Guardian Angels,
I wanted to update you on our swing through Texas this weekend.
1. Dallas – The Guardian Angels have been consistent in their patrols for many years. This weekend a group of Dallas Guardian Angels traveled with me to Abilene. On our way back while right outside of Dallas along the Trinity River on I-20 I had a chance to see them spring into action. Their leader Raphael Arredondo, who is wearing a cast because of rotator cuff surgery, saw a horrific crash taking place ahead of us. He stopped on a dime and ran along with the other Guardian Angels from Dallas to the scene of the accident. Both parties were injured and serious damage had been done. Immediately the Dallas Guardian Angels began directing traffic. Raphael, John Boy and Rev were able to coordinate and slow down six lanes of oncoming traffic. The fire department and the EMT showed up and were grateful for our presence. On the other hand, the Dallas County Sheriff’s office when they responded could not have been more disrespectful of Raphael. He ignored it and carried on directing traffic. This is the second time in two years that I have visited Raphael where he has been in a sling. Last time, we were organizing in San Antonio and he had his right arm in a cast. This time it was his left arm. Even though he was in extreme pain, he was a total brick and he didn’t miss a beat. He deserves all of our recognition for the great job he is doing while under physical duress. Please take the time to email Dallas and let him know what a good job they are doing.
2. Abilene - A young man named Chad had traveled from Abilene to visit a training and to go out on patrol with the Dallas Guardian Angels. He was from Abilene Texas which is 3 hours away with a population of 115,000. It is in the heartland of Texas and is considered in the middle of the bible belt. They have 250 churches alone. Chad along with other residents organized a stop the violence conference at Abilene’s conference center. We attended and it was an absolute hit. Chad is prepared to do the heavy lifting and Raphael out of Dallas is ready to help him in organizing a GA chapter in Abilene.
3. El Paso – 3rd Rail has sent out a great advisory on what happened.
4. Salt Lake City – Chapter leader Patrick Kent, Angel of the Year last year, was visiting Salt Lake City with his family. He took the time to visit and patrol with Freddie Samora and the Salt Lake City GA. Everyone had a great time and suggested that whenever possible we do more of this when Angels are visiting other chapters. I agree, particularly if leaders are visiting a city with a GA chapter and can provide some insight into a new developing chapter. It allows us to touch all the bases.
5. Oakland - A tremendous campaign was launched this weekend by Christina Fernandez, our northern California coordinator and the San Fransisco and Bay Area chapters of the Guardian Angels. With Oakland laying 80 police officers and telling their citizens from now on to email in what might have been a 911 call. The Guardian Angels have begun to flood the streets of Oakland with extra patrols. This campaign was done while they were tying up the loose ends to our upcoming international convention.
http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local-beat/Guardian-Angels-To-Hit-Streets-of-Oakland-98707789.html