Ten New Mexico National Guard members worked shoulder-to-shoulder with Oklahoma Task Force 3 (OK-TF3) swiftwater rescue personnel to evacuate 78 goats, one mule, one dog and three adults from floodwaters east of San Antonio in Socorro County.
Source: New Mexico National Guard (via Facebook)
By Hank Minitrez, New Mexico National Guard Public Affairs Director
Photos: Courtesy
SAN ANTONIO, N.M. (Oct. 28, 2026) — It wasn’t your typical rescue mission, but when floodwaters stranded dozens of animals along the Rio Grande Wednesday, New Mexico National Guard Soldiers and Airmen joined forces with an Oklahoma swiftwater rescue team to make sure no one — including 78 goats — was left behind.
Ten New Mexico National Guard members worked shoulder-to-shoulder with Oklahoma Task Force 3 (OK-TF3) swiftwater rescue personnel to evacuate 78 goats, one mule, one dog and three adults from floodwaters east of San Antonio in Socorro County.
The operation, conducted from approximately 10 a.m. to 1:50 p.m., required considerable physical effort and patience.
Each of the 78 goats had to be individually caught, carried, loaded aboard rescue boats and transported to safety.
The three adults, who had been assisting the stranded animals, were also successfully evacuated.
“Disaster response always brings the unexpected, and today’s mission in San Antonio was no exception,” said Maj. Gen. Miguel Aguilar, the Adjutant General of New Mexico. “Thanks to the seamless teamwork between our Soldiers and Airmen and our Oklahoma swiftwater rescue partners, three New Mexicans and 80 animals are safe tonight.”
The mission brought together New Mexico Army and Air National Guard personnel from multiple units, including:
- Sgt. 1st Class Bobby Moya, 920th Engineer Construction Company
- Sgt. Roberto Veledias, 920th Engineer Construction Company
- Sgt. Louie Chavarria, 1209th Medical Company Area Support (MCAS)
- Spc. Vincent Silva, 642nd Support Maintenance Company
- Pfc. Aiden Kimura, 919th Military Police Company
- Spc. Aston Lopez, 920th Engineer Construction Company
- Pvt. Adam Martinez, 919th Military Police Company
- Spc. Ethan Sanchez, New Mexico Medical Detachment
- Tech. Sgt. Danae Dollinger, 150th Medical Group
- Senior Airman Wesley Wichman, 150th Maintenance Squadron
The rescue comes as New Mexico National Guard Soldiers and Airmen continue supporting local emergency management agencies and first responders across the state following weeks of unusually heavy rainfall and widespread flooding.
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In Socorro County, Guard members have conducted multiple rescue and evacuation operations, including recent missions assisting residents threatened by floodwaters in the Escondida, Pueblito and San Francisco areas.
Wednesday's operation highlighted the wide range of challenges facing emergency responders as they work to protect New Mexico communities during the ongoing flooding.
The final tally: 78 members of the Bleat Brigade, one stubborn rescuee (the mule), one canine companion and three people brought to safety.
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