Camarena

Enrique S. Camarena Educational Foundation

We are pleased to announce that a bust of the late Enrique 'Kiki' Camarena will be installed at the main library at Calexico on Saturday, February 18, 2006 at 11 AM. The building has already been re-named in his honor and is now known as the Enrique Camarena Library. It is located at 850 Encinas Avenue, Calexico, California. Ms. Sandy Tauber, Librarian, is in charge of the planning. Her phone number is 760-768-2170.

Funding for the bust and pedestal was provided by the Fraternal Order of Border Agents. We hope that all 'Border Rats,' their relatives and friends who are within a reasonable distance can attend the ceremony. Many other friends and relatives of Kiki will be there to honor this former resident of Calexico who stands as a symbol for all fallen and wounded narcotic officers who sacrificed so much to help prevent drug abuse.

To date 37 busts of Agent Camarena have either been installed or are in the planning stages at government buildings, schools and libraries. Many of these were initiated by FOBA members such as Eloy Garcia, James Kuykendall, Fritz Villarreal, Alex and Paulette Rodriguez, and Tom Manson. A number of FOBA members such as Bruce Stock, Dodge Galanos, Bobby Sheppard and Jamie Kuykendall serve on the advisory board and/or the board of directors. Others, such as Tom and Jeanne Ham, are working on various projects within the Foundation. They are trying very hard to get the Camarena Postage Stamp idea, which was started by Diana Holly, brought to fruition. And a recent newsletter-fundraiser sent to more than 1,200 possible contributors is bringing extremely high returns from FOBA members. This keeps Treasurer Bobby Sheppard, who tries to keep our budget on an even keel, very happy.

An excellent History Channel program in December about Kiki featured Jack Lawn, Robert Bonner, Geneva 'Mika' Camarena, son Enrique, and Jaime Kuykendall. It is a straightforward account of what happened in Mexico when Kiki was abducted, tortured, and killed. Because the story is told by people who were actually involved, and who we know very well, we can better understand what actually happened and appreciate the sacrifices made by heroes like Kiki and others who have laid their lives on the line. It also shows the tremendous efforts made by people like Jack Lawn, Jaime Kuykendall, William Von Raab, Robert Bonner, and all of Kiki's co-workers who helped in the investigation. It brings out the deep concerns of his family and the sacrifices that they, too, have made. If you missed the program but would like to see it, DVD's can be bought through the History Channel Website under the title: "Righteous Vendetta, Heroes Under Fire."

Don't forget, also, that you can purchase Jaime Kuykendall's book, O PLATA O PLOMO?, by ordering it straight from him at 402 St. Thomas Dr., Laredo, TX 78045. The cost is $20 for the soft cover and $30 for the hard back. He will autograph it for you if you ask. His book is another good look at what happened in 1985 at Guadalajara. When you read it and also see the History Channel presentation you have a better understanding of why we MUST solve this problem for the good of humanity.

Another item of interest is that the Foundation will have a booth at the California Mid-Winter Fair and Fiesta in Imperial County on the first two weekends of March. The Fair, which runs from Friday, March 3rd to Sunday, March 12th, will be located at 200 East Second Street, Imperial, California. Everyone is invited to stop by our booth on the weekends to talk about pilot projects the Foundation has going with education leaders in Imperial County to generate improved school programs through scholarships, encouragement of positive student thinking against drugs and stimulation of new ideas. A Camarena bust will be on display.

We can't emphasize enough the appreciation we have for FOBA's keen interest in the goals of the Foundation and the hands-on help its members are giving. Tom and Joby have been great in providing administrative help and ideas. If you have any questions or suggestions please let us know (my phone number is 858-485-1356), go to www.camarenafoundation.org, or write to P. O. Box 28691, San Diego, CA 92198. Tax-deductible contributions can be sent to that address also. At our website you will find a link to the DEA Wall of Honor listing the names and details about many other narcotic officers who have fallen in the line of duty.

For directions to the Library: go south at Exit 6 from I-8 on CA 111 for 6.7 miles, turn left onto E. Birch Street, then right on Encinas Avenue to 850 Encinas in Calexico.

We hope to see you there.

Thanks,

John Windham

President, Camarena Foundation