SAN ANTONIO, N.M. – New Mexico National Guard Soldiers and Airmen joined forces with an Oklahoma swiftwater rescue team Oct. 28 to rescue 78 goats, one mule, one dog and three adults from floodwaters along the Rio Grande.
Ten New Mexico National Guard members worked shoulder-to-shoulder with Oklahoma Task Force 3 swiftwater rescue personnel to evacuate the animals and people from floodwaters east of San Antonio in Socorro County.
The operation, which ran from about 10 a.m. to 1:50 p.m., required considerable physical effort and patience. Each of the 78 goats had to be individually caught, carried, loaded aboard rescue boats and transported to safety.
The three adults assisting the stranded animals also were evacuated.
“Disaster response always brings the unexpected, and today’s mission in San Antonio was no exception,” said Maj. Gen. Miguel Aguilar, the adjutant general of the New Mexico National Guard. “Thanks to the seamless teamwork between our Soldiers and Airmen and our Oklahoma swiftwater rescue partners, three New Mexicans and 80 animals are safe tonight.”
The mission brought together New Mexico Army and Air National Guard personnel from multiple units, including: Sgt. 1st Class Bobby Moya, 920th Engineer Construction Company; Sgt. Roberto Veledias, 920th Engineer Construction Company; Sgt. Louie Chavarria, 1209th Medical Company Area Support; Spc. Vincent Silva, 642nd Support Maintenance Company; Pfc. Aiden Kimura, 919th Military Police Company; Spc. Aston Lopez, 920th Engineer Construction Company; Pvt. Adam Martinez, 919th Military Police Company; Spc. Ethan Sanchez, New Mexico Medical Detachment; Tech. Sgt. Danae Dollinger, 150th Medical Group; and Senior Airman Wesley Wichman, 150th Maintenance Squadron.
The rescue comes as New Mexico National Guard Soldiers and Airmen continue supporting local emergency management agencies and first responders statewide after weeks of unusually heavy rainfall and widespread flooding.
In Socorro County, Guard members have conducted multiple rescue and evacuation operations, including recent missions assisting residents threatened by floodwaters in the Escondida, Pueblito and San Francisco areas.
The operation highlighted the wide range of challenges facing emergency responders as they work to protect New Mexico communities during the ongoing flooding.
The final tally: 78 members of the Bleat Brigade, one stubborn rescuee (the mule), one canine companion and three people brought to safety.
