Raised $100,000 For 'Eyes On The Border' Foundation

Houston, TX radio talk show host Edd Hendee made good on his promise to provide Culberson and Hudspeth counties with an aircraft to aid in patrolling the Texas border.

Hendee used his influence to promote the "Eyes on the Border" foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting US borders. Between Hendee and fellow radio show host Dan Patrick, the foundation raised $100,000 -- enough to purchase a Maule MXT-7-180 (file photo of type above).

Culberson County Sheriff Oscar Carrillo and Hudspeth County Sheriff Arvin West accepted the keys for the aircraft from Hendee, then promptly put it to work on a three-hour surveillance sortie along the border east of El Paso.

Hendee told the Houston Chronicle,  "It isn't the whole solution, but it is part of the solution."

Hendee learned recently the two counties had complained of limited manpower and resources to cover one of the prime areas used by drug traffickers, human smugglers and illegal immigrants according to local authorities. He raised $50,000 from his devoted listeners in a week and a half . The total reached $100,000 after Patrick joined the fund-raising campaign.

Hendee says he's not done yet. He's vowed to continue raising money to pay for the fuel and other operating costs of the aircraft as well as pilot training for Sheriff's deputies.

The counties are seeking permission to sell vehicles seized in drug arrests to purchase more aircraft.

Sheriff Carrillo said, "This is one of the first steps in getting us into the 21st century. If we can stop them in our backyard, we can keep them from bringing drugs into your front yard."

FMI: www.co.culberson.tx.us, www.cbp.gov