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Bandito Numero Uno

Only WWI stopped Pershing’s manhunt for charismatic guerrilla Pancho Villa

Mary Kemper

Staff Writer

He was a killer, a lover, an army general, former elected official, unlikely film star, a Robin Hood and guerrilla leader who was actually able to retire in comfort and relative obscurity — until he was assassinated.

Few figures from U.S. history are as colorful and intriguing as Francisco “Pancho” Villa. If it weren’t for the Great War, he might have made an even more lasting mark than he did.

By the time no less than Gen. John J. “Black Jack” Pershing — and a no less hardened and seasoned 10^th Cavalry Division of Buffalo Soldiers, among others — began to hunt Villa down, he was busy fighting off one would-be president after another, and splinter factions of revolutionaries galore.

Pershing had at least 5,000 troops under his command to hunt down Villa, who never commanded more than 500 or so men himself. But the self-proclaimed general, who never rose above the rank of private, was a canny and instinctive tactician, and many historians think it would have required saturation levels of tens of thousands of American troops to overcome Villa.

Early lawbreaker

Villa was born the son of a sharecropper in northern Mexico. He was born in 1878, just one year after Porfirio Diaz became president of Mexico. It took decades to oust Diaz from office, but Villa played a key role.

The young Villa already had a rather elastic system of morals. When he was 16, he killed a man accused of raping a female cousin of Villa’s, forcing him to flee his home and embark on a life of crime. The hills of northern Mexico were already home to a collection of revolutionaries, dissidents and various criminal types, who found safety and sustenance from a friendly population.

Different factions were constantly vying for power in Mexico, which was still new to republican rule after centuries under the Spanish monarchy. These factions murdered each other and stole from each other regularly — and at times dropped their feuds with each other and ganged up on still other factions.

Villa became proficient at stealing cash, arms and livestock, mainly cattle, to sell to various gangs, legal and illegal. Surplus beef was handed out to villagers, giving rise to the reputation of Villa as Robin Hood. Later, as an elected official, he learned how to give “gifts” at the right times to the right people to further his aims.

Ouster of one president after another

Villa was a backer of one Francisco Madero, who was ousted as president by Gen. Victoriano Huerta in a coup. Villa then signed on with anti-Huerta fighter Venustiano Carranza, who prevailed, but fell out with him. Villa first supported Emiliano Zapata as Mexican leader, but soon vied for power with him.

At one point during the height of Villa’s power and popularity, the U.S. considered backing him for the presidency. By 1914, however, the U.S. decided to back Carranza in what was by then a civil war, and Villa was enraged.

Murder of Americans

Villa suffered losses of fighters and resources as a result of the conflict, and he badly needed to replenish supplies. In March 1916, he decided to attack a U.S. Army garrison across the border in Columbus, N.M., to seize arms, ammunition and other supplies.

Villa’s raiders made off with 100 horses and mules. Eighteen Americans and 80 guerrillas were killed.

Those whom Villa fought with from his own country did not fare as well. Villa was personally responsible for numerous executions without trial, and numerous rapes following the conquest of villages.

The U.S. retaliated against the cross-border raid by sending Pershing and 5,000 troops — which eventually swelled to nearly 100,000 — on an extensive manhunt.

The mission met resistance from native Mexicans almost immediately, who resented the “Yanqui” incursion on their lands. Carranza himself, though he was backed by the U.S. government, ordered attacks on Pershing’s troops.

The mission adopted a more diplomatic veneer, supposedly more of a police hunt for a fugitive, but Villa and his men were still a force to be reckoned with.

The guerrillas led three more attacks cross-border into Texas during this time, killing more than two dozen American soldiers and civilians.

By July 4, a truce was called so that negotiations could take place.

Interruption of the Great War

By Jan. 17, 1917, the U.S. had successfully persuaded the Carranza government to allow U.S. troops to resume their hunt for Villa.

However, that same month, the famous Zimmermann Telegram was discovered. Named after the German consul in Mexico, the offer was made to give the U.S. territory in Mexico in exchange for supporting Germany in World War I, which had been raging since 1914.

As things turned out, the mood in the U.S. was clearly for joining the fray in support of Britain, France and their allies. President Woodrow Wilson backed the isolationists, but the tide was against them. Troops — mostly National Guardsmen — who would have pursued Villa were redirected to the Great War overseas. The wily bandito was free.

Life in the fast lane

By the time Villa was made governor of the state of Chihuahua in 1920, Carranza had been executed by Huerta, who took over the presidency and made peace with his old nemesis Villa.

Villa retired to a sizeable hacienda, a wealthy man with at least two wives and numerous mistresses. Back in the States, the Mutual Company, a movie outfit that made newsreels, contracted with Villa to make a documentary on the revolution and civil war using actual fighters.

Newsmen embedded in the Mexican revolutionary ranks were nothing new. When footage of actual combat was deemed to be too dull and chaotic to edit into usable format, the fighters themselves were willing to recreate battles, and even staged new ones with their enemies to get the best results.

Villa was one of these revolutionaries. Already famous for having outwitted the Yanqui Pershing, he became a huge celebrity for his exploits.

Villa never went anywhere without at least 50 bodyguards, but for some reason, he went out with only a few to a neighboring village of Parral one day to attend a christening of the child of one of his top henchmen.

On July 20, 1923, Villa was assassinated by allies of then-President Alvaro Olbregon, who was an old pal of Villa’s nemesis Carranza. Villa had been talking publicly about running for president himself, and Carranza, who could not run again, wanted his own successor.

A group of about 7 gunmen poured lead into Villa’s car, killing him instantly on that hot July afternoon.

He went on to occupy a lasting place in Mexican history, but he never made the Hall of Heroes list of influential revolutionaries and presidents like Zapata and Benito Juarez.

Even after death, Villa remained a figure in the news. Someone stole his skull from his grave in Parral, and it was rumored to have wound up as property of the Skull and Bones Society at Yale University.

Villa fathered numerous children, the last of whom, a son, died in 2009.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS (as of APRIL 10, 2023)

BREVARD COUNTY

DATED EVENTS

Sunday, April 16

Tough Ruck Boston 26.2 For The Fallen. Steve Celeste, a Brevard County GWOT Veteran, will be among 1,000 doing a Tough Ruck March during the Boston Marathon to raise money for the children and families of the fallen. Donation and information through: runsignup.com/steveceleste.

Friday, April 21

Greggie and the Jets Elton John Tribute Rockin’ the Sunset Concert for a Cause: We Honor Veterans of St. Francis Reflections, 7-9 p.m.,Space Coast Main Stadium in Viera. Tickets through: ReflectionsLSC.org/Eltonjohn. Or Text “EltonJohn” to 41444.

Saturday, April 22

Vietnam Veterans of America Space Coast Chapter 1096 Inaugural Golf Tournament, Harbor City Golf Course

2750 Lake Washington

Melbourne, 8 a.m. Tee off at 8:30 sharp straight scramble with shotgun start. Two chances for a hole-in-one with prizes of World Series and U.S. Open tickets for two. Many contest to win great prizes. Team winner of tournament will win $500, 2nd place $400 and third $300. Go to https://birdease.com/VVA1096GOLF and click on QR code to register or call Jim Wise at 321-210-5896.

Saturday, April 29

Brevard Parkinson’s Alliance 5K to raise funds to beat Parkinson’s. 7 a.m.-noon, Veterans Memorial Park, Center and Plaza. 8 a.m. 5K Run with Running Zone and 10 a.m. 1K Walk.Stroll for those with Parkinson’s. Register online at secure.runningzone.com.

ONGOING EVENTS

Space Coast Honor Flight has returned to operations with 2022 Honor Flights. Check their website at SpaceCoastHonorFlight.org for updated information. Luncheons for SCHF have resumed at several county restaurants (see below).

Space Coast Honor Flight luncheons. All Veterans and guests are welcome. Meals are at own expense, camaraderie is free.

Melbourne — First Tuesday of each month, 11 a.m., Smoky Bones restaurant, 1510 West New Haven.

Merritt Island — First Thursday of each month, 11 a.m., Red Lobster restaurant, 215 East Merritt Island Causeway.

Sebastian — Third Tuesday of each month, 11 a.m., Capt. Hiram’s restaurant, 1606 N. Indian River.

Titusville — Third Thursday of each month, 11 a.m., Dixie Crossroads, 1475 Garden St.

Monthly meeting, Vietnam Veterans of America Space Coast Chapter 1096, 2nd Tuesday of each month, 6 p.m.

at American Legion Post 81 at 2909 S. Harbor City Blvd., Melbourne. Call (321)326-3247 or visit www.VVA1096.org. We welcome all our brothers and sisters who served in Vietnam between February 28, 1961 and May 7, 1975 or in any duty location between August 5, 1964 and May 7, 1975.

VFW Post 8191 monthly work day, first Saturday of the month, 9 a.m.-noon. This is a reminder to post members and an invitation to Auxiliary members to join us. We will do whatever tasks the House Committee Chairman/Canteen Manager/Commander/President have in mind that don’t require extensive skills. Tasks can include cleaning the kitchen and deep fat fryer, replacing the electrical cord on the bingo machine, replacing some baseboard black plastic pieces, placing a few more signs in our storage lot, etc. on an as-necessary basis. For more info, visit vfw8191.org.

Monthly Meeting, Veterans Memorial Center, Second Wednesday of every month, 9:30-11:00 a.m., at 400 S. Sykes Creek Pkwy, Merritt Island (Behind the Mall). General Meetings for members, VMC partners and tenant organizations. Public always welcome. Free Museum and Sales Store. Contact 321-453-1776 for more information.

Every Wednesday, second drink free, VFW Post 8191, noon to 2 p.m., 4120 N. Harbor City Blvd., Melbourne, for those who wear a VFW 8191 logo hat, shirt or beer cozy. Reduced bar specials.

Monthly meeting, VFW Post 8191, third Monday of the month, 6 p.m., 4230 N. Harbor City Blvd., Melbourne. For more information, call (321) 254-9885.

Jobs available in Brevard County, via Jobs: www.careersourcebrevard.com – for local locations, visit www.employflorida.com for job listings.

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY

DATED EVENTS

Saturday, April 22

A Night at the Races, The Heritage Center in downtown Vero Beach, 6 p.m., presented by the Veterans Council of Indian River County. Guests will enjoy food by Wild Thyme Catering, an open bar serving Mint Juleps, and horse racing excitement in addition to a hat contest, a wine pull, ‘a winner take all’ bourbon wall, great raffle prizes and more. Tickets are $150 per person. Sponsorships are available. The night will be filled with Southern hospitality and derby excitement as we honor Veterans and raise much needed funds to continue our mission to serve Veterans in need. For more information, please visit veteranscirc.com.

ONGOING EVENTS

Monthly meeting, 4^th Saturday of each month from September through May, all Seabee and CEC Veterans of Indian River, Martin, St. Lucie and Okeechobee counties:

Seabee Veterans of America Island X-10, 11 a.m., at its new location at Mission BBQ, 1407 NW St. Lucie Blvd., Port St. Lucie. For more information, contact Paul Wilson, commander, at 772-209-0570 or email toolie1@comcast.net.

Female Veterans & First Responders Support Group, 1st & 3rd Wednesdays, 7 p.m. at Dogs For Life Administration Building, 1230 16th Ave, Vero Beach. Female Veteran licensed health professional facilitator. For more information please call 772-567-8969 or visit www.dogsforlifevb.org.

Space Coast Honor Flight luncheons, third Tuesday of each month, 11 a.m., Capt. Hiram’s restaurant, 1606 N. Indian River, Sebastian. All Veterans and guests are welcome. Meals are at own expense, camaraderie is free.

Third Saturday of each month

U.S. Navy Armed Guard World War II Veterans, monthly breakfast meeting, third Saturday of the month, 9 a.m. at Marsh Landing Restaurant, 44 North Broadway, Fellsmere.

Interesting and informative speakers are normally at each meeting. Please try and get to the restaurant early so you can get your order in before the kitchen gets busy. A lot of work has been accomplished at the USNAG & MM Museum. Come and enjoy the camaraderie with your old buddies and meet some new ones. Everyone is welcome at our meetings, so please bring a friend. For anybody that needs a ride to the meetings, please call Korky at (772) 571-0230.

Please note: Meetings are held September through May. There are no meetings June through August.

BookWorm Podcast and Radio Show, hosted by Ralph Nathan Oko, airs Saturday evenings at 10 p.m. EST on REAL Radio 101.7 FM and Sunday mornings at 6 p.m. EST on WAXE Radio 107.9 FM and 1370 AM. Podcasts will be available on iHeart Radio. Interview guests will include authors, publishers, editors, readers, booksellers and store owners, scholars and bibliophiles. Ralph Nathan Oko is currently booking interviews. To secure a guest spot, suggest a book to review, an author to interview or for sponsorship information, connect with Ralph Nathan Oko at (954) 557-6226 or RalphOko@hotmail.com.

Monthly meeting, Vietnam Veterans of Indian River County, first Wednesday of the month, 6 p.m. at VVIRC Office, 696 8th Court, Vero Beach. For more information email VVIRC at vvirc@comcast.net, or at our website VVIRC.org. You can also call us at (772) 794-0005.

Korean War Veterans Association, Chapter 318, meets first Thursday of the month, 11 a.m.-noon, at Vero Beach Veterans, Inc. 2500 15th Avenue, Vero Beach.

Monthly meeting, Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1038, 6 p.m., second Wednesday of the month, Vero Beach Chamber of Commerce, 14^th Street and Route 60 (across from Firestone). For more information email vva1038@yahoo.com or visit www.vvachapter1038.org or call 772-562-8794.

Monthly meeting, American Legion Post 39, second Monday of the month, 1535 Old Dixie Highway, Vero Beach. E-board meeting begins at 6 p.m., followed by general membership meeting at 7:30 p.m.

Monthly meeting, Veterans Council of Indian River County, first Wednesday of the month, 1 p.m., County Administration Complex, Building B.

Monthly meeting, Indian River Detachment of Marine Corps League, fourth Thursday of the month, 7 p.m., American Legion Post 39, 1535 Old Dixie Hwy, Vero Beach.

PTSD Support And Recovery meetings, every Monday and Thursday, 7 p.m., Dogs For Life Administration Building, 1230 16th Avenue, Vero Beach. Military licensed health professionals are facilitators. For more information, contact Dogs For Life Service Dog Training Center at (772) 567-8969

or visit www.dogsforlifevb.org.

LUCIE COUNTY

ONGOING EVENTS

Monthly meeting, 4^th Saturday of each month from September through May, all Seabee and CEC Veterans of Indian River, Martin, St. Lucie and Okeechobee counties: Seabee Veterans of America Island X-10, 11 a.m., at its new location at Mission BBQ, 1407 NW St. Lucie Blvd., Port St. Lucie. For more information, contact Paul Wilson, commander, at 772-209-0570 or email toolie1@comcast.net.

Vietnam Vets Only Monthly Meeting and Lunch, third Tuesday of the month, 11:30 a.m., Mission BBQ, 1407 NW St. Lucie West Blvd., Port St. Lucie. For more information contact smithwc6@live.com.

Monthly Meeting, Military Officer’s Association of Port Lucie County, all officers from all branches of service are invited to meet fellow officers and learn latest military news. For information call Col. Martin Rosen at 772-233-0691.

Air Force Sergeants Association, Elmer Andrews Chapter 564, meets on the first Tuesday of January, March, May, July, September, and November at 12:30 p.m., DAV Hall Post 113, 1150 California Blvd., Port St. Lucie. For more information, call (772) 342-2653.

Welcome Korean Defense Vets — Monthly Meeting, Korean War Veterans Treasure Coast Chapter 106, third Tuesday of the month, 10 a.m. at the Botanical Gardens, 2410 SE Westmoreland Blvd, Port St. Lucie. Come early and enjoy coffee and donuts with your fellow Vets. For more information, contact Harold Trieber at (561) 568-9347.

Monthly meeting, Vietnam Veterans of America Michael F. Bradley Chapter 566, St. Lucie County, third Tuesday of the month, 7 p.m., DAV Hall, 1150 SW California Blvd., Port St. Lucie. For more information call (772) 359-1607.

United Veterans of St. Lucie County, Inc., meeting, second Thursday of the month, 9 a.m., DAV Post 113, 1150 California Blvd., Port St. Lucie. For more information, call (772) 245-0042.

Bingo, every Friday, 6:45 p.m., DAV Chapter 113, 1150 S.W. California Blvd., Port St. Lucie. Come on out and enjoy some fellowship, help benefit area Veterans and have fun at the same time. For more information, email clavalle567@att.net.

Monthly meeting, Jack Ivy 666 Detachment, Marine Corps League, second Tuesday of the month, 7 p.m., American Legion Post 318, 1000 Savannas Club Blvd., Port St. Lucie. All Marines, Navy corpsmen and chaplains welcome.

Bi-monthly meetings, Air Force Sergeants’ Association, Chapter 564 (January, March, May, July, September, November), 12:30 p.m., DAV Hall Post 113, 1150 SW California Blvd., Port St. Lucie. For more information, call (772) 342-2653.

American Legion Post 318 Honor Guard meets bi-monthly on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m., 1000 Savanna Club Road, Port St. Lucie. Meetings usually last about an hour. Anyone interested is joining the Honor Guard may attend a meeting to see if this is something of which you would be proud to be a part.

Monthly meeting, DAV Chapter 113, third Wednesday of the month, 7 p.m., 1150 SW California Blvd., Port St. Lucie.

For more information, call (772) 342-2653.

MARTIN COUNTY

DATED EVENTS

Saturday, April 15

Operation Homecoming, 7:20 p.m., Palm Beach International Airport, to welcome Veterans from the Southeast Florida Honor Flight home from their once-in-a-lifetime trip to Washington, D.C. For more information please visit honorflightsefl.org.

ONGOING EVENTS

Monthly meeting, 4^th Saturday of each month from September through May, all Seabee and CEC Veterans of Indian River, Martin, St. Lucie and Okeechobee counties:

House A Vet, Stuart

Hours of operation:

Monday – Closed

Tuesday – 9 a.m. to noon

Wednesday & Thursday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Friday 9 a.m. to noon.

Every Tuesday — House A Vet hosts Bingo at Sunrise Sands Beach Resort, 110 S Ocean Drive, Fort Pierce, 2-5pm. Pull Tabs start at 2pm

Every Wednesday — Hot meals provided noon-1:30 p.m. (catered by local restaurants). A VA Representative will be available from 10 a.m.-2p.m.

to assist with Veteran Services (bring I.D.)

3rd Wednesday — Free haircuts

provided for Veterans, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

4th Wednesday — Camaraderie with fellow Veterans

Wednesday Lunch and Learn, noon-2p.m. Provided by Humana, TD Bank and Career Source.

Schedule varies. Open to all Veterans.

Every Saturday — House A Vet hosts Bingo at Sunrise Sands Beach Resort, 110 S Ocean Drive, Fort Pierce, 2-5 p.m. Pull Tabs start at 2 p.m. Cash Prizes.

Weekly Food Pantry

Hours: Tuesday 9:30 a.m.-noon, Wednesday and Thursday 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Friday by appointment. Pantry contains non-perishable food items, toiletries, frozen meat, fresh food. To volunteer or drop off donations, House A Vet is located at 490 SE Monterey Road, Stuart, phone number 772-678-8149,

email: houseavet.org@gmail.com.

The Road To Victory Military Museum, a not for profit 501(c)(3) museum run by volunteers, is open Saturdays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., and weekdays by appointment, for individuals, groups, and school classes upon request. The RTVMM is located at 319 SE Stypmann Blvd., Stuart, within Memorial Park. The museum collects & displays Veteran memorabilia, military artifacts, weapons, and vehicles. Please call 772-210-4283 to leave a message or call 703-835-4166 to schedule an appointment. All military-related donations are appreciated. Free admission, but donations are always appreciated. Volunteers are needed and encouraged. Please give us a call if interested, or visit us at Facebook/roadtovictory.

Reverence Motorcycle Association Inc., first Thursday of the month, 6 p.m., Stuart-Jensen Elks Lodge, 1001 S. Kanner Highway, Stuart. For more info please contact: Scott Guntz at RevRidersTC@Gmail.com.

Monthly meeting, Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1041, first Tuesday of the month, 5 p.m., VFW Post 10066, 1805 NE Savannah Rd, Jensen Beach.

Monthly meeting, AMVETS Post 92, second Sunday of the month, noon, 747 NE Dixie Hwy., Jensen Beach.

Post activities include:

Taco Thursdays, starting at 6 p.m., 2 tacos for $5 or 1 burrito for $6.

“Show Me the Money,” bingo, Saturdays from 1-3 p.m.

Monday Crockpot Lunch with Kim. Every other Friday, Karaoke with Matt, 7-11 p.m.

Sunday Brunch, 8 a.m.-noon.

VOLUSIA COUNTY

ONGOING EVENTS

Monthly meeting, first Tuesday of the month, 7 p.m., Walt Zack Memorial American Legion Post 270, 119 Howes St., Port Orange. For more information call (386) 788-6800 or email americanlegionpost270fl@gmail.com.

Monthly meeting, Vietnam Veterans Chapter 1048, third Thursday of the month, 6 p.m., social hour at 5 p.m. at VFW Post 3282, 5830 S. Williamson Blvd., Port Orange. For more information call 386-441-6022.

Pool and poker, every Tuesday, 6 p.m., VFW Post 3282, 5810 S. Williamson Blvd., Port Orange.

Canteen hours, VFW Post 8093, 351 S. Charles Richard Beall Blvd., DeBary: Sunday-Thursday, 10:30 a.m. – midnight; Friday and Saturday, 10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.;

Happy hours: 7 days a week from 3- 6 p.m. Canteen telephone number is (386) 668-8640.

UCF RESTORES — Active military, Reservists, Guardsmen, Veterans, and First Responders who are experiencing PTS symptoms can participate in procedures that have proven very helpful. An intensive format is available AT NO COST which also provides housing, including out-of-state persons. The treatment of combat-related or trauma-event PTSD situations has been well provided. Call UCF RESTORES: 407-823-3910.

Acupuncture for Veterans, available on both east and west sides of county:

On the East Side: Veterans Acupuncture Clinic 112 Orange Avenue, Ste. 204, Daytona Beach, (386) 944-5855 every Thursday evening from 5-7 p.m. On the West Side: Volusia Military Acupuncture Project, Deland Lions Club, 400 North Garfield Avenue, Deland, from 6-9 p.m. Contact is Mackenzie Muir at (386) 848-0035.

SEMINOLE COUNTY

ONGOING EVENTS

Wednesdays, Veterans Weekly Coffee & Chat, 10 a.m., 491 West Broadway Street, Oviedo. Casual get-together to meet fellow Veterans and community members. Please park centered on a yellow American Legion sign with a blue star. For more information please call 407-227-5340.

First Monday of each month

The Greater Orlando Chapter of the Blue Star Mothers meets in the Seminole County Public Library in Oviedo. 310 N. Division St, Oviedo. Contact catherinerhoff@gmail.com for further details.

Third Monday of each month

Monthly meeting, VFW Post 10139, 7 p.m., 300 Lake Mills Ave., Chuluota.

Please submit event information in Word document or plain text in an email to info@Veteranvoiceweekly.com at least TWO WEEKS in advance, so that we may ensure your events receive timely publication.