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Saluting Dads! GRANDE / JUNE 2019
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FROM THE EDITOR In Praise Of Dads PUBLISHER Sandra Castillo EDITOR Karen Gleason WRITERS AND PHOTOGRAPHERS Brian Argabright Adan Escareño Karen Gleason Raul G. Hurtado III Amber Martinez Antonio Morales Atzimba Morales ADVERTISING Xochitl Arteaga Alicia Jimenez PRODUCTION Jorge Alarcon
Roland Cardenas Antonio Morales EDITORIAL karen.gleason@delrionewsherald.com 830-775-1551, Ext. 247 ADVERTISING sandra.castillo@delrionewsherald.com 830-775-1551, Ext. 250 STORY IDEAS karen.gleason@delrionewsherald.com
2205 North Bedell Avenue • Del Rio, TX 78840 delrionewsherald.com Del Rio Grande is published by the Del Rio News-Herald. No portion may be reproduced in whole or in part by any means, including electronic retrieval systems, without written permission of the publisher. Editorial content does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher of this magazine. Editorial and advertising does not constitute advice but is considered informative.
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If you ask people to name the best dad they know, most of them will say it’s their own father. My dad – Papa – who has gone on to the spirit world, was certainly a wonderful advisor, guide and mentor, but if you ask me the name of the best father I know, I will tell you that it’s my husband Mike, or Michael G., as I call him. Michael G. is one of those rare human beings blessed with a combination of extraordinary intellect, quiet strength and endless patience for the foibles and failings of the people he loves – the perfect father ingredients. Mike was the first person to hold our son Tim. I was still coming out of the anesthesia I’d been given during delivery when the nurses brought our baby boy to my hospital bed. Since I was still too groggy to hold him, they gave Tim to my husband, and in those few moments, a lifelong bond of love and support took root. Like all great dads, Mike took Tim along almost everywhere, so it was no surprise that he learned to love many of the same things Mike did. Tim became an avid and expert fisherman and later, followed in his father’s footsteps to become a professional mechanic. Now that Tim is the father to his own children, Aylah, and most recently, Elliott, I can see echoes of Mike’s kindness and patience, and that makes my heart glad. In June, we celebrate all our fathers, and here at Grande, we have brought you a series of stories about fathers who served in our nation’s armed forces and whose sons and daughters have followed in their footsteps. Brian Argabright also went out in search of the perfect Father’s Day recipe and found it in Adan Escareño’s discada, or “cowboy wok” cookery. I spoke with Del Rio attorney Cesar Escamilla, who has a wonderful story, for “Grande Life.” As always, we hope that you’ll enjoy this month’s issue! Happy Father’s Day, y’all! Karen Gleason Del Rio Grande Editor CORRECTION: In the May issue, captions for two photos were inadvertently transposed. The young lady pictured on Page 35 is the 2018 Junior Miss Del Rio Lily Gonzalez, and the young lady pictured on Page 36 is 2018 Lil Miss Val Verde Sophia Carolina Cardenas. Del Rio Grande apologizes for the mistake and any embarrassment it may have caused.
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GRANDE / JUNE 2019
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CONTENTS 8
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GIN AND TONIC
Keep busy this month at these local events.
FOLLOWING MY FATHER: THE MARTINEZES
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Del Rio’s Luis Martinez and his sons are proud Marine Corps veterans.
GRANDE PICKS
CALENDAR
FOLLOWING MY FATHER: THE BEESONS
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FATHER’S DAY STYLE
Love on the rocks.
40
Check out these local finds for your dad.
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CLOSET CONFIDENTIAL
Several members of Del Rioan Don Beeson’s family are veterans.
Del Rio dads show off some cool summer shirts.
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GRANDE LIFE
READY TO RODEO
Del Rio attorney Cesar Escamilla loves being a dad.
Del Rio Rotary Rodeo celebrates its 15th year.
FOLLOWING MY FATHER: THE KATZES The Katz family at Laughlin AFB is Air Force strong.
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Jorge Suday successfully juggles business and family.
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LAST LOOK
GREAT GUISO
Writer and photographer Brian Argabright
Feed a crowd with traditional disk cookery.
wraps up this month’s issue.
ON THE COVER: Del Rioan Leo De Luna and his son, Leonardo Logan De Luna, 3; spend an afternoon playing at the Buena Vista Park playground. De Luna, who works for Union Pacific Railroad, and his wife, Desiree De Luna, also have a daughter, Lilea Lauren, 1. Photo by Karen Gleason 6
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Solid Gold Jewelry and Watch Repair
JUNE CALENDAR Keep busy this month at these fun local events 2 DEL RIO AUTO SHOW• NOON – 5 P.M. RUDY’S • 330 BRADDIE DRIVE
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Bring the family and check out some of the region’s snazziest wheels. Categories include motorcycle, classic car, classic truck, modern car, modern truck, classic import, modern import, classic muscle, modern muscle, custom car, custom truck, lowrider and most original.
7 NOCHES MUSICALES • 7 P.M. BROWN PLAZA • 302 CANTU ST. This summer concert series, which runs for a total of 11 weeks every Friday night of the summer, kicks off with special guest LA•45 of San Antonio, a group of young musicians describing themselves as “the next generation of Chicano music.” People are invited to bring their families and enjoy great company, great music and plenty of food vendors.
7-8 3RD ANNUAL MBM RADIO DEL RIO BORDER BBQ SMOKE OFF/5K RUN AGAINST CANCER VAL VERDE COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. June 7 – Live music and vendors at the Del Rio Market 7:30 a.m. June 8 – Registration for 5K; race begins at 8:30 a.m.; live music and vendors all day; 6 p.m. June 8 – Awards for brisket, ribs, chicken and grand champion.
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Helping Del Rio Grow!
8 PRIDE DEL RIO • 5 P.M. – 10 P.M. DR. ALFREDO GUTIERREZ AMPHITHEATER • OFF WEST DE LA ROSA ST. Del Rio’s first-ever LGBTQ+ Pride celebration begins with a Pride walk at 3 p.m. The event opens at 5 p.m. with vendors, food trucks and live music. There will be a special performance by Del Rio’s own GioVanna and others. The guest speaker will be Mrs. Joan Rivera Simoncelli.
• Original Landscape Designs • We Beat Any Price In Town • Tree Trimming • Retaining Walls • Rock Work • Concrete Pavers • Grounds Maintenance • Carpet Grass • Sprinkler Systems We are so • Shade Trees grateful to • Fruit Trees be part of this • Top Soil • Seasonal Color wonderful • Granite Gravel community! • River Gravel
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15 BARK IN THE PARK • 9 A.M. – 11 A.M. CARRANZA PARK • 608 AVE. V The Del Rio Parks Foundation wraps up Phase One of its fundraising efforts to build the city’s first community dog park. Come enjoy food trucks, pet-related vendors, games and educational presentations at the site of the future park. The foundation will also recognize and reward top sponsors and donors.
28–29 15TH ANNUAL DEL RIO ROTARY INDEPENDENCE DAY RODEO • 8 P.M. BOTH NIGHTS VAL VERDE COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS Join the Del Rio Rotary Club for this fast-paced, family-friendly event featuring bareback bronc riding, bullriding, barrel racing, breakaway roping, saddle bronc riding, team roping, tie down roping. Tickets available from Del Rio Rotarians or at the door.
Ram Country Proud supporters of the George Paul Memorial Bull Riding.
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MILITARY DADS
Following My Father:
Beeson Family Story by BRIAN ARGABRIGHT; photos contributed by the Beeson family
I
t’s not surprising when a son or daughter decides to follow in their father’s footsteps and become part of the family business. Oftentimes it’s a nobrainer. However, when the family business is defending the country, the decision is not always the easiest one to make. For the Beeson family, it’s a decision driven more by the desire to serve one’s country and to give back for all this country has given to them. Don Beeson is the operating partner/manager of Del Rio’s Sirloin Stockade and the proud son, brother and father of military veterans. He’s also a veteran himself, having served as a military policeman in the U.S. Army. Beeson’s wife, Mary Beeson, is the proud daughter, sister and mother of military veterans. To hear their lineage, how it weaves through America’s military history, from World War II to the current conflicts in the Middle East, is to understand the kind of responsibilities the family holds dear and how much a role the armed services have played in their past, their present and their future. Don Beeson’s military history began with his mother, Mabel Hofft, who joined the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps during World War II. She served for four years before she had to leave the military following Don’s birth. Don’s father, Edward Beeson, joined the Army near the end of World War II and served during the Korean War as a cook. Don’s brother, Dick, served in the Army for three years during Vietnam, while his other brother, Dennis and Dennis’ wife Toni, served in the Air Force.
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Don is the oldest of his brothers. When the draft was initiated as part of the Vietnam War, Beeson’s lottery number was 350. He knew that he wasn’t going to be selected, but that didn’t sit right with him. “I felt it wasn’t right,” Beeson said. “At the start of ‘Nam, there was a sense of patriotism, a duty to country, so I volunteered.” Beeson said the war took its toll on those around him. He said he had good friends who were killed or injured. He said many returned with what is now diagnosed as post-traumatic stress disorder, but Beeson said it was an unfortunate part of service to the country. “Many of us had the belief that you have to do your part for this country. I know it seems old fashioned, but there was this feeling, this sense of obligation to give back,” Beeson said. “We were raised to understand that when duty called, you had to step up and not allow anyone else to go first,” Mary added. “When you come from a military family, it’s just part of your upbringing.” Mary’s father, Herman Strickland Jr., served in the Army during World War II. He began his career in airborne before transitioning to the infantry and joining the 4th Infantry Division and deploying to Germany. Eventually Strickland would become an inspector, evaluating areas after they’d been bombed and determining what needed to be repaired or replaced. He would serve nearly 30 years and saw time in Korea and Vietnam. Her brothers, Herman Strickland III and Richard Strickland, both served in the Army. Her uncles each served as well. William Strickland and
Clockwise from top: Three generations of Beeson military men: From left, Don E. Beeson Jr., U.S. Navy; Don E. Beeson Sr., U.S. Army; and Don E. Beeson III, U.S. Air Force. Don E. Beeson, U.S. Army, Vietnam Grandson Don E. Beeson III, back row center, on graduating from USAF basic training at Lackland AFB. David Beeson, U.S. Army circa 1998
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Clockwise from top: David Beeson, U.S. Army; with mom Mary Beeson Richard Beeson, Don Sr.’s brother, U.S. Army, Vietnam Herman L. Strickland Jr., Mary Beeson’s uncle, U.S. Army, Vietnam Mabel Hofft, Don Sr.’s mother, Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps, World War II
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Roy Strickland each served in the Army, and her uncle Doug Blevins served in the Air Force. The couple has three sons - Don Beeson II, David Beeson and Dennis Beeson. Dennis is the only one that did not follow in the family’s footsteps, choosing a career in finance. Don is a chief petty officer in the U.S. Navy. Both he and his wife, Samantha, who is also a chief petty officer, have served 22 years in the Navy. David is an engineer in the U.S. Army and has served 23 years thus far. He is currently in the Middle East, training allied forces in the use of U.S. military equipment. David’s decision to join the military wasn’t based so much on his father’s experience or influence, but rather his grandfather’s. “He used Mary’s father as a mentor. He helped Mary’s father take care of his grandmother, basically doing tasks around the yard or the house that allowed Mary’s dad to take care of his mom. They spent a lot of time together, talking about a lot of different things, and that’s how he got interested in the military,” Don Beeson said. Beeson said he never told his children to serve in the military. He said they were always free to follow their own path. “That’s a choice that has to be one’s own to make,” Beeson said. The next generation of Beesons has already begun his path through the military. Don Beeson III serves in the U.S. Air Force as a Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape (SERE) instructor. He teaches airmen to survive in the harshest conditions and to be ready for any condition. Being part of a military family produces its own unique challenges. World events that may not draw the attention of a regular citizen could mean a serious life change for a military family. The Beesons have seen it firsthand. “We’re always apprehensive when our son is deployed. David has served in Iraq and Afghanistan a couple of times already. We went to Africa to build hospitals to combat ebola and contracted malaria. Those are always tough times, even from a grandparents’ point of view,”
Don Beeson said. “We always worry about the safety of our children and our grandchildren, and them being in the military just heightens that.” “But at least the communication is better now. When my dad served, we would get letters from home and track where he was on a map. When we didn’t hear from him for a while we knew he was somewhere dangerous, but eventually we’d get another letter. Now my son will FaceTime us whenever he can. He just can’t mention where he’s going,” Mary Beeson said. The Beesons have called Del Rio home for the past 13 years. They arrived in the Queen City after Don was sent to oversee the restaurant here. Mary said the transition to life in Del Rio wasn’t a difficult one because of the family’s familiarity with life in a military town. “The communities near military areas are different. The people there are more apt to help you when you’re in need. It’s a different world,” Mary said. Helping other military members is something the Beesons have always done. Here in Del Rio, Don is a part of the Military Affairs Association, Inc., and sponsors a pilot training class at Laughlin Air Force Base. He’s been doing that for about four years and sees it as another way to give back. “Bill and Donna Langford introduced me to this group a few years ago, and I thought it was a great idea. It’s a great way to thank the young men and women attending pilot training here. Their efforts deserve to be acknowledged and supported. I hadn’t heard of any other community with this kind of association and with this kind of support,” Beeson said. Beeson said that while the association does things such as lobbying for monies for the base to help it achieve its mission, he said the association also makes sure the airmen have an enjoyable time while being in Del Rio. To achieve that, Beeson said he’s hosted dinners for airmen, participated in fellowship with them and even hosted some of them for Thanksgiving dinner. “How can you go wrong trying to help people feel welcome?” Beeson asked. “For a lot of them, this is their first time being away from home. I want to help them and let them know I’m out there to help them in any way I can.” •
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MILITARY DADS
Following My Father:
Katz Family
Story by ATZIMBA MORALES; photos by ATZIMBA MORALES and contributed by ANDREW and MARLENE KATZ
M
ilitary dads not only serve their country, they also sacrifice the little moments with their families. Throughout his career, Lt. Col. Andrew Katz, commander of the 47th Operations Support Squadron at Laughlin Air Force Base, has been guided by three words: God, family and country. Katz uses these words as the foundation of his family, alongside his wife, Marlene Katz, as they raise three children with one already following in her father’s footsteps and another starting down the same path. Katz was raised by a single mother in a “ghetto” area of Los Angeles. His father passed away when he was a small child, but he grew up hearing stories of his father’s service in the military. With a surname like Katz, he knew if he did not affiliate himself with a gang, then he would be considered a prime target for violence. With the help of his then-girlfriend Marlene, the woman he later married, he was able to leave the neighborhood behind. Yet, things were not entirely that simple. Katz initially applied to the Air Force Academy, but was rejected due to his low SAT scores. “I had good grades in school and teachers that liked me, but they didn’t want to get my hopes up,” Katz said. Instead of letting the rejection turn him from his chosen path, Katz took it as a sign to better prepare himself and thus he enrolled in the Northwestern Preparatory School, a military prep school.
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It was a slow process for Katz, as he did not commission with the Air Force until 2000 but he said he would not change it for anything. “I played sports in high school, and I was being offered $180,000 to play with the San Pedro Padres,” Katz said. His neighborhood was aware of the offer, and he said many insisted him to take it, including his own mother. Instead, Katz redoubled his efforts to get into the military. Through all the paperwork he had to fill out, word of his goals and where he came from got to city offices and landed in the lap of the mayor. “That neighborhood is notorious for its violence, so for me to be trying to come out of there with good grades, sports offers and an Air Force application in the works, they (the city officials) saw it as a big deal,” Katz said. Along his journey, Katz and his wife found themselves in Del Rio more than once. The first time they arrived at Laughlin Air Force Base for Katz’s pilot training. It was also during his training here that the Katzes welcomed their first child, Kaitlyn. “I didn’t know I was pregnant at the time, and it was just a few months before Andrew graduated from training when she was born,” Marlene said. The family grew from there. Right after their daughter came the arrival of their only son, Andrew. Their third child, Leilah, arrived a few years later. Through Katz’s career, his family has visited more
“
“
“It is hard for a little kid to understand why their dad can’t be there for their birthday, but now they’re older and understand their dad is serving his country.”
Top Left: The Katz family shows its Air Force pride. Right: Andrew and his Dad during an important occasion. Bottom Left: Andrew and his dad in front of Laughlin OG Building (2003). Right: Katz returns from deployment (2008).
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Top left and center left: Katz returns from deployment 2011 and 2010. Top right and center right: Andrew and dad celebrate his birthday through Facetime, 2009. Bottom: Left and Right: Kaitlyn and Katz stand in front of Laughlin OG Building, 2003 and 2019.
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than 30 countries before his oldest child reached the age of 16. Along the way were many sacrifices. “There were times where I was deployed and couldn’t be home for their birthdays. We have pictures of us celebrating the birthdays, but I’m on the other side of the world sitting behind a computer screen,” Katz said. Likewise, Katz was able to see the birth of his youngest child, but the day after, he was immediately deployed. “It is hard for a little kid to understand why their dad can’t be there for their birthday, but now they’re older and understand their dad is serving his country,” Marlene said. Katz was given the chance to choose his next duty station, and he specifically chose Del Rio. For his children Kaitlyn and Andrew, it was a big deal to come home to the place where they were born. Both children are native Del Rioans, and Katz said it meant a lot for him and his wife to bring them back to this city. Kaitlyn is graduating from high school this year, and both parents said they were surprised when she announced she would be following in her father’s footsteps. “It took us by surprise the day she told us, but we had a serious talk with her, and she understood what she was signing up for,” Marlene said. Kaitlyn, alongside her siblings, grew up experiencing a military-influenced lifestyle, but it was her dad’s perseverance and continuing improvement that tipped the balance of her decision. “I remember I was little, and we were at an awards ceremony. I remember my dad was being awarded for something and just the way he smiled and was recognized for his work made me realize I wanted to be just like him,” she said. Another moment that helped cement her decision to follow her father’s career path was when Katz took the children to experience a flight simulator. “I was so excited, but I didn’t have any idea what a simulator was. I just thought it sounded cool;
Andrew and I would kind of fight for the control of the simulator,” Kaitlyn recalled. “They were little and asked what my job was. I just decided out of the blue that time for us to take a family trip to a simulator,” Katz said. The Katzes received exciting news on Wednesday morning when they found out Kaitlyn’s initial offer to attend Northwestern Preparatory School was upgraded to attend the United States Air Force Academy Prep School, and Congressman Will Hurd has nominated her to go to the Air Force Academy. While Kaitlyn’s decision to follow in her father’s footsteps might have come as a surprise, Andrew’s decision to do so seemed more like a foregone conclusion. “It’s hard to explain, but we always had the feeling he would join the military someday,” Marlene said. Andrew currently participates with the Del Rio High School Junior ROTC program and also is a part of the Silver Eagles. “I grew up with this, but this career choice is not only about me. My dad taught me to do greatness, and I intend to do that, but I also want to be surrounded by greatness,” Andrew said. For Leilah, the military has provided her a chance to explore the world and gain new friends along the way. Leilah, who described herself as shy, admitted her dad is not only her hero, but he also taught her be more open-minded. Neither parent was left with a dry eye after the children spoke, for this was the first time they both heard how the military and Katz’s career has impacted them. Just in the manner in which the family spoke to each other, an outsider could see their mutual love and respect. So how do “God, family, and country” play into the Katz family? Katz explained the motto, which hangs on a wooden sign hand-painted by Marlene, on top of the kitchen entry, is a daily reminder that they are more than a simple family, but a collective of people growing ever closer, always seeking out ways to improve their country and relying on their faith in God. •
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MILITARY DADS
Following My Father:
Martinez Family Story by KAREN GLEASON; photos by KAREN GLEASON and contributed by THE MARTINEZ FAMILY
I
n a modest house in the city’s San Felipe neighborhood lives a family with a two-generations-long history of quiet patriotism and service to the nation. Luis L. Martinez was born in Nuevo Laredo, but became a U.S. citizen when he joined the military. He has been living in Del Rio for 40 years. Martinez joined the United States Marine Corps as a volunteer right after high school in 1972, seeking adventure and a new life. “My parents passed away when I was about 15 years old. I was the only child, so I moved in with one of my aunts. She had 12 kids. I stayed with her until I became a senior, then I decided to leave,” he said. “When I joined the Marines, the basic training was old-school and kind of hard. After that, I went to infantry training school, and they give you your job. I was sent to Okinawa after that, and I never looked back,” he said. He stayed in that region for five years, working as an armorer for the Corps, handling and repairing many types of weapons. In 1975, he was aboard the U.S.S. Okinawa when it was sent to Vietnam to help oversee the evacuation of U.S. personnel and Vietnamese allies.
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“What I remember most is 75 days without touching land. Then once we went in, that’s where you saw everything . . . There were a lot of people trying to go with us,” he said. Martinez said it hurt him to see Vietnamese soldiers who had been U.S. allies and helpers running from the embassy, shedding their uniforms as they fled. “It was also hard when I saw the U.S. flag coming down on the (U.S.) embassy,” Martinez said. Back on the Okinawa, Martinez said there was room for 8,000 Marines. When they left Vietnam, the vessel carried those Marines and 30,000 evacuees. Martinez stayed in the Marines five years. When he left the military, he returned to Laredo, but the economy was hard and, he said no one wanted to hire a former Marine. “I went to a job, and they told me they wouldn’t take me because I was a baby killer. Another one said I was a marijuana smoker or they said I might hurt someone, so I was homeless for almost three years, living on the streets,” he said. He went to San Antonio, then decided to hitchhike to California. “While I was hitchhiking, I stopped in Del Rio, and I kind of liked it. I liked the state park, so I stayed there,” he said.
Martinez family Marines: from left, Julio Martinez, Luis L. Martinez and Luis M. Martinez; below, the Martinezes in their Corps uniforms: from left, Luis L. Martinez, Julio Martinez and Luis M. Martinez.
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Semper Fidelis: Three members of Del Rio Martinez family have served in the U.S. Marine Corps; from left, Julio Martinez, Luis L. Martinez and Luis M. Martinez.
Left: Luis M. Martinez wears his pride in service in a Marine Corps tattoo on his right arm. Right: A drawing created by Luis L. Martinez, interpreting the famed Marine Corps emblem.
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At that time, the Del Rio Council for the Arts had a professional artist named Bill Atkins working there, and he was trying to open a gallery for Del Rio, Martinez said. “Art was my hobby, and I would do drawings to sell to people, so he saw me and asked me if I wanted to work in an art field, so he sent me to the manpower office, and they got me the job,” Martinez said. Martinez settled in Del Rio and met his wife here after he helped hire her as a secretary at the Del Rio Council for the Arts. He worked there about four years, then began working for the city, where he was employed for 32 years. After that, he worked for Val Verde County for four years. Martinez said when his sons Luis and Julio were born and growing up, he never expected they, too, would join the military. “When they were kids, I signed them up for Boy Scouts to learn about scouting and survival. Since I had been homeless, it was important for me that they learn how to take care of themselves,” Martinez said. While they were Scouts, Martinez also led his sons to bring coffee to the area’s homeless in cold weather. Luis graduated from Del Rio High School in 2003 and entered the U.S. Marine Corps in 2004. “I can’t lie, my dad had some influence on that, but he never pushed it on us. I would just see the camaraderie they had, and I liked that, and that was the branch I wanted to be in,” Luis said. “My wife didn’t want them to join, but she made the big mistake of bringing a movie into the house, ‘Full Metal Jacket.’ She wanted them to see what I went through, to scare them, but it ended up opposite. Julio ended up memorizing the movie word-forword,” the elder Martinez said with a smile, shaking his head at the memory. He said he was proud of his sons, though. The younger Luis went through boot camp in North Carolina and after infantry training went to California. He did his four-year hitch in California
with a seven-month deployment to Al-Taqaddum Air Base, located in Iraq between Baghdad and Ramadi. Luis was a mechanic for a mortar team during his time in the service, but went “anywhere they needed us to go” and did “anything they needed me to do.” Today, Luis is an aircraft maintainer in civil service at Laughlin Air Force Base. Julio joined the Marines in January 2009 and also stayed in the Corps for four years. “My experience was nothing really different (from my brother’s), boot camp, other than having different jobs. My job was operator, so I was pretty much a truck driver, and I had a bunch of different licenses to drive different types of vehicles. I got to drive ordnance, like bombs, as well as troops, hazardous materials,” Julio said. Julio, while not ever stationed overseas, was a member of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, similar to the experience his father had. “You get on a ship, and they take you to different ports, kind of just to show that we’re out there, a ready force,” Julio said. Julio said he also felt the Marine camaraderie in boot camp and said he was proud to have served. “Growing up, we would hear my dad talk about Memorial Day and Veterans Day and seeing how proud he was of being a Marine. I think my brother and I saw that and wanted that,” Julio said. Both Luis and Julio also say they want to instill the same core values of duty and honor and patriotism in their own children. After he left the Marines, Julio worked for the city. He now works as a maintenance man at The Bank and Trust. In addition to their service in the Marines, another trait all the Martinez men share is their love of artwork and their skill in drawing and painting. The Martinezes’ patriotism is a quiet thing, and like all truly important values, expressed in actions more than in words. •
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WILL BE OPEN FOR FATHER’S DAY NOW SERVING BUFFET!! Menudo & Barbacoa On Weekends Hours: Mon-Sun 6:30AM-3:00PM
ORDERS TO GO
(830) 488-6023 (Restaurant)
CASA DE LA CULTURA
El Comite Cultural Del Pueblo NOCHES MUSICALES SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
DAILY SPECIALS • MILITARY DISCOUNTS
Live music brought to you by the Casa de la Cultura for the 14th summer in a row: bring a chair and keep cool during these warm Friday summer nights at the historical Brown Plaza. Free event! Bring your family and have dinner with great company, plenty of food vendors. June 7th- Opening night special La 45 from San Antonio, Texas! June 14th- Hurakarrana June 21st- Cindy Y Grupo Illuzion June 28th- Los Amigos July 5th- The San Antunes July 12th- La Química July 19th- Mariachi Rayos del Sol July 26th- Lucero’s del Bravo August 9th- Tony Faz and Tejano Heat August 16th- Family Jewelz and special guest Abdias Ernesto Garcia For more information call (830)768-2287
906 Fermin Calderon, Del Rio, TX 78840
302 Cantú St • Del Rio, Texas • (830) 768-2287 www.lacasadelacultura.org
DRIVE THRU NOW OPEN
EL MEJOR SABOR CASERO Tuesday-Sunday 4pm-11PM
CALL TO ORDER
830-488-5010 (TRUCK)
Memo’s Restaurant Since 1936
“The greatest gift I ever had came from God; I call him Dad!”
- anonymous
I Participate in the First Friday Art Walk on a Monthly Basis. Everyone is Invited to the Studio Gallery!
Signature Member of American Plains Artist Associate Member of Women Artist of the West Commissions Accepted
Open Mon-Fri and most Saturdays
Pam Bunch - Artist/Owner 100 W. Greenwood Del Rio, Texas 78840 830-774-3456 (studio) 830-719-2732 (cell) e-mail: pambunch65@aol.com website: leebunchstudiogallery.com fb: leebunchstudiogalleryfacebook
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HAPPY FATHER’S DAY AND GOD BLESS YOU ALL! OPEN
Monday - Saturday 11:00 am - 2:00 pm 5:30 pm - 9:30 pm
LUNCH BUFFET Wednesday & Friday 11:30 am - 2:00 pm
LIVE MUSIC
Thursday Nights 7:30PM to 9:30PM Call for reservations
804 E. Losoya Street • Del Rio, Texas 78840 www.MemosRestaurant.com Open upon request for private luncheons, meetings, & gathering. Call Patricia for details: (830)774-1583
HAPPY FATHER’S DAY, DR. WHITTEN!
Love, the entire Reed, Maggie and DVDH Family
Making Texas a Better Place for Pets & People Del Rio Veterinary Diagnostic Hospital
Eagle Pass Veterinary Diagnostic Hospital
(830) 422-2129
(830) 776-5868
Affordable Exams, In-House Diagnostics, Surgery, Dentistry
WE TAKE EMERGENCIES Monday-Friday • 7:00am-7:00pm | Saturday • 8:00am-4:00pm
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Father’s Day
Style
Photos by RAUL G. HURTADO III and KAREN GLEASON Wardrobe, accessories: JCPENNEY and MESQUITE CREEK OUTFITTERS Location: The Bank and Trust Ram Field, U.C.O. Field Styled by ATZIMBA MORALES
Emmanuel Navarro has two children, Nissa Claire Terrazas, 10; and Izaiah Asael Navarro, 5. Navarro is an officer with the Del Rio Police Department. Item: Crew Neck Long Sleeve T-Shirt Color: Polar Bear Stripe Brand: Peyton & Parker Price: $30 Store: JCPenney Item: Tan Leather Band with Wooden Dial Surface Brand: Raw Watches Price: $110 Store: Mesquite Creek Outfitters
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Cristian Medina and his wife Joanny Guindin have two children, Cristian Jose “C.J.” Medina Guindin, 9; and Joshua Emanuel Medina Guindin, 7. Medina works for the federal government. Item: Slim Fit Dog Print Hybrid Comfort Stretch Short Sleeve Shirt Color: White Brand: Society of Threads Price: $50 Store: JCPenney
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Item: “Yippee Ki Yay” Beer Koozie Brand: Rowdy Gentleman Price: $6 Store: Mesquite Creek Outfitters
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Felipe Velasco has three children, Jaeden Velasco, 11; Brenden Velasco, 9; and Alexa Velasco, 8. Velasco works for the federal government. Item: Air Sandwashed Printed Camp Short Sleeve Button-Front Shirt Color: Whisper White Brand: Van Heusen Price: $56 Store: JCPenney
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Jorge Garcia has four children, Viviana Garcia, 24; Andrea Garcia, 20; Jorge Garcia, 17; and John Anthony Garcia, 12. Garcia works for UPS. Item: Long Sleeve Striped Button-Front Shirt Color: Henry Stripe Brand: Peyton & Parker Price: $50 Store: JCPenney
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Oscar Ozuna Jr. has two children, Ithalia Ozuna, 13; and Yadier Ozuna, 7. Ozuna works for the Texas Department of Transportation. Item: Air Sandwashed Printed Camp Short Sleeve Button-Front Shirt Color: White Bright White Brand: Van Heusen Price: $56 Store: JCPenney
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Voted One of the Best
7 Years In A Row
Voted the Best In The Following Categories
• Best Salsa • Best Breakfast Tacos • Best Fajitas • Best Mexican Plate • Best Mexican Restaurant
Call us at 830-298-2223 • Located at 3900 Hwy 90E
Order Online www.julioscornchips.com
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JUNE SPECIALS 2019 st a f k a e Br
SMOKED SAUSAGE & EGG TACO
1.79
$
Plus Tax
2.19
$ SMOKED SAUSAGE & Plus Tax EGG TACO W/16OZ DRINK SMOKED SAUSAGE & EGG PLATE
Lunch er n n i D &
BEEF FAJITA TACO
6.79
$
Plus Tax
1.79
$
Plus Tax
2.19
$ BEEF Plus Tax FAJITA TACO W/16OZ DRINK BEEF FAJITA PLATE
7.79
$
Plus Tax
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A GRANDE LIFE
Cesar Escamilla Story and photo by KAREN GLEASON
D
el Rio attorney Cesar Escamilla and his wife Debra, who have been married since July 2000, have two children, Emma, 14; and Adrian, 11; and Cesar says ‘father’ is his proudest title. Escamilla is the son of Chale and Narcedalia Escamilla, and he was born in Chicago, Ill., where his mother and father lived while his father worked as a driver for the Chicago Transit Authority. The Escamillas returned to Mexico, then moved to Del Rio, where Escamilla’s father had a relative named Quirino Escamilla owned Escamilla Grocery and Meat Market in San Felipe. When Quirino died in 1974, Chale and Narcedalia bought the market and ran it for the next 10 years. “I was the little scruffy kid who was behind the counter, kind of doing everything from customer service, checking people out to helping cook cow heads underground for the oldfashioned way of doing barbacoa. There was no Saturday or Sunday morning cartoons for us; we had to get up at 4:30 and go to work,” Escamilla remembered. The store was located on Gillis Street, about three blocks south of Memo’s restaurant. “It was busy. It was packed. We would get big tamale orders, 400 dozen and even bigger. Ray Price would sometimes go in there. At the time I wasn’t impressed because I was a kid, but I remember the place would go wild when he would walk in. “There, I think, I learned the value of hard work, and of customer service, and that’s a well I still draw from. That was very important back then and still is today. I look back on those days as some of the happiest in my life,” he said. Escamilla attended local public schools, including Lamar Elementary and graduated from Del Rio High School in 1989. “Two things: I always saw my dad as a businessperson, but one of my cousins on the Mexico side had just graduated as an attorney. He was doing well, and he would tell us stories, and I thought that was the coolest thing, and even early on, I think my dad planted the seed of me becoming an attorney. He would ask me what I wanted to be, and he would say, ‘How about an attorney?’ and that was the only profession he ever mentioned,” Escamilla said. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from the University of the Incarnate Word, then applied to law school, moved to Houston and married. “That’s when I think I really noticed how much I missed Del
Rio. I missed the food. I missed the music, the people, and when I graduated, I said, ‘You know what? I have to go back,’ and here we are,” Escamilla said. He began practicing as a licensed attorney in 2003, working for another attorney, then after two or three years, in September 2005, opened his own law office. “It made everyone nervous, from my wife, to my parents. They said, ‘What are you doing?’ I was not nervous. I was not even a little bit nervous. I just knew I needed to try it, even if I fell flat on my face. It was that burning sensation you get in your stomach, and almost immediately, I started getting clients,” Escamilla said. Escamilla practices predominantly criminal defense law, saying more than half of his practice consists of criminal defense cases. “Maybe another third is family law, and that I hadn’t planned on, but I got hired, and I started doing well. People were happy. That’s divorces, child support cases. The other 20 percent are administrative things, wills, warranty deeds, things like that,” Escamilla said. “I think it’s the greatest profession in the world, just because you are a problem-solver when no one knows the answer, and that is like the coolest thing ever,” Escamilla said. “You are a problem-solver, and you are entrusted with these problems, some small, some gigantic. I’ve done murder cases, wrongful-death cases and that’s a big responsibility. When you’re able to deliver and solve that huge legal problem, it fills you up with pride, and your clients become your quasi-family for life,” Escamilla said. The hardest part of practicing law, he said, is that sometimes you can’t solve the problem. Asked what makes him happiest in his life, Escamilla said, without hesitation, “My kids. I cannot wait to come home every day. . . I’m so proud of them. I can’t believe they’re mine. They both have their special talents and qualities. ‘Father’ is my most proud title.” Escamilla said his vision for the rest of his life includes, first and foremost, staying in Del Rio. “I just love this little town. It’s not perfect, but it’s mine. I know the people, and they know me. To grow old here. I don’t know where my kids will be then, and I’m not going to tie them down to Del Rio, but at least they’ll know I’ll be here. How long I’ll practice, I don’t know. Maybe I’ll keel over at my desk, but let’s see what happens,” Escamilla said with a laugh. •
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Once you prepare your tacos, garnish them with some pico de gallo, salsa or guacamole, or you can eat them without any kind of additional fixings. The entire meal can serve 8 to 10 people comfortably.
FATHER’S DAY
Guiso Story and photos by BRIAN ARGABRIGHT
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F
ather’s Day is a time to celebrate dads, and then watching as dad breaks out the grill for a little outdoor cooking. While the typical grills or smokers have dominated the cooking scene for years, a smaller portion of folks has discovered the joy of cooking with a “disco,” or, as it known in some circles, a “cowboy wok.” Made from a variety of metals, from aluminum to cast iron, and in a variety of sizes, the disco has been a tool of outdoor chefs for years. For years they were something you could only find if you knew someone who knew someone or you were handy enough to construct one. Now they’ve become more commercial and can be found through popular retailers such as Amazon, Ebay or Walmart. Adan Escareño is one of those folks who enjoys cooking for friends and family using the disco. His food has been so well received by friends that they’ve sought out discos of their own, usually finding them at the local flea market. “When I went to buy my own I looked for one that was thick enough that the fire wouldn’t burn through it,” Escareño, whose disco is cast iron, said. “A lot of people use these as a fire pit as well, throwing a grill on top. To me, the key to a good disco is its depth. The deeper it is, the more people you can cook for.” Most discos utilize a propane burner to add the heat, but a standard wood fire or coals below can be used as well. The burner is usually sold separately, but some places offer an entire package for around $200. Buying the disco by itself can set you back between $40 to $100, depending on the size. While a variety of foods can be prepared in a disco, Escareño’s specialty is his guiso, better known as discada. Escareño said his version of the popular disco meal was taught to him by the late Santos Roman and his brother Jaime Roman. “It’s fitting … they taught me to make this, and here we are featuring it in a magazine owned by the newspaper Santos worked for,” Escareño said with a grin. •
Cut the beef chuck, or agujas, into 1-1 ½ inch strips. Be sure to remove the bone and some of the fat, but leave some to add some flavor and keep the meat juicy.
While you can use any kind of seasoning for your cooking, for this recipe we recommend salt, orange pepper and ground cumin.
You’ll want to slice your tomatoes, bell peppers, onion and cilantro before adding them to the guiso. One orange needs to be cut into wedges and the others can be cut into slices. Squeeze the wedges to add juice to the guiso while the slices will be added toward the end of the cooking process. GRANDE / JUNE 2019
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GUISO This dish takes about an hour to prepare, including the prep time from cutting up the meat, sausage and vegetables. The amount of ingredients, which will set you back about $45 depending on the brands you buy, will serve between 8 to 10 people comfortably.
INGREDIENTS 5 pounds of beef chuck 2 pounds of smoked sausage rope 3 bell peppers 1 yellow onion 3 tomatoes 3 oranges 1 bundle of cilantro Salt Orange pepper Ground cumin 2 gallons of water
METHOD 1. Add about a half a gallon of water to the disco, which by this time should be hot enough to cook on. The water helps to soften up the ingredients and keeps the food from sticking to the disco. 2. Add the meat to the disco and let it cook. Be sure to include some of the fat for taste and to help keep the dish juicy. 3. Once the meat is brown and tender, add the salt, orange pepper and ground cumin. How much to add is up to you. Season to taste.
Add your vegetables to the meat once the meat is brown and soft.
Add the sliced smoked sausage rope to the beef and veggies. Some guiso recipes can get more complex by adding bacon and chorizo, but this recipe keeps things a little more simple.
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4. Once the meat is tender, add the mixture of the diced and chopped bell peppers, onion, tomatoes and cilantro. 5. Add more water to ensure the food doesn’t stick to the disco. Stir. 6. Add the chopped up sausage rope to the meat and vegetables. Stir. You may need to add more water again, but that’s up you. You may also want to taste to see if you need to add more seasoning. 7. Cut one orange into wedges and cut the other two into slices. Take the orange wedges and squeeze the juice onto the meat and vegetables. 8. Toss the sliced orange pieces onto the top of the guiso evenly. The citrus will help to neutralize some of the spice from the cumin. 9. Let the dish simmer for about 15-20 minutes with occasional stirring. 10. Once the vegetables are soft, the meal is ready to be served.
You can add tortillas to cook on the side of the disco. Both corn or flour tortillas are acceptable, though because of the heft of the tacos we made, you may want to go with the flour tortillas. Garnish the tacos with pico de gallo, salsa or guacamole and serve to friends. •
The citrus from the oranges helps to neutralize the spice of the cumin and adds a little tanginess to the meal. It’s not overwhelming, but it’s a welcome flavor that adds a twist.
After adding the orange slices, let the entire mixture simmer for about 15-20 minutes on reduced heat. Don’t forget to stir occasionally. The large wooden spoon isn’t necessary, but it helps to prevent accidental burns from touching the heated metal disco.
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& N GI IC N O T
Recipe by AMBER MARTINEZ; and photo by BRIAN ARGABRIGHT
S
ummertime means hotter weather and the need for cold drinks. While beer is the choice for many folks when the temperature climbs, there are those who are looking for something a little crisper, a little more refreshing and a little more
adult. Enter the gin and tonic. The gin and tonic was originally created as a way to deliver quinine, which was used to combat malaria by British soldiers in the 1700s, into the system. Original tonic water contained quinine, and gin, sugar, water and lime was added to help the taste. Today’s gin and tonics aren’t that complex, or used for fighting malaria, but they still have some of the same ingredients – gin, tonic water and lime. Del Rio’s Amber Martinez is a former bartender with a passion for mixology, and she explained that the lime and tonic water help to balance the bitterness of the gin. The tonic water also adds some crispness to the drink because of the carbonation. “The flavors definitely mix well, and you don’t get the bitterness from the juniper in the gin,” Martinez said. “Plus it’s pretty simple to make and should take you about five minutes to concoct.”
Ingredients • Gin • 1 lime or lime juice • Tonic water • Ice
Method Gin and tonic is best served in a rocks glass or highball glass. 1. Add the freshly squeezed lime juice or bottled lime juice to a glass with about 3 to 4 ice cubes. You’ll want to add about half a lime’s worth of juice. 2. Add the gin and then the tonic. Most recipes call for a 1:1 ratio or a ratio of 1:3. The amount of gin you use will vary depending on how you want your gin and tonic to taste. For this recipe we used two parts tonic water to one part gin. 3. Stir. 4. Garnish with a slice of lime. You can add lime slices to the drink itself for a crisper taste or just leave the garnish. It’s up to you. 5. Serve and enjoy.
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These BEX sunglasses feature NYPO lens techonolgy for Dad’s active lifestyle. Available at Del Rio Feed & Supply.
This STS Collectible Ranchwear Backpack makes a thoughtful Father’s Day gift for those fathers that live the outdoor lifestyle. Available at Del Rio Feed & Supply.
s ’ r e h t Fa Day s e t i r o v a F This Traeger Pro 22 barbecue pellet grill from Russell True Value features a fully automatic auger, digital control with settings from smoke to more than 400 degrees, sawhorse style chassis, two meat probes, 18-pound pellet hopper with cleanout, extra grill rack and angle drip pan for easy cleanup.
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Help Dad rise and shine with this Cuisinart 12-cup programmable coffee maker. Surprise Dad with a cuppa joe in bed on Father’s Day morning. Buy it at JCPenney.
This Yeti Hopper Flip leakproof cooler carries 12 of Dad’s favorite canned drinks. Pick one up for a special Dad or Grandad at Russell True Value.
This pair of Reaction Kenneth Cole sandals makes a great Father’s Day gift. Available at Marshalls.
Help Dad get ready for summer and show off his Lone Star pride with these blue and red Texas caps from Mesquite Creek Outfitters. Top: Treat Dad to some old-fashioned fun with Sugarlands Shine from the Sugarlands Distilling Co. in Gatlinburg, Tenn. Available in flavors like Appalachian Apple Pie and Southern Sweet Tea from Lechuguilla Liquors. Get Dad a new home for his favorite blade. This Chem Tac Inc. side-mounted knife scabbard features a snap to keep the knife secure. Available at Del Rio Feed & Supply.
Center: A gift Dad is sure to appreciate: award-winning Stillhouse Black Bourbon from the Stillhouse Spirits Co. Black bourbon is a unique combination of roasted coffee beans and barrel aged bourbon. Available at Lechuguilla Liquors. Right: Put a twist on this month’s cocktail, a gin and tonic, by gifting Dad a bottle of Generous Gin, a blend of juniper, citrus, red pepper and floral essences. A French gin available at Lechuguilla Liquors.
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Jorge
Suday EDITOR’S NOTE: I’d never met Jorge Suday before one of our advertising executives, Xochitl Arteaga, suggested him as the subject for this month’s Closet Confidential feature. Suday and his wife Ana and their three delightful children, Jorge, David and Arissa, welcomed us to the Sudays’ lovely north Del Rio home and did everything possible to make us feel comfortable. Suday has deep roots in the region and is one of the area’s most successful businessmen. For the past 22 years, he has owned El Chaparral, a popular night spot in Ciudad Acuña, Coah., Mexico, Del Rio’s sister city across the Rio Grande.
TELL ME ABOUT YOUR SCHOOL YEARS:
“This is how I dress when I go to my club: long-sleeved shirt with embroidered club logo, black Wrangler cowboy hat, jeans and boots.”
CLOSET CONFIDENTIAL Story and photos by KAREN GLEASON
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“I went to high school at Texas Military Institute in San Antonio. It was a very old school, built in 1894. Gen. Douglas McArthur was in its first graduating class. My time at the military school was unforgettable, I wore the military uniform with great pride and enjoyed marching in the mornings as well as using the M16s. I attended TMI beginning in 1984 and graduated in 1987. Afterward, I decided to go back to Mexico to college in Monterrey Tec. My dad owned ranches in Mexico which were my passion. That was the reason I decided to study agriculture.
“I wore this jacket when I attended Texas Military Institute, a high school in San Antonio. My dad sent us there because he wanted us to live in the dorms, to learn military discipline. I really enjoyed my time there.”
“
“
I would wear this suit jacket to a wedding or at Christmas or a business meeting.
“I’ve had these boots for 15 or 18 years, and I wear them almost every day. I got them in San Antonio. I’m in the construction business, so they reflect that. The white drips are stucco.” GRANDE / JUNE 2019
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TELL ME ABOUT EL CHAPARRAL, YOUR CLUB: “We’ve had it for 22 years, and although we’ve had our ups and downs in Mexico, business came back up, and it’s very good now. When I was in high school, there was a club in Bluebonnet, Texas, and we used to go there to dance. It was three-in-one, a nightclub, a dance hall and there were bucking bulls in the same building, so when I went to Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico; they were doing the same thing in a place called Far West, so I thought, ‘This would work in Acuña.’ So our club is a discotheque, we have live music and outside we have bullriding.” •
“
This is what I would wear on a weekend. Comfortable shirt, jeans, either Wranglers or Levis, with caiman-skin cowboy boots.
“We all love to ski, and these are my Oakley Canopy Snow skiing goggles. We go to Ruidoso, Colorado, Taos. It’s very relaxing. We go once or twice every year.”
“ “This belt was a gift from my sister, Raquenel. She gave it to me about three years ago, and she put my club’s name on the back because she knows how proud I am of it. I wear this belt a lot.”
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“This is a hat I often wear in the winter when I go to work. I’ve owned a bar in Ciudad Acuña called El Chaparral, which is a Mexican norteño place, for 22 years.”
“I like to hunt, and this is a deer I shot in Oklahoma about two years ago. Both of my boys went with me on that trip, and each one of us shot one.” “This is the outfit I wear when I go riding my allterrain vehicle, a Polaris XP1000. I ride in Monterrey, Guadalajara and Chihuahua in Mexico. I enjoy riding it with my sons, going to the top of the mountains, through rivers, anywhere.”
“This is from a t-shirt my sons Jorge and David made for me before Arissa was even born. They gave this to me on the first Father’s Day after David was born, so David was about two months old and Jorge was three. Arissa also made a hand for me when she was in kindergarten.”
The Suday family at home in Del Rio: from left, David, Arissa, Jorge Suday, Ana Suday and Jorge. GRANDE / JUNE 2019
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THANK YOU
Del Rio For Voting Us One Of The Best! An IHG® HOTEL
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Front Row: Broker-Brenda Hunter and Broker Assoc. Michaelanna Hunter Back Row: Realtors Gilda Vasquez, Sonia Salinas, Denise Bowers, Property Manager & Broker Assoc. Lisa Cadena-Craig
To make your reservation: Call 1-800-HOLIDAY Or 830-488-6280
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2602 Veterans Blvd. • Del Rio, TX 78840 • (830) 775-8518 Check out our website at www.delriorealestate.com
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The Independence Day Rodeo ends each night with bull riding, pitting man against a 2,000-pound opponent that need to work together to achieve the highest score possible.
Let’s get ready to
RODEO
Story by BRIAN ARGABRIGHT; photos by BRIAN ARGABRIGHT AND EMILE ABBOTT
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Annual Rotary Rodeo celebrates 15th anniversary
Left: Bareback riding is one of the earlier events at the annual Independence Day Rodeo, putting you on the edge of your seat from the get-go. Right: Saddle bronc riding is one of the oldest rodeo events, and at the Independence Day Rodeo it’s one of the first events of each evening.
A
n annual Fourth of July tradition, the Del Rio Rotary Club’s Independence Day rodeo drops in June this year, bringing some much-anticipated rodeo action to fans. But don’t be fooled. All the fun and excitement associated with the summertime rodeo is for a good cause. The monies collected from the event, which will celebrate its 15th annual incarnation June 28 and June 29 at the Val Verde County Fairgrounds, will go to support the club’s annual scholarships as well as other programs near and dear to the heart of Rotarians. In the past, monies raised have gone towards improvements at Del Rio Rotary Park. The club also presents nearly $15,000 in scholarships annually. Show times each night begin at 8, but the popular stickhorse race for kids and sign-ups for other events, such as the mutton bustin’ and the scoop races, take place prior to that. With the help of longtime rodeo producer Lester Meier, who provides the stock for the events, the Independence Day Rodeo brings a bevy of roughstock and timed events
for the public to enjoy each year. The Lester Meier Rodeo Company, which calls Fredericksburg home, has been producing pro rodeos for more than 40 years and will bring a full slate of rodeo events to Del Rio including bull riding, bare bronc riding, barrel racing, ladies breakaway calf roping, team roping, tie-down calf roping and saddle bronc riding. If this is the first time you’ll be attending the Independence Day Rodeo, then you’ll probably need a little briefing on what you can expect from each event. Saddle Bronc Riding Rodeo’s “classic” event, saddle bronc riding, has roots that run deep in the history of the Old West. Ranch hands would often gather and compete among themselves to see who could display the best style while riding unbroken horses. It was from this early competition that today’s event was born. Each rider must begin his ride with his feet over the bronc’s shoulders to give the horse the advantage. A rider who synchronizes his spurring action with the animal’s bucking efforts will receive a high score. Other factors considered in the scoring are the cowboy’s control throughout
The stickhorse races are for some of the youngest rodeo fans. It’s like barrel racing, but on a smaller scale.
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Left: The Wild Riders have been a part of the Independence Day Rodeo for a few years now, not only in presenting the U.S. flag, but also performing their precision riding skills. Right: Hold on and hang tight are the keys to success when it comes to mutton busting. This one’s for the kids, and sign ups take place before the rodeo begins.
the ride, the length of his spurring stroke and how hard the horse bucks. Model spurring action begins with the rider’s feet far forward on the bronc’s point of shoulder, sweeping to the back of the saddle, or “cantle,” as the horse bucks. The rider then snaps his feet back to the horse’s neck a split second before the animal’s front feet hit the ground. Disqualification results if, prior to the buzzer which sounds after eight seconds, the rider touches the animal, himself or his equipment with his free hand, if either foot slips out of a stirrup, if he drops the bronc rein, or if he fails to have his feet in the proper “mark out” position at the beginning of the ride. Bareback Riding Bareback riding is similar to saddle bronc riding with the major difference being there is no saddle or bronc rein. Cowboys must ride their horse one-handed, holding on as tightly as possible to a handle attached to a leather rigging, and they cannot
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touch the horse with their free hand. As in saddle bronc and bull riding, they must stay on the horse for eight seconds. They are judged on control and spurring technique while the horse is judged on its performance as well. The rider’s score is a combination of the two scores. Calf Roping Like bronc riding, calf roping is an event born on the ranches of the Old West. Sick calves were roped and tied down for medical treatment. Today, success in calf roping depends largely on the teamwork between a cowboy and his horse. The luck of the draw is also a factor. A feisty calf that runs fast or kicks hard can foil a roper’s finest effort. After the calf is given a head start, horse and rider give chase. The contestant ropes the calf, then dismounts and runs to the animal. After catching and flanking the calf, the cowboy ties any three of the animal’s legs together using a “pigging string” he carries in his teeth until
needed. If the calf is not standing when the contestant reaches it, the cowboy must allow the animal to stand, then flank it. When the cowboy completes his tie, he throws his hands in the air as a signal to the judge. He then remounts his horse and allows the rope to become slack. The run is declared invalid if the calf kicks free within six seconds. As with any timed event, a 10-second penalty is added if the calf roper breaks the barrier at the beginning of the run. Breakaway Roping This event features women trying to loop their rope around the neck of a sprinting calf in the fastest time possible. Much like calf roping, the rider has to give the calf a head start, but unlike calf roping the competitor just has to loop their rope around the calf’s neck. Once the calf runs far enough, a string attached to the rope and the saddle will pop off and the time ends. This is the fastest event in the rodeo, so don’t blink or you’ll miss it. Team Roping Rodeo’s only true team event, team roping features two ropers, a “header” and a “heeler,” who work together to catch a steer. The header is the first cowboy out of the box. He may rope the steer around the head and one horn, around the neck or around both horns, which are specially wrapped for the event. As with all timed events, if the header fails to give the animal its alotted head start, a 10-second penalty is added to the total time. After making his catch, the header rides to the left, taking
the steer in tow. The heeler moves in and ropes both hind legs. Catching only one hind leg results in a five-second penalty. If the heeler tosses his loop before the header has changed the direction of the steer and has the animal moving forward, it’s called a “crossfire” and it results in disqualification. The clock is stopped when the slack has been taken out of both ropes and the contestants are facing each other. Steer Wrestling Wrestling a steer requires more than brute strength. The successful steer wrestler, or bulldogger, is strong, to be sure, but he also understands the principles of leverage. The steer wrestler on horseback starts behind a barrier, and begins his chase after the steer has been given a head start. If the bulldogger leaves too soon and breaks the barrier, he receives a 10-second penalty. The steer wrestler is assisted by a hazer, another cowboy on horseback tasked with keeping the steer running in a straight line. When the bulldogger’s horse pulls even with the steer, he eases down the right side of the horse and reaches for the steer’s horns. After grasping the horns, he digs his heels into the dirt. As the steer slows, the cowboy turns the animal, lifts up on its right horn and pushes down with his left hand in an effort to tip the steer over. After the catch, the steer wrestler must either bring the steer to a stop or change the direction of the animal’s body before the throw or is disqualified. The clock stops when the steer is on his
Calf roping is all about speed and power as the best roper can hit his target, jump from his horse and wrap up his calf as fast as he can.
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side with all four legs pointing the same direction. Barrel Racing Although barrel racing may look less harrowing than some other rodeo events, it certainly is not for the fainthearted. The horsemanship skills and competitive drive in this fast and furious event make it a crowd favorite. In barrel racing, the contestant enters the arena at full speed on a sprinting American Quarter Horse. As they start the pattern, the horse and rider trigger an electronic eye that starts the clock. Then the racer rides a cloverleaf pattern around three barrels positioned in the arena, and sprints back out of the arena, tripping the eye and stopping the clock as she leaves. The contestant can touch or even move the barrels, but receives a five-second penalty for each barrel that is overturned. With the margin of victory measured in hundredths of seconds, knocking over one barrel spells disaster for a barrel racing competitor. Bull Riding Unlike the other roughstock contestants, bull riders are not required to spur. No wonder. It’s usually impressive enough just to remain seated for eight seconds on an animal that may weigh more than a ton and is as quick as he is big. Upper body control and strong legs are essential to riding bulls. The rider tries to remain forward, or “over his hand,” at all times. Leaning back could cause him to be whipped forward when the bull bucks. Judges watch for good body position and other factors, including use of the free arm and spurring action. Although not required, spurring will add points to a rider’s score. As in all the riding events, half of the score in bull riding is determined by the contestant’s performance and the other half is based on the animal’s efforts. A bull rider will be disqualified for touching the animal, himself or his equipment with his free hand. In addition to all these events, there are also performances from precision riding teams, entertainment from various performers such as professional barrelmen or demonstrations from local law enforcement, and audience participation events such as the calf scramble, scoop races and more. •
Top: Being the Rotary Rodeo Queen means more than just wearing the crown. The young girl selected for the honor must have horsemanship skills and takes part in events throughout rodeo weekend, including the grand entry and the stickhorse races. Middle: Only the biggest and the strongest competitors take part in steer wrestling. Some steers can weigh up to 200 pounds, providing quite the challenge for cowboys. Top: The header and heeler on a roping team have to work together to make sure each person hits their target in the fastest time possible.
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Last Look
Happy Father’s Day! The June issue of Del Rio Grande is upon us, and we are spotlighting dads with this awesome issue. Of course I call it awesome not because it’s focusing on dads, but because the Grande editor, Karen Gleason, asked me to take the lead on this issue. That means most of the features and stories in this issue sprouted from my brain. I apologize in advance. But seriously, this was a fun issue to work on because we are trying some new things with this issue. That included hosting our first casting call for our fashion models, which drew some amazing dads. Thanks to everyone who turned out, and we look forward to doing that again as we continue to look for new ways to shine a light on the wonderful people of Del Rio. I also want to thank the military families who opened up their lives to us and shared their stories of how the armed forces played such a big part in their lives. Having a volunteer military means that only a small percentage of citizens will ever serve, but those that do are often proud of their service and serve as our first and last line of defense here and across the world. It’s not an easy job for any man or woman, but that’s what separates them from the rest of us. My father, my brother and several of my uncles served in the military. I’ll be forever grateful for what it gave my family and for what it means to our country as a whole. I also want to thank my network of friends because I’m lucky enough to have so many smart people in my life that I can tap into when I need help with a feature. This month my network came up big thanks to Adan Escareño’s amazing guiso prepared in his disco. Escareño used to work at the News-Herald and I remember many an office function where disco cooking took center stage whether it was former publisher Joe San Miguel, former circulation manager Santos Roman or someone else. I also want to thank Amber Martinez for her work with the gin and tonic. I’m more of a beer guy, so when it comes to mixing drinks together I am not the man for the task. However, Martinez was a champ when it came to throwing the gin and tonic together and explaining not only why the flavors work together, but why it’s a good summer drink. Thanks for supporting Del Rio Grande. We’ll see you again next month! Brian Argabright Grande Writer/Photographer
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Clockwise from top: Photo by Atzimba Morales: Grande editor Karen Gleason snaps a family portrait of the Sudays at their home. Jorge Suday, a local businessman, was the focus of this month’s Closet Confidential. Photo by Brian Argabright: Adan Escareño sniffs a bundle of cilantro to make sure it has the right flavor. He selected that bundle to use in his guiso. Photo by Karen Gleason: Grande writer and photographer Atzimba Morales buckles a watch on the wrist of Emmanuel Navarro at the start of the June Father’s Day fashion shoot at The Bank & Trust Ram Field. Photo by Atzimba Morales: Raul G. Hurtado III takes a photo of Cristian Medina on the steps leading to the press box at The Bank & Trust Ram Field while Hurtado’s daughter, Gianna Hurtado, assists with lighting. Ballparks were the setting for this month’s photo shoot highlighting some of Del Rio’s dads.
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15TH ANNUAL DEL RIO ROTARY
Independence Day Rodeo JUNE 28TH & 29TH • 6:00PM
VAL VERDE COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS
BARREL RACING
BULL RIDING MUTTON BUSTIN' MUCH MORE!
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