FORT HOOD, TX — Fort Hood officials say the search is still ongoing for missing Pfc. Vanessa Guillen.
Twenty-year-old Pfc. Vanessa Guillen, assigned to 3rd Cavalry Regiment, was last seen on April 22 at 1p.m. in the parking lot of her Regimental Engineer Squadron Headquarters on Fort Hood.
Her car keys, barracks room key, identification card and wallet were later found in the armory room where she was working earlier in the day. She was last seen wearing a black t-shirt.
Fort Hood officials say the search continues both on and off base by multiple military and civilian law enforcement agencies.
Authorities say numerous special agents from the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command have frequently called and met with members of the Guillen family since the soldier was first reported meeting.
An in-person meeting was reportedly held on May 23 with Mayra Guillen, Vanessa's sister.
A second meeting was reportedly held virtually on June 8 with Vanessa's mom Gloria Guillen and Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia. That meeting was hosted by the 3rd Cavalry Regient commander Col. Ralph Overland, a translator and CID special agents.
During each meeting, officials say the family was given a full investigative update and were encouraged to ask questions.
Agents have reportedly had numerous weekly phone conversations with one or more family members.
“Pfc. Vanessa Guillen is a highly valued member of the 3rd Cavalry Regiment,” said Overland, 3rd Cavalry Regiment commander. “We will maintain our resolve to locate Pfc. Vanessa Guillen and will continue our efforts until she is found,” Overland said. “We will never quit searching.”
There is a $15,000 reward for information leading to Pfc. Guillen's whereabouts.
Tom Rheinlander, Fort Hood's Public Affairs Office director, reiterated, "We encourage anyone who may have information, no matter how minor, that could help in the safe return of Pfc. Guillen to please call CID agents at 254-495-7767 and share that information with them."
Reports can be made online. You can remain anonymous. All credible leads will be investigated.
St. Joseph Catholic Church is hosting a mass dedicated to Pfc. Guillen on Saturday, June 13.
