(Drew Teitelbaum) – Nevada’s landscapes tell our story. They are rugged, independent and shaped by people willing to tackle hard challenges. With the state’s acquisition of 1,627 acres along the Carson River east of Dayton, we have an opportunity to write a remarkable new chapter in that story.
Our 28th state park should be named for Antonio “Tony” Mendez, a Nevada-born patriot whose quiet service changed the course of history.
In many ways, Tony’s story is Nevada’s story.
Our state is defined by the independent spirit of its small towns, the high-stakes missions carried out at its national security sites and the world-class entertainment, illusion and stagecraft of the Las Vegas Strip. Each of those distinctly Nevada qualities was reflected in Tony Mendez’s life.
Born in Eureka, Mendez began his career as an artist, working as an illustrator and tool designer in the aerospace industry. In 1965, he answered a newspaper ad seeking “artists to work overseas.” That unlikely opportunity launched a 25-year undercover career with the CIA’s Technical Services Division.
Mendez eventually rose to become the agency’s chief of disguise. He operated in some of the most dangerous places in the world, using creativity, technical skill and nerve to protect American lives. His most famous mission, however, depended on theatrical illusion.
In 1980, Mendez masterminded the “Canadian Caper,” the daring rescue of six American diplomats trapped in revolutionary Iran. Entering Tehran under a false identity, he helped present the diplomats as members of a film crew scouting locations for a science fiction movie. The deception worked. All six Americans escaped safely in an operation later portrayed in the film Argo.
For his courage and ingenuity, Mendez received the Intelligence Star and was recognized as one of the CIA’s historic trailblazers. Yet no major Nevada landmark bears the name of one of our state’s most extraordinary native sons.
That absence reflects the nature of intelligence work. Its successes are often classified, its sacrifices rarely visible and its officers accustomed to serving without public recognition.
But our intelligence agencies are not abstract institutions. They are built by everyday Americans from every walk of life, including young people raised in places like Eureka.
Earlier in my career, while serving at the Department of Homeland Security and the White House, I had the privilege of working alongside members of our intelligence community. I witnessed their professionalism, discipline and willingness to accept immense personal burdens without expecting praise. Many cannot fully discuss their work, even with their own families. They serve not for the spotlight, but out of devotion to this country.
Now, as a candidate for the Nevada State Assembly District 2, my focus is on our state’s future. But building a strong future also requires remembering the people who shaped our past.
Naming this park for Tony Mendez would honor more than one remarkable Nevadan. It would recognize generations of intelligence officers, military personnel and public servants whose contributions are rarely seen but deeply felt.
That is why I have formally submitted Tony Mendez’s name for consideration.
It would also send a powerful message to young Nevadans: Your hometown does not determine the scale of your impact. A child from Eureka can grow up to save American lives and change history on the world stage.
Tony Mendez spent his career working in the shadows. Nevada should honor him in the state where his remarkable journey began.
Let us name State Park #28 Tony Mendez State Park.
Drew Teitelbaum is a candidate for Nevada Assembly District 2. The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Nevada News & Views. Digital technology may have been used in the research, writing, or production of this article. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
