KPRC2 Bill Balleza

28/05/2021

On the distinction between Veterans Day and Memorial Day.

21/02/2020

Right after asking how I’m enjoying retirement, people ask, who’s going to be sitting next to Dominique? The honest answer is, I don’t know. The decision makers probably don’t know either at this point.
I do believe it will be one of the anchors currently “filling in”
but their performance will undergo several rounds of audience research because, ultimately, the viewer decides.

I admire and respect each of the candidates but only one of them is suited to the job; and that’s the one who you, the viewer wants. The front office won’t rush this decision because they want to get it right. And they will.

Whom ever is named will, in my opinion, have earned the best job in America; sitting next to Dominique and reporting to the best people anywhere.

12/02/2020

Interviewing Woody Harrelson’s dad, Charles, after his contract killing of federal judge, John Wood in San Antonio.
C. 1979

05/02/2020

When my career as a journalist began, our nation was divided over the Vietnam war. It was a sad time for America, just as it is now with our painful political divide.
As some people despair, I would like to offer some hopeful perspective.
During the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln characterized that division as a test, as to whether a nation conceived in liberty and equality could long endure.
We passed that test, and each test of our unity since; and we will pass this test.
There will always be more that unites us, than divides us. That is what makes us Americans.

03/02/2020

Career victory lap— Day One!
Salud!

25/01/2020

As my career comes to a close after the 10pm newscast this Friday, January 31st, the farewell message I composed begins airing on Monday. I wanted to share it with you, my Facebook friends and my family around Texas, a couple days early.

21/01/2020

Awakened by a mariachi band at 6am on September 6, 1987. Arranged by my co-anchor, Terry Anzur, to celebrate my 40th birthday. It was quite a surprise to say the least!

20/01/2020

Every publicity shoot includes a “silly face” to break the monotony of a lengthy photo session. This was about 1985 with co-anchor, Terry Anzur.

18/01/2020

Respectfully borrowed from my friend, Dante Pastorini.

13/01/2020

Major League Baseball suspends Houston Astros general manager and manager one year, fines team $5 million in sign-stealing scandal.

05/01/2020

Wat! Wat! Wat! Watson!!!

05/01/2020

Brand New Ball Game!

02/01/2020

My three wonderful children and two granddaughters.
Kate, Travis, Heidi, Vivian and Marisol.

31/12/2019

New Year’s Eve, 2000 and the beginning of the new millennium. Linda Lorelle and I were on the anchor desk as the clocks struck midnight. We were ready to report on the Y2K chaos everyone was expecting all around the world. Then.. nothing happened.

31/12/2019

I want to wish you all a safe and Happy New Year as you celebrate the dawning of a new year and a new decade.
For my part, I’ll be at the anchor desk tonight, with just thirty days to go until I sign off from my beloved KPRC2, and a long, wonderful career I have enjoyed, thanks to you.
Many years ago a woman stopped me in the parking lot as I left church. She congratulated me on being named main anchor at KPRC, and she said, “Please don’t have clay feet. Please don’t disappoint us.” She made me realize the responsibility I had to live up to your trust and your expectations. I hope I’ve done that. There is nothing I’ve wanted more.

30/12/2019

Thoughtful Christmas present from a family friend. Thank you, Catherine!
Brinkley loves them! 💕

28/12/2019

Why do these people bathe me every single Saturday?

28/12/2019

WATCH LIVE: Officials give update after suspect in Christmas Eve shooting killed in deputy-involved shooting near Hermann Park

https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2019/12/28/1-person-injured-in-deputy-involved-shooting-near-hermann-park/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=snd&utm_content=kprc2

A Harris County Sherriff’s Office deputy shot a person near Hermann Park.

27/12/2019

A San Antonio Marine turned 19 just before the nightmarish Battle of the Chosin Reservoir

Article details the fierce fighting my uncle, John, and my dad, Jesse, survived in Korea 69 years ago.

https://www.expressnews.com/news/local/article/San-Antonio-veteran-now-88-recalls-one-of-the-14933148.php

Pfc. Juan Balleza of San Antonio knew his business as a Marine. He amazed his trainers by being able to fire off a single round from a Browning Automatic Rifle, rather than the usual bursts of multiple rounds. He was good, and had to be. The biggest battle of his life was just ahead, and it was gett...

24/12/2019

A Merry and Blessed Christmas from our family to yours. This can be a stressful time when we fail to reflect on what the holiday is really all about.

15/12/2019

This photo of an old ticket to The Magic Kingdom takes me back to 1960 when mom and dad took us on a road trip from San Antonio. At 13, I was the eldest of six kids and we were beyond excited! My parents had saved $500 for this month long trip, camping in state and national parks along the way, culminating in the day at Disneyland.
We were there when it opened, and dad discovered that everyone who entered must have a ticket. $3.75 times eight is not what he had counted on, and here we were near the end of the trip, and the budget. We had a wonderful time and stayed until the fireworks, but it was a quick trip back to San Antonio from Anaheim.

15/12/2019

A photo my daughter, Kate, composed seven years ago that won her a "Magic of a Moment" award of excellence from Barnes and Noble. Another she composed last month of her mom and Brinkley.

08/12/2019

During last evening’s 92nd birthday celebration for my dad, Jesse, he and his younger brother, Juan Balleza, discussed an account of their fighting in Korea. Both survived the brutal battles when the Chinese army attacked the greatly outnumbered Marines, who were freezing, starving, and isolated from help at the Chosin Reservoir. Those are conditions under which Marines thrive and excel. Their 7th Marine regiment along with the 5th Marines, launched desperate counter attacks that defeated the Chinese and caused many of them to surrender. My dad received the Purple Heart at the Naval Hospital in Corpus Christi after the fighting. Juan is featured in the PBS documentary, “The Battle for Chosin.”
My uncle, Juan, shared a poignant story. During the fighting my dad asked if my uncle had any food to share. He did not. They exchanged a hug and moved on.
These brothers from San Antonio inspired me, my brother, Jesse Jr. and our cousins, Robert Balleza and Michael Cruz to join the Marines. Semper Fidelis my brothers.

07/12/2019

Happy 92nd Birthday to my dad, Jesse Balleza Sr.!
Dad is a proud Marine who fought bravely during the bitter cold of the Korean War. We are gathering this evening to honor him at a family gathering.

06/12/2019

Sometimes black and white is the best way to go.

05/12/2019

It’s been a week of gifts! This one from my friends at Goya Foods of Texas. Thank you, Mayte and all the gang at Goya!

04/12/2019

Another lovely retirement gift from a loyal viewer. Thank you very much, Alicia Jones, for this beautiful filet crocheted heirloom! It will be prominently displayed in our home and remind me always of viewers like you who made it possible for me to enjoy a wonderful career.

02/12/2019

A thoughtful retirement gift from loyal viewer, Janet Vincent. Thank you very much, Janet! I will alternate the Whataburger backpack with my Marine lunch bag. There’s plenty of room inside for my large Whataburger YETI tumbler.

30/11/2019

Old press credentials help recall a career that spanned decades of news coverage in Houston and around the world. Some of these were purchased by Susie Works at a silent auction some thirty years ago. She graciously returned them to me in 2014.

29/11/2019

Brinkley loves the holidays when Kate and Travis are home.

28/11/2019

Something else for which to be Thankful. I’m grateful to this team of talented anchors, and to you, for being able to retire on top!

24/11/2019

Sunny Sundays are my favorite!

20/11/2019

A pleasant surprise in the mail today. Thanks to Robert Reid and to the many others taking time to send thoughtful notes as my retirement draws near. I am grateful and humbled by your kind sentiments. ❤️

17/11/2019

Great news from my dear friend, Melissa Wilson!

My little boy, Caleb, is CANCER-FREE!!! Final test results are in! Incredible doctors and you faithful prayer warriors helped us heal him! He has suffered so much for almost 4 years through this battle & now it's almost over. Only 4-weeks of chemo left! Thank you for helping us through this trying time. I forgot what it felt like to be so happy. Heading out to celebrate with my little man! 🎊🎈🎐🎉

11/11/2019

Had the honor of emceeing the City of Houston Veterans Day ceremony at City Hall this morning. Joe Walsh of The Eagles was the guest speaker. He is a Gold Star Family member, having lost his dad in the Korean War. We talked about how both our dads fought in that bitter cold of 1951 when the Chinese invaded Korea.