Sirena del Rio: The Indigenous Mermaid of the San Marcos River

❤️🙏🕊️ Her name was Vanessa Guillén — and her story still touches hearts across America.

For many Mexican-American families, military loved ones, and people who believe in justice, Vanessa Guillén became more than a name in the news. She became a symbol of pain, courage, and the urgent need to protect those who serve. 🇲🇽🇺🇸

Vanessa was only 20 years old, a young U.S. Army soldier from Houston, Texas, with dreams, family, pride, and a future ahead of her. When she disappeared from Fort Hood in 2020, her family’s desperate search for answers moved the nation. Their voices carried heartbreak, but also strength — the kind of strength that refuses to stay silent when something is wrong.

Her story especially shook the Mexican-American community, because so many saw in Vanessa a daughter, a sister, a friend, and a brave young woman who wanted to serve while building a better life. What happened to her brought deep sadness, but it also sparked conversations that many felt had been ignored for too long — about safety, accountability, harassment, and the courage it takes to speak up. 🙏

Vanessa’s family said she had experienced harassment and felt afraid to report it, and that part of her story became one of the most painful reminders of why change matters. Her case inspired protests, raised awareness, and helped push for reforms within the military system.

Today, Vanessa Guillén is remembered not only as a soldier, but as a daughter whose voice continues through the people who loved her and the communities who still say her name. Her legacy reminds us that justice should never depend on silence, and that every person in uniform deserves dignity, protection, and respect. 🕊️

May Vanessa Guillén never be forgotten. ❤️

What do you think her legacy means for young women serving today?

Grateful to be a positive and calming energy to my community. This place is where I have created so many children’s programs while painting and eating. Ever since 2006 this place has been a family fav..

I love both staff and the family one in the same. 🌈

Be a bridge of love and cariño any chance you get. 🌈

Huge thanks to our mermaid Sirena del Rio: The Indigenous Mermaid of the San Marcos River for coming in today and cleaning up profanities to continue keeping our family friendly culture

📣 We are calling for volunteers! The ESB-MACC welcomes the community back with Juntos de Nuevo on June 6th—a day of reconnection, celebration, and cultural expression.

Volunteers like YOU are what make ESB-MACC events successful and fun for the whole community! ❤

📝 Sign up for a shift on GivePulse: https://www.givepulse.com/event/874586

We need volunteers for the following areas:
Set Up
Parking
Beautification
Greeters
Classroom Monitors

Volunteers are asked to wear comfortable and weather appropriate clothing and close toed shoes. Please bring a refillable water bottle. We will provide all volunteers with snacks and refreshments. 🍎💫

📆 Saturday, June 6th, from 11:00am-9:00pm.
This free family-friendly event is open to all. No tickets required to attend. You can RSVP and share the event on Facebook and Eventbrite.

See y’all today San Anto!

What a magical evening: Thank you parents for continuing to request my children’s, “Safe Touch” series.

I have served children and families for 27 years. Twenty of those years are here in Hays County. I am traveling now with this very necessary and important message to children and families.

Email for more info about my spring and summer program availability🙏🏽

[email protected]

Sirena del Rio: The Indigenous Mermaid of the San Marcos River

“The mermaid that grows feet when there are little ones in need.”