MSGT RODNEY LEE BUENTELLO

The Bandera community supported the efforts of Bandera ProRodeo Association to receive State authorization to designate approximately seven miles of State Hwy 173 as the Master Sergeant Rodney Lee Buentello Memorial Highway. The County Commissioners and the City Council passed resolutions supporting this designation, which resolutions were sent to State Representative Andrew Murr. Representative Murr sponsored HB 2431, which provided for the creation of the designation and was unanimously passed and signed,

The dedication of this stretch of highway was sought because of MSGT Buentello's heroic efforts to save two teenagers in Bandera, Texas. MSGT Buentello's heroism in Bandera was preceded by 20 years of service in the Marines which service included four combat tours, one in Afghanistan and three in Iraq and two awards of the Purple Heart.

On June 8, 2016, while enjoying the Medina River with his family at the Bandera City Park, MSGT Buentello jumped into the swollen river below the dam to save two teens who were swept into the river as they tried to walk on the flooded dam. MSGT Buentello saved one, and then the other teen, before vanishing in the rushing river.

In published quotes, his surviving wife, Lisa Buentello, said, “We do our best to keep his memory alive. . . He was such a great mentor and leader . . . . He worked at John Jay High School to influence the teenagers. . . He was going to save those teenagers’ lives no matter what. . . It is hard not having him here with us, but he went out as a hero.” (KSAT.com)

The Texas Department of Transportation has advised us that the estimated cost of constructing and erecting two signs at the beginning and end of the seven mile stretch is $5,727.00. Bandera ProRodeo Association, a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, is spearheading the effort to raise the money to pay for the signs. Any funds collected before the termination of the Go Fund Me account, which are not needed for the signs will be forwarded to the Buentello family. Please help us with this effort. This is something the Bandera Community can do to keep alive and honor MSGT Buentello’s memory and heroism.