soldier, a great son, a brother, he was a good human being.” 

A letter from U.S. Representative Lloyd Doggett was read during Tuesday’s dedication. 

“Kristian Menchaca lived a life of service to this country, both in the U.S. Army and through volunteering in our local community,” Doggett’s letter read. “(Menchaca was a) posthumous recipient of the Bronze Star, Purple Heart and Prisoner of War Medal. Pfc. Menchaca continues to serve as a role model for us and leaves a strong legacy of duty and sacrifice … Let us truly honor all who have served. Let us reaffirm our commitment to those who sacrifice for us.” 

Retired U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Lawrence Wilson delivers remarks honoring Menchaca. 

The Pfc. Kristian Menchaca Memorial sign was unveiled with cheers from Gary Job Corps students, members of the U.S. military, elected officials and members of the community in attendance. 

“This is a day to remember Menchaca.” Wilson said. “Today, in remembrance of PFC Kristian Menchaca (and) all his brothers and sisters past, present and future who have given their lives for this country, thank them.”