Fellow USA Patriots,
Yes, another month of your enduring sacrifice has ended! I again extend my thanks to all who came to New Mexico and served their country to secure our borders! From All across our "Great Nation" you came! I am humbled!
------ It was again an honor to be a part of a "GREAT MOVEMENT" and serve with such fine Patriots! ---------
We have overcome many obstacles in the past few months! We have re-organized as "Minutemen" for a cause! We proved to ourselves we are united in our efforts to obtain simple goals. Goals which our countries leaders fail to accomplish! Or just do not want to! There are so many of you who came to "Patriot Base" to name.
And keeping with my belief in OPSEC, I will not name you anyway! I know you! and most important! You know what you have done for your country! We will prevail!!!!!!!! May God Bless Cajun, Three Horses, CJ and Scarlett
Dear Minutemen & Supporters:
As you are aware, Patriots Border Alliance works with Glenn Spencer of American Border Patrol; along with a few other affiliates. Mr. Spencer has a personal request and we at PBA are hopeful that you might find time in your schedule to help his organization out over the next few months.
Volunteers are needed to learn and operate his 'Gully Watcher' camera system. For those not acquainted with this wonderful piece of technology; its a 30' boom that sticks out of the roof of a Jeep Cherokee with a thermal imaging system at the top. The lap-top monitor resides in the cab of the truck, complete with recording devise. There is much more detail to this high priced unit, but I will let him give you the scoop on its capabilities. Also, he is offering his guest home to any Minuteman that would care to volunteer to come and spend time watching the border there. I can tell you from personal experience, this is one wonderful man with property that provides incredible views along the San Pedro Valley area near Palominas Arizona. You will not be disappointed.
To schedule your volunteer time, please contact him at 800-600-8642 from 8AM-6PM. You can work out the details of your stay with him directly. Please be prepared to show your PBA ID Card, as it may be asked of you.
The Holidays are here again, and everyone is back home, back to work, back to retirement, and getting ready for the Season. Over the next couple of months, the PBA Committee and Board of Directors will be busy planning the PBA National Meeting (PBA BOD Elections/Workshops/Speakers) scheduled for February 16th in St. Louis MO; and planning next years field operations that will lead us back to Three Points Arizona. We are also looking into a border watch group in California as a potential ally to work with on border operations there. As we stand down from border operations for the remaining balance of the year, we look forward to your input and ideas on how to help us all grow, and become more active in our own communities.
Thank you all for your Patriotism, your spirited enthusiasm, and your dedication to the National debate on Illegal Immigration.
Semper Vigilans.
Stacey O'Connell
Minuteman
Patriots Border Alliance
Board Member, Vice Chair
www.patriotsborderalliance.com
Another month’s border watch is completed. Patriots’ Border Alliance—although a new organization—had 91 volunteer Minutemen from 23 different states assisting in this patriotic effort to show our government that citizens are willing to assist in the important job of protecting the sovereignty of this country. We had several heroic and dedicated Minutemen who spent the entire month on our Cochise County border watch: Ralph, Sally, Dave and Harold! Others had to work during the week or had limited vacation time but willingly gave whatever time they could spare. But the watch went out every night and most days as well!
Our sighting/apprehension numbers were down this month. We only sighted 110 of which 75 were apprehended by Border Patrol in Arizona. New Mexico reported just 47 apprehensions. (Looks like AZ beat NM in the apprehension challenge!)
In reviewing our numbers from past years, we noted that the numbers in April in Arizona are always much higher than they have been during Octobers past. In April 2006, Minutemen sighted 1500 plus—BP apprehended a third of those. In April 2007, Minutemen sighted over 1400—again BP only apprehended a third. Yet in October 2006, we only sighted 524 with only 171 BP apprehensions. Since we know that this is drug harvesting season, we might surmise that drug smuggling takes precedence over people smuggling in October. Also, the government is actually building a fence in the Naco area that seems to be having an impact as well. At least there wasn’t a proposed amnesty in Congress to encourage the rush to the border that we saw this past April!
However, of particular note to those of us who have been conducting these border watches since 2005 was the large number of special assistance lay ups we discovered in Cochise County. These were hidden areas which were supplied with new backpacks filled with food and new clothing; lots of filled water bottles; even baby supplies. Local residents reported pick ups along their roads all over the county. We observed non-Mexicans assisting illegal aliens with transportation. This is a big business and it is truly appalling that American citizens would have their hands in the pockets of these poor people along with the coyotes and others, who assist aliens to transverse our borders illegally. Not to mention the collateral damage caused by these poor, uneducated people burdening our society after they get here.
We had our closing Ceremonies on Saturday, Oct. 28 which was highlighted by speeches from PBA Chairman Bob Wright, ABP Founder Glenn Spencer, and the Field Representative for FAIR, Rosanna Pulido, who flew in from Chicago to give us some encouraging news about the legal steps being taken in many states and communities to stop illegal immigration. Eagle Awards were presented to four New Mexico Minutemen and five Arizona Minutemen. Additionally, this year, recognition and awards were presented to Bill Irwin and Bob Wright for all they have done for the overall Minuteman movement over the years as well as their leadership in PBA.
A special award was presented to Pineapple 6: The Piney Award. Musters in Arizona would not have developed over the years without his consistent leadership and assistance. He has always been the first to arrive and get the camp set up; do the scouting prior to the watches; arrange for the logistical support for the camp; and helped guide and direct all the activities. Some have found him to be, like the Pineapple, a little prickly on the outside….but when one cuts open the fruit of the Pineapple, they have found—not perfection--but some sour pieces; some tart pieces; and a lot of really sweet fruit! He blushed and blustered over that declaration but we all know what a sweetheart and a stalwart soldier he has been over the years and are thankful for his tremendous dedication.
A new feature in our awards ceremony this year was the P.J. O’Malley Awards. Who knew P.J. was such a talented humorist? He quietly got to know the unique features of a number of the volunteers and then cleverly worded awards that aptly described those characteristics of particular individuals. It was a hoot!
We sincerely hope that all the PBA volunteers know just how valued they are for whatever they were able to contribute: be it time, talents, or resources! We were honored to have the support of many local residents at this muster and we greatly appreciated all that they donated and did in behalf of our mission.
We also want to reiterate our great appreciation to American Border Patrol—Glenn Spencer, Mike Christy, and Melissa J. for all their support and assistance in October. Glenn has offered the use of his guest house on his ranch should any of our volunteers wish to help ABP monitor their cameras and sensors on the border during the year. This will be available following some work on the house and PBA volunteers may contact Bob Wright to arrange to assist ABP.
Don’t forget the PBA annual meeting on February 16, 2008 in St. Louis, Missouri. Mark your calendars and plan to bring your sweetheart over the Valentine’s weekend. The first ever Minuteman election will be held to establish the chosen leadership of Patriots’ Border Alliance for the next few years. Be there! (Details will be sent in November).
One last note: someone left their Sony 120 movie camera in the COMMS trailer during October. The camera was left with John Waters at the Palominas Trading Post for pick up.
Sierra Vista Herald Coverage of the End of PBA Operations
PALOMINAS — If there’s one thing members of the Patriots’ Border Alliance wants to make clear, it’s that they are often the first to offer humanitarian aid to illegal immigrants.
According to PBA member Bob Wright, “When they come upon us or we come upon them, they look like they’ve been through hell. It’s rugged territory in the Huachucas.” Though such encounters are rare, members say they immediately offer the men, women and children who have crossed illegally into the United States water to drink.
“We have a great deal of compassion for them. We’re out there in the cold at night, just like they are. There was one instance where we came upon a group traveling with a 9-year-old and here it is 38 degrees at night,” said Wright. “That’s the trouble. It’s one thing for adults to take these chances, but it’s another for them to put kids in that situation. It gets frustrating.”
Sunday, PBA wrapped up its month-long border operations that were attended by over 130 people who came from across the nation to help the U.S. Border Patrol by spotting illegal trafficking activities.
Quetzal Doty, from Phoenix, said around 25 states were represented by members of state Minutemen organizations and PBA who came to act as extra eyes for the Border Patrol agents working the busy line between Mexico and Cochise County. He estimated around 50 percent of the participants were from Arizona.
All the people who come to the border operations are volunteers and take time out of their busy schedules to do their part to protect America.
Click the link above to read the rest of this great and very comprehensive article!
October 25, 2007: From the Border by Sandy Doty
Our Day spotters reported much activity a half mile across the border
today. At the spot where Mexican Military were spotted last week, 7
trucks were seen entering the ranch today. As they were under cover
after entering, the spotters were unable to see what was unloaded. Border Patrol has been very active on this side of the river today and
we anticipate there will be a lot of travelers coming our way tonight. We have the big thermal scope assisting tonight from a good vantage
point where many pickups have occurred this month. We will even be
watching from camp tonight since we heard that at 12:30 pm last night,
the BP picked up a group in the field just southwest of us--near the river.
We had one apprehension this morning and another group was spotted
just as they were being processed on the highway shortly thereafter.
It appears that our foot traffic is picking up (now that we are just a
few days prior to ending the operation).
What great Minutemen we have had with us this month. Those who have
had to leave due to illness, did so reluctantly. Many have left
wonderful donations of food, drinks, snacks, and a huge bowl of candy
from Wes and Sue. Of special note was the gift of hamburgers and
hotdogs from Bill and Robin. We had another cookout with all their good stuff. More egg donations have resulted in more deviled eggs to
share with everyone--guys sure do love them! Many thanks to all our
good friends and supporters.
Special programming note: on Saturday--at 10 am--we have been
provided with the DVD "Border War" which we will show in the back room
of the Trading Post.
At 4:00 p.m., we will be having our closing awards ceremony. BE HERE.
October 24, 2007: From the Border by Sandy Doty
A good crowd of supporters and volunteers attended the Cochise County
Board of Supervisors' meeting yesterday to speak on behalf of Pam and
John Waters, who had been cited for non-compliance to county
ordinances due to a complaint from an unnamed person. The county had
sent a team of investigators to the Palominas Trading Post to
determine if the PBA trailers and tents sitting on their property constituted a health or safety issue. They also checked with all the
surrounding neighbors to ensure that no one was being inconvenienced
or disturbed by the temporary encampment of PBA Minutemen.
At the hearing, the Board of Supervisors saw pictures and maps
delineating the Palominas Trading Post property and heard the report
from the investigators that totally exonerated the Waters from any
non-compliance issues. Two of the supervisors stated publicly that
the complaint had come from Chris Simcox. They found that no neighbors had any complaint about PBA or the Palominas Trading Post.
They lauded the Waters as good neighbors and community leaders in
Palominas and further stated that they supported the lst amendment
rights of Minutemen to lawfully assist the Border Patrol in Cochise
County. Bob Wright spoke on behalf of PBA and thanked the Board for
supporting PBA and the 1st Amendment right of citizens to lawfully
gather and seek redress of their grievances from their government.
(The Agenda for the meeting may be found at the website below; minutes
have not yet been posted with specific comments but will be in the near future.
http://www.co.cochise.az.us/ccwebsite/BOSAgenda.asp?MeetingID=757
That night, the Lone Ranger and his scouts and patrol were able to
assist the Border Patrol apprehend 14 illegal aliens that were very
close to being transported by a coyote van. The van had been sighted
in the same area before and as the PBA Minutemen approached it, it
drove away. The Border Patrol had also been watching for this van and
were nearby. They immediate got out of their vehicles and started a
foot search for the IAs, asking our folks to keep watch on the road
should they run in that direction. Very shortly twelve men and two
women were found under some brush near the road and after processing, got the ride they didn't desire--back across the border. That put our
total so far this month at 91 sightings and 63 apprehensions.
But wait, we have more. This morning--Oct. 24--after our day watch
crew went to their posts, one volunteer sighted 10 IAs being processed
by the BP in an area where we have had two other groups sighted and
apprehended during daylight hours. That increases our totals to 101 and 73.
Everyone in camp was delighted to learn this morning that the Dream
Act cloture vote failed 52-44. We have been calling our Senators from
camp.
Our thoughts and prayers are with our friends, family, and brother
Minutemen who are suffering through the terrible fire devastation in
California. We understand that arsonists were responsible for some of the fires and that even some illegal aliens might have been
responsible for one of the San Diego fires.
How much more do Americans have to endure before our government does
the job we elected them to do?
PBA Assists the Border Patrol with Apprehension of Illegals: NEW Video
Thanks to the efforts of one of our volunteer PBA Minutemen, "Lone Ranger", we have a video of the apprehension of nine Central American illegals on October 14, 2007. Most of the discussion you hear is between Border Patrol agents and chatter on the PBA walkie-talkies.
ENJOY and, as always, grateful thanks to our volunteers who assist us every day with spreading the good word of PBA Minutemen and women everywhere!
October 21, 2007: From the Border by Sandy Doty
What a thrilling spectacle it was to see the 65 Freedom Riders with
American colors furled pull into the Palominas Trading Post for a
rally to support Nick Corbett and other Border Patrol agents who have
recently been indicted for shooting illegal aliens who were allegedly
trying to injure the them. The Riders had come from Phoenix through Bisbee for this ride
on behalf of the Border Patrol.
Patriots' Border Alliance Minutemen had the American and PBA flags
flying above the scene which filled with hand-held flags as patriotic
music was played and sung by Jon Healey and Friends band. Jon's own
composition, No Apologies, was performed with the swaying flags
keeping time to the music. What with the stiff breeze today, it was a pretty impressive sight.
Following the music, Randy Graf moderated a brief program that
featured Glenn Spencer, T. J. Bonner, Al Garza, and Cindy Kolb speaking.
Glenn brought out the recent State Department statistics on drugs that are
coming into this country from Mexico and pointed out the irony that
the very people who are trying to protect our children from this
scourge are being incarcerated by our Government instead of the drug
dealers. T. J. Bonner, President of Local 2544 Border Patrol Union, spoke about the recent cases involving BP agents.
Everyone enjoyed visiting with the Freedom Riders who are known far
and wide for their patriotism and support of the troops and Border
Patrol, while partaking of hot dogs, etc. They mustered their group for the return trip to Phoenix around 2:30.
It was a cold, windy and quiet night for illegal activities last
night. There were no sightings and no apprehensions. Today, we are
expecting 65 mph winds so most of our canopies and tents had to come
down. Batten down the hatches, folks, winter is on its way.
New Mexico Minuteman Hero: Joe Lira Interview
Joe Lira is a veteran Minuteman. Joe has just completed his fourth tour on the border with the New Mexico Minutemen, driving all the way from Greensboro, NC.
Bob: Interview with Joe Lira, NM camp. Joe lives in NC, but he is from WV. Joe celebrated his 83rd birthday with us here on the border and we thought we would see what brings him down here to the border. This is Joe's fourth time to the border, driving down from NC. Joe can you tell us what it is that keeps bringing you back to the NM border?
Joe: The main reason is that I volunteered for the Navy in 1941-1945. I feel like I am down here on the border one more time fighting for my country because if this problem isn't solved we aren't going to have an America. Just look around in your own hometown and see what changes have been taking place in the last ten years.
Bob: So in reality, Joe, you feel like we are on war footing.
Joe: Yes, we are defending our country against an invasion. Not an armed invasion, but it is still an invasion. We are going to lose our country just the same as we would lose it if the German or Japanese had invaded.
Bob: Joe, do you feel like your Minuteman service helps fulfill that duty you feel to your country. Does this give you an opportunity to serve your country?
Joe: Yes, I do, because people I talk to down here have been very appreciative of the Minutemen. They said before we came here they hardly ever saw any Border Patrol, fences being cut, cattle being taken and going into Mexico from the fences being cut on the border.
Bob: And do you feel like the Minutemen have made a difference down here on the border and in the whole immigration debate?
Joe: Definitely, because if we hadn't brought it to the attention of the people as a whole the government would have already removed the border.
Bob: Well, Joe, as a Minuteman you recognize that your border service is very important. How important do you think it’s going be for the Minutemen to start moving on in to the country and dealing with local city councils and police departments and other issues like that?
Joe: We're going to have to do it because a large portion of Mexico is in the central part of this country. Their in Greensboro, Charlotte, Winston, Salem. In Charlotte, there are whole streets where you don't see a sign in English. There are all different signs from other countries and we need to start getting to the people, and to the city councils, the state government, and the county. For example, I'm trying to get, I'm a landlord and I refused to rent a house to five different illegals and I'm trying to get the city council to go along with making it illegal for me to rent to an illegal. We need to stop, if we don't give them free medical care, if we don't give them free schooling, if we don't give them places to live and jobs, we don't have to deport them, they will go home.
Bob: This is the first time you've served with this Patriots' Border Alliance. As an alliance we are bring Minuteman groups and other Secure Border groups together. How important do you think allying the various groups will be? Bringing all the energies together in order to help accomplish what you are talking about?
Joe: I think it is very important to have a uniform group, and also this is needed in the political part. We need to bring all the political parties into play together, to try to get a third party that looks out for the country.
Bob: Joe, well, you know you are just everyone's favorite Minuteman and we are always glad to have you down here. I don't think there is anyway to pay enough honor to you for the sacrifice you're taking at this stage in your life. You are eighty something and this is a time in your life you should enjoy relaxing and benefiting from the benefit of a lifetime of labor. How do you feel about now, in this stage of your life, having to come back and serve your country again as an unpaid volunteer?
Joe: Well, it has an advantage in one thing, I'm seeing a different area of the country, I'm seeing the desert as it is at night, at the same time I feel like I said before, I'm serving my country and I enjoy being here. The fellas have been very great. The only thing is I think they are afraid that I am going to kick over at any time.
Bob: At 83 years of age, Joe Lira spent two weeks on the border sleeping in a tent on the ground in an effort to defend the same country, people, values and beliefs he defended in federal service in the 1940’s. Joe recognizes that the threat of uncontrolled immigration and an unsecured border rival the threat to the safety, security, and sovereignty of our republic posed by the fascism of the past.
Joe lives his patriotism in his everyday life, as well. As an owner of multiple rental properties, in an area overrun with illegal aliens, Joe has taken the bold step of refusing to rent to illegals. Joe is working to see legislation passed in his hometown and his state, to see that measure adopted into law. Joe has given talks at local civic groups and is a tireless warrior in this fight to preserve our republic.
Freedom Rider Event: October 21, 2007 Photos by Annie Oakley
Mexican Army Encampment and a Typical "Lay Up" for Illegals
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See more photos by clicking the camera to the right.
PBA On YouTube thanks to Mr. Headrick