Community raises funds for Guillén’s family
Amani Williams, left, and her sister Zaire pause for a photo during a fundraiser for Army Spec. Vanessa Guillén’s family on Saturday at Perfect Choice BBQ.
The streets of the south Houston neighborhood where Vanessa Guillén grew up filled with people showing their support for the slain soldier’s family Saturday afternoon — on what Mayor Sylvester Turner proclaimed “Vanessa Guillén Day” in Houston.
In the latest event to honor the slain 20-year-old Fort Hood soldier, a line of cars stretched over a mile waiting to buy plates to-go from Perfect Choice BBQ on Galveston Road. All of the proceeds of the sales were for Guillén’s family.
“This is how we unite,” said Rick Torres, owner of the barbecue joint. “If something happens to someone, in our culture and our heritage, Mexicans, we cook. We bring people together.”
Guillén’s friends, family, neighbors and community volunteers carried plates of brisket, sausage, rice, beans and funnel cakes to the line of cars in 100 degree heat for hours. Torres said they weren’t expecting such an overwhelming turnout. Other marches and memorials held since her body was discovered have drawn large crowds too, as people have demanded an independent investigation into her killing.
“We’re really moved by the whole situation,” said Jenny Mendoza, a 2009 graduate of Cesar Chavez High School, where Guillén
graduated from. “We’re not going to take it sitting down.”
The remains of Guillén were found months after she went missing in April. A suspect in her death, Aaron Robinson, died by suicide as police were preparing to arrest him. A second suspect, Robinson’s girlfriend Cecily Aguilar, faces federal conspiracy to tamper with evidence charges.
There is an investigation into
Guillén’s reported sexual harassment in the army, as well as her murder while on duty at the post. Secretary of the Army Ryan McCarthy on Friday said he would launch an independent review of the command culture at Fort Hood.
The soldier’s killing has ignited a national movement calling for her justice and for reform in the military.
“I feel like us Latinos need to stick together and take care of each other,” said Lili Bedmata, a Chavez High School graduate and volunteer at the fundraiser. “She was part of our community, so we need to fight for her justice.”
The walls of Perfect Choice BBQ, across the street from Chavez High School, are now painted with a mural of Guillén in a graduation cap and gown.
Mendoza said she hopes the image of Guillén celebrating graduation will inspire them.
Guillén was in the top of her class, her family said, and she inspired those around her to achieve their goals.
“When people see this mural, it will remind them that this person was one of us,” said Mendoza.