By Carmen Gutierrez
Looking at the helicopters parked in front of me at VVRMC’s Air Evac pad, I could not help but think how important this service would be to our community. Just a little over 7 months ago, I was involved in a tragic accident on Eagle Pass hill This accident claimed the life of a close friend and colleague, DRHCC Finance Director Connie Mendoza of West Central Net. The “distracted driver” also caused traumatic injuries to me, and serious injuries to my daughter Carmen Christina Gutierrez and DRHCC Director and friend Paulo Pacheco. After the Jaws of Life extracted me from the vehicle, all of us were transported to Val Verde Regional Medical Center as quickly as the ambulances could take us. I was placed in the ER room to wait for the Air Lift helicopter to arrive and transport me to San Antonio. Although my pain was being managed, those minutes waiting seemed like hours and on this special ribbon cutting day for Air Evac, I felt relieved knowing that no longer would anyone have to wait on being airlifted to San Antonio. Eight surgeries later and wheelchair bound, I am at the ribbon cutting encouraged to hear that this service would be available and affordable to everyone. The cost to transport me to San Antonio’s University Hospital was close to $59,000 and this was one-way. Wow! Also, I learned that not all insurances cover this life saving service. Fortunately, my two group insurances were sufficient to cover this astronomical cost. Wanting to be on the cautious side, I signed up for this new Air Evac service at only $65.00 per year for an entire household, as a gift for our family. Quoting the famous words of Bill Keane, “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift of God, which is why we call it the present.”
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On April 14th, Silver Eagle Distributors hosted our Monthly Membership Meeting with guest speaker, Honorable Judge, Robert Cadena, of the 83rd Judicial District. Members and guests enjoyed beverages donated by Silver Eagle, as well as light appetizers provided by Poncho’s Mexican Restaurant.
Two plaques were presented to incoming members Melissa Perez (realtor) and David Scabo. Ms. Otila Gonzalez opened the event with a warm welcome to everyone in attendance and an expression of gratitude towards all our sponsoring member businesses. Shortly after, Judge Cadena gave an inspirational speech about his “Passion for Justice”. Judge Cadena spoke of physical improvements that had been done to the Judicial Court, as well as new technological advances being implemented to improve on accuracy and efficiency. We of the Del Rio Hispanic Chamber would like to again thank Silver Eagle Distributors, Poncho’s Mexican Restaurant, and Judge Cadena for their contribution to the success of our meeting. If you are a member business and are interested in hosting a meeting, co-sponsoring, or presenting as a guest speaker, please feel free to call our Hispanic Chamber office at 830-488-7422. The Del Rio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce hosted a luncheon in honor of Administrative Assistants Day at the Ramada Ballroom. While the celebration was in recognition of the role that Administrative Assistants play daily in every business in town, special recognition was given to the memory of Ms. Connie Mendoza who served as Director of Finance for the DRHHC up until the tragic accident that took her life. Hispanic Chamber immediate past president served as Mistress if Ceremonies and shared memories of our departed friend.
The event was a sold out event, enhanced by the presentation by guest speaker Ms. Shayla Rivera, former NASA engineer and now motivational speaker and comedienne, who kept the audience engaged in “food for thought” through humor. Door prizes were abundant and the meal fit the occasion. - Otila Gonzalez.
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