Border and Fentanyl subject at VFW talk

Two talks, one addressing issues at the Texas-Mexico border and the other about the dangers of Fentanyl will be presented at the VFW Post #6441, 401 Jacob’s Well Rd., on April 14, from 3 to 5 p.m. Border Intelligence expert Jaeson Jones, will present, “Eyes On The Border” from 3 to 4 p.m., and Anthony Hipolito, a longtime area law enforcement professional, will present, “Fentanyl Kills, Keep Your Kids Safe.”

Wimberley resident and Border Intelligence expert Jaeson Jones, retired Captain from the Texas Department of Public Safety’s Intelligence and Counter Terrorism Division will share his knowledge of cartels and how they operate, human trafficking and smuggling, drug trafficking and other violent crimes, with real-life stories and videos. Jones is an internationally renowned border intelligence expert with decades of experience on the Southwest border. He has been responsible for leading multiple investigations that targeted Mexican cartel leadership and has collaborated closely with the U.S. intelligence community and has supervised Human Intelligence operations in multiple nations. He led “Operation Secure Texas,” the longest 24/7 border operation in Texas history.

Anthony Hipolito, a 24-year veteran of law enforcement in Central Texas will talk about the drug fentanyl, the number one killer among 18 to 45 year olds. His talk will explain what the drug looks like, how it is disguised and the ease to which it can be acquired.

Hipolito’s career began with the Austin Police Department in 1998. After retiring in July 2021 and joining the Hays County Sheriff’s Office, he currently serves as a member of the Community Outreach Division. In this role, he has been instrumental in increasing public awareness of issues such as fentanyl poisonings and has worked closely with local organizations to build stronger, safer communities. His Fentanyl Awareness campaign has been presented to hundreds of students and adults, in Hays, Williamson and Travis Counties. As part of the presentation by Hipolito, a parent who lost a child to the drug will share his experience.