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November 20, 2021
House Bill dedicating seven miles to fallen hero passes
By Jessica Nohealapa’ahi Goode
The Bandera Prophet
House Bill 2431, which authorizes the dedication of seven miles on Hwy. 173 to Rodney Lee Buentello, is approved. Spearheaded by Bandera County Attorney Janna Lindig, funding efforts have now begun to pay for two highway signs.
A true collaborative effort, county commissioners and the City of Bandera passed resolutions supporting the bill, sponsored by Representatives Andrew Murr (R) and Ina Minjarez (D), and Senator Dawn Buckingham (R). It passed with unanimous votes May 28 and became effective Sept. 21.
The seven miles, named Master Sergeant Rodney Lee Buentello Memorial Highway, will begin at the bridge crossing the Medina River at Bandera City Park and stretch into Medina County. The Texas Department of Transportation has estimated the cost of constructing and erecting two signs at the beginning and end of the memorial highway is $5,727, and the Bandera ProRodeo Association is leading the effort to raise money.
On June 8, 2016, Buentello, of San Antonio, jumped into the river to save two teenagers who fell into the water while walking across the dam. He got the teenagers out, but was unable to reach the surface after and drowned.
“Most of us understand the severity of the river when it is swollen. He jumped in to save the children, and lost his life,” Lindig said. “He left behind his wife and three children who were with him and watched it.”
Buentello served 20 years in the Marines, completing four combat tours, one in Afghanistan and three in Iraq, and received two Purple Heart awards.
An account has been set up with GoFundMe, at https://www.gofundme.com/f/msgt-rodney-lee-buentello
Any excess funds collected not needed for the signs will be forwarded to the Buentello family.
A true collaborative effort, county commissioners and the City of Bandera passed resolutions supporting the bill, sponsored by Representatives Andrew Murr (R) and Ina Minjarez (D), and Senator Dawn Buckingham (R). It passed with unanimous votes May 28 and became effective Sept. 21.
The seven miles, named Master Sergeant Rodney Lee Buentello Memorial Highway, will begin at the bridge crossing the Medina River at Bandera City Park and stretch into Medina County. The Texas Department of Transportation has estimated the cost of constructing and erecting two signs at the beginning and end of the memorial highway is $5,727, and the Bandera ProRodeo Association is leading the effort to raise money.
On June 8, 2016, Buentello, of San Antonio, jumped into the river to save two teenagers who fell into the water while walking across the dam. He got the teenagers out, but was unable to reach the surface after and drowned.
“Most of us understand the severity of the river when it is swollen. He jumped in to save the children, and lost his life,” Lindig said. “He left behind his wife and three children who were with him and watched it.”
Buentello served 20 years in the Marines, completing four combat tours, one in Afghanistan and three in Iraq, and received two Purple Heart awards.
An account has been set up with GoFundMe, at https://www.gofundme.com/f/msgt-rodney-lee-buentello
Any excess funds collected not needed for the signs will be forwarded to the Buentello family.