Fri, Dec 15, 2006
Raised $100,000 For 'Eyes On The Border' Foundation
Houston, TX radio talk show host Edd Hendee made good on his
promise to provide Culberson and Hudspeth counties with an aircraft
to aid in patrolling the Texas border.
Hendee used his influence to promote the "Eyes on the Border"
foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting US
borders. Between Hendee and fellow radio show host Dan Patrick, the
foundation raised $100,000 -- enough to purchase a Maule MXT-7-180
(file photo of type above).
Culberson County Sheriff Oscar Carrillo and Hudspeth County
Sheriff Arvin West accepted the keys for the aircraft from Hendee,
then promptly put it to work on a three-hour surveillance sortie
along the border east of El Paso.
Hendee told the Houston Chronicle, "It isn't the whole
solution, but it is part of the solution."
Hendee learned recently the two counties had complained of
limited manpower and resources to cover one of the prime areas used
by drug traffickers, human smugglers and illegal immigrants
according to local authorities. He raised $50,000 from his devoted
listeners in a week and a half . The total reached $100,000 after
Patrick joined the fund-raising campaign.
Hendee says he's not done yet. He's vowed to continue raising
money to pay for the fuel and other operating costs of the aircraft
as well as pilot training for Sheriff's deputies.
The counties are seeking permission to sell vehicles seized in
drug arrests to purchase more aircraft.
Sheriff Carrillo said, "This is one of the first steps in
getting us into the 21st century. If we can stop them in our
backyard, we can keep them from bringing drugs into your front
yard."
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