Gen. Ricardo Sanchez named Border Texan of the Year

HIDALGO — Lt. Gen. Ricardo Sanchez is set to headline BorderFest 2008 as Border Texan of the Year.

Organizers of the annual cultural festival in Hidalgo announced their choice Tuesday morning alongside Sanchez, a retired three-star Army general who commanded U.S. forces in Iraq in 2003 and 2004.

Sanchez was born in Rio Grande City and is a favorite son of the Rio Grande Valley.

“This man from Starr County was put on the international stage, and he made us proud. He performed well,” said John David Franz, the mayor of Hidalgo and a member of the committee that chose Sanchez as this year’s honoree.

Sanchez attended college on ROTC scholarships and graduated from what is now Texas A&M University-Kingsville before being commissioned a second lieutenant in the Army. He rose swiftly through the ranks, serving as a battalion commander in the first Iraq war.

Fallout in 2004 from the abuse of Iraqi prisoners by U.S. soldiers at the Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq damaged Sanchez’s public standing and likely kept him from further promotions within the Army following his stint at the helm of coalition forces.

But for Valley leaders, his rise to leadership and his prominence certifies him as a local hero.

“I think he symbolizes the fact that there is greatness among us,” Franz said. “He exemplifies what hard work and persistence can do.”

Since retiring in 2006, Sanchez has spoken out about Iraq, criticizing the lack of vision among political leaders and the partisan politics he felt corrupted the decision-making for

the war.

“I think it’s not about speaking out — it’s about continuing to contribute to the security of the country,” Sanchez said on Tuesday when asked about his post-military role. “It’s about continuing to stay true to your value systems and to the oath you take as a public servant, to the Constitution.

“Where you see challenges within the structures of the country, I think it is our duty, every American’s duty, to stand up and have the moral courage to encounter those challenges,” he said.

Sanchez is slated to speak at the Border Texan dinner, a $100-a-seat fundraiser on Feb. 27 for a local educational or scholarship fund of Sanchez’s choice.

Past honorees have included South Texas College president Shirley Reed, McAllen economic development leader Mike Allen and Gov. Rick Perry.

Sanchez, who when he retired was the highest-ranking Hispanic in the U.S. Army, is one of the few Valley natives to receive the honor.

____

Sara Perkins covers Mission, western Hidalgo County, Starr County and general assignments for The Monitor. You can reach her at (956) 683-4472.

This article has been changed from its original version. Sanchez was the highest-ranking Hispanic when he retired; however, he was not the highest-ranked Hispanic man ever to serve in the Army. The Monitor regrets the error.