Texas Border Business
- Advertisement -
Edinburg, Texas – In anticipation of the Hometown of Heroes Half-Marathon on Sunday, March 8, 2026, the City of Edinburg is thrilled to share the 13 honorees selected to represent a mile marker along the race route.
During a heartfelt unveiling press conference on Thursday, February 26, at the Edinburg Arts, Culture, and Events (ACE) Center, these community members, surrounded by family and friends, were honored for their extraordinary contributions to Edinburg and for exemplifying what it truly means to be a hometown hero.
The honorees are as follows:
- Advertisement -
- Richard Alamia: Mr. Alamia is a distinguished attorney, former City of Edinburg Mayor, and a dedicated public servant whose career has spanned nearly five decades.
- Rudy de la Viña: Mr. de la Viña has dedicated his entire adult life to serving the community. He served as an Edinburg Councilman from 1981-1987 and as Mayor of Edinburg from 1987-1993.
- Joe Filoteo: Coach Filoteo became the Head Basketball Coach for Edinburg High School in 1983. His time with the Bobcats was historic, as he reached his 500th career victory in 2006. He retired after 43 years of dedication and service to Edinburg CISD.
- Heberto “Beto” Garza: For more than 30 years, Mr. Garza has been a cornerstone of academic excellence at Edinburg North High School, exemplifying the City of Edinburg’s mission, vision, and ideals through unwavering dedication to student achievement and community pride.
- Omar Govea: Mr. Govea, a graduate of Edinburg North High School, is a proud United States Marine who served his country from 2006 to 2010. His commitment to Edinburg runs deep, as he serves on the Leadership Steering Committee for the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce, is a member of the City of Edinburg’s Zoning Board of Adjustments, and was recently appointed to the Veterans Committee.
- Judge Homer Jasso Sr.: Born and raised in El Tule, Judge Jasso served in Vietnam from 1966 to 1968. After returning home, he eventually ran for Justice of the Peace. Known for fairness, the community called him “the people’s judge.”
- Elias Longoria Jr.: Mr. Longoria has served on several non-profit organizations’ boards and committees, including the Edinburg Boys and Girls Club, the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce, the Edinburg Economic Development Corporation, the Edinburg Housing Authority, and served on the Edinburg City Council for four years as Mayor Pro-Tem.
- Joaquin D. Lozano: Mr. Lozano, a United States Marine, served two combat deployments and 8 years total in the military. He has been a Special Education teacher for Edinburg CISD for over 12 years.
- Andy Piñeda: A U.S. Army Veteran, Mr. Piñeda has played a big part in helping the Vaquero football team achieve an impressive 9-3 record, undefeated at Vackar Stadium in their inaugural season. In his free time, Mr. Piñeda volunteers with the Edinburg Parks and Recreation Department, helping coach and mentor young athletes.
- Eloy Pulido: Eloy Pulido was elected as Hidalgo County Clerk in 1994. He subsequently became Hidalgo County Judge in 1998, serving for 4 years. Mr. Pulido began his political career as an elected member of the ECISD Board of Trustees from 1990-1993 and enjoyed a career as an Administrator until retiring in 2024.
- Rolland Hugh Pursley: Mr. Pursley dedicated 31 years to the Edinburg Volunteer Fire Department. In 2006, he was hired by the City of Edinburg as Deputy Chief of Edinburg FD, a position he held until his retirement in 2019. Following his retirement, he returned to serve as a volunteer firefighter once again, marking 50 years of service in 2025.
- Leo Reyes: Coach Reyes is active within the City of Edinburg, serving as a Youth Volunteer Football, Basketball, and Baseball Coach. He currently serves as a sports official with the City of Edinburg Parks and Recreation Department and is the President of the 10K Advisory Committee, where he was instrumental in establishing the Miracle Mile Race for children and individuals with disabilities.
- Dr. Alejo Salinas: Dr. Salinas’ career in education has spanned multiple positions, including serving Hidalgo County as a teacher, principal, Superintendent of Schools, clinical instructor, and Edinburg Councilman. With 52 years of Public Education under his belt, Dr. Salinas has dedicated his life to community service.
The names of each hero will be placed on markers for each of the 13 miles of the half-marathon, which families of the honorees can take home with them after the event.
To register for the Hometown of Heroes Half-Marathon, visit https://cityofedinburg.com/active_edinburg/. For more information, please contact the Parks and Recreation Department at (956) 381-5631.
See related Story:
- Advertisement -
