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J a n u a r y - A p r i l 2 0 2 5Fort Sam Houston MemorialServices DetachmentFort Sam Houston MemorialServices Detachment HonorGuard (MSD) Post Office Box 340422 San Antonio, TX 78234-0422 E-mail: msdhonorguard@yahoo.com We’re on the Web! See us at: http://www.msd-honorguard.org https://www.facebook.com/FSHMemorialServicesDetachment _________________________ For publicity requests/ Information, please email MSDPublicity@gmail.com Contents Commander’s Corner 1 Monday Squad 2 Tuesday Squad 3-5 Wednesday Squad 6-11 Thursday Squad 12-14 Friday Squad 15-17 Chaplain’s Corner 18MSD Happenings 19MSD Awards Ceremony 20-22The Boy in 34G 23Commander’s CornerMSD Year 2025 has been a wonderfulyear, the dedication and devotion ofevery MSD Volunteer remainsunwavering. MSD since December1991, has rendered Military Honors to46,831 Military Veterans at Fort SamHouston National Cemetery thru March2025. I am so honored and soprivileged to be their Commander.1Another thing that is for sure, that is your unwavering supportof MSD. In March 2025, Mr. Damon Lilly Deputy to theCommanding General of United States Army North (Fifth Army)at Fort Sam Houston presented the Department of the ArmyCommendation Medal for Public Service and JBSA 502 ABWCommander Brian Wish presented the Department of the AirForce Commanders Award for Public Service to eligible MSDMembers. Texas State Senator Jose Menendez and Texas StateRepresentative Barbara Gervin-Hawkins provided Senate andHouse Resolutions recognizing MSD Members receiving theDepartment of the Army and Department of the Air ForceAwards. We would not be able to do what we do without yourunwavering support. Thank you everyone.With sincere appreciation:Manny MendozaMSD Commander210-722-2582 Message

MONDAY SQUADAWARDS PRESENTED TOMONDAY LIFE SQUADMEMBER ROLLIN (GUS)LOOMISMonday Squad Member Rollin (Gus)Loomis was presented the ArmyCivilian Service Award and the AirForce Civilian Service Award byMonday Squad Leader BillNeuiszer. Gus was also presentedtwo Proclamations signed by TexasState Senator José Menéndez andTexas State Representative BarbaraGervin-Hawkins. Thank you LtCol(Ret) Gus Loomis, US Air Force foryour service and dedication to MSDand Monday Squad.MONDAY SQUAD PERFORMS HONORS FOR SPECIALFORCES ASSOCIATION, CHAPTER XV MEMORIALSERVICEOn Saturday 12 April 2025, MondaySquad along with MSD MembersSteven McCray, Mike Giglio, FredMittelstedt and Debra Eaton firedvolleys and Monty Monntellano alongwith Robert Ramirez played EchoTaps. Robert and Monty also playedthe National Anthem while Montyplayed the Ballad of the Green Berets.It is an annual Memorial that is done tohonor those members of the chapterwho are buried at Fort Sam HoustonNational Cemetery.FAREWELL TO SQUADMEMBER ALLYSONPRITCHARMonday Squad had to sadly bidfarewell to Squad MemberAllyson Pritchard. Due areassignment of her spouse toFt Campbell, Kentucky, we hadto say goodbye for now toAllyson. Since joining the squadLTC (Ret) Allyson Pritchard hasbeen a valuable asset toMonday Squad. Farewell andBest of Luck Allyson.2

TUESDAY SQUADLast year, James Baca suffered astroke. His recovery has been slow,and although he is regaining someof his mobility, he will most likely beunable to return to full duty as anMSD Honor Guard Member.However, James did receive hislifetime membership, and theTuesday Squad got together toaward James Baca with his lifetimetab and certificate. Snow Day!We don’t know what the coldestday of the year was- but we hada snowy one!Jackie Jones attended a funeralservice out of state for a fellowveteran and life-long friend, andmingled with the American LegionHonor Guard, Post 6, fromCheyenne, Wyoming.Another fantastic group ofveterans honoring veterans.3Keith Wall received his 5-yearpin and lifetime membership onMarch 16, 2025, with over 1,372hours served.Michael Rojas also received his20-year pin for completing 20years of service and over 6,830hours of service to the MSDHonor Guard.

Tuesday Squad RANG in theNEW Year with a pot luck stylelunch and gathering withfamily during our shift andfinal day of 2024! New Years Eve4TUESDAY SQUADOnce Again, Jesse Benevides was out and aboutperforming in a parade with his drum and fife groupand featured in the Wilson County Newspaper.Al Lopez and Roger Rodriguez wereunable to attend the recent awardspresentation ceremony- Lt Col JoseReyna presented the Air ForceCommanders award and Lt Col BryanTeague presented the ArmyCommendation Medal to RogerRodriguez. Al Lopez will be receiving his awardswhen he returns from his sabbatical.

Keith still thought there was a need to let members know somebody was able to pray for them. Nomatter what was going on, sickness, disease, illness, surgery, etc. It is always good for somebody topray for them during their time of need. Keith contacted the MSD Chaplain, Mike Giglio, to discuss the possibility of creating an MSD PrayerTeam. Chaplain Giglio agreed it was a worthwhile endeavor. Once he gave the go ahead, Keithcontacted the various squad leaders to schedule a time to discuss this with their squads. Thepurpose of visiting the squad was multifold: one was to introduce himself to the other squadmembers, and to introduce the concept of a prayer team, hopefully gaining support from eachsquad and having a member or two as a part of the Prayer Team.Keith was able to 'recruit' members from each squad to act as a Prayer partner and Prayer Teammember. Each member of the Prayer Team was instructed to ask their respective squads, on aweekly basis, if they, a family member, or even a friend needs prayers.The Prayer Team member would then send the request to MSDPRAYERTEAM@GMAIL.COM. Oncethe request was received in this mailbox, the request would then be sent to the rest of the team.This email address is not only available to the Prayer Team members to send requests to, but alsoto anyone who would like to send a prayer request or just ask for prayers. Details of why you aremaking the request are not needed, after all the Lord already knows what you need.In creating the prayer team, Keith was not just thinking about sharing information; it's aboutfostering fellowship, inspiring members to share prayer requests, and to pray for others. We believein the power of prayer, the spirit of our MSD members, and that a little prayer never hurts anyone. The prayer team serves as a bridge between family and friends, keeping everyone informed. Westrive to provide prayers via email or through private prayer with an MSD Prayer team member. Allprayer requests are shared not only with MSD prayer team members but with the various squadsthat wish to participate and pray with and for those in need. We share the prayer requests duringintercessory prayer. Intercessory prayer is conducted after the Squad Leader has disseminated thedaily schedule and other MSD business news.This Email address (MSDPRAYERTEAM@GMAIL.COM) is available to anyone who would like the MSDprayer team to pray for them.PRAYER REQUESTS5TUESDAY SQUADA while back, Keith Wall was given permission by theMSD Board of Trustees to put a prayer request box inthe MSD headquarters building. Due to the openingand subsequent move from the PIC to the new buildingthe box was put in a corner and forgotten about.

WEDNESDAY SQUADOur squad remains steadfast in our mission to honor our fallenheroes. Each ceremony we perform is a tribute not just to theirservice, but to the enduring legacy they leave behind. We aredeeply grateful to every veteran who has worn the uniform andstood ready to defend our nation. Your courage, sacrifice, anddevotion inspire us daily, and we are privileged to continuestanding in your honor.Team Building Events15 Jan 2025 - A Heartfelt Thanks toOur Good Friend Joe Casas andFamily! We want to give a huge shout-outto Joe Casas, his wife Carolyn, andtheir wonderful family forsponsoring a delicious lunch forour Squad! It was a fantastic dayfilled with great food, laughter, andmemories. A special thank you toJoe’s daughter, Elizabeth, who isvisiting us all the way fromWashington D.C. Your presencemade the day even more special! We truly appreciate yourgenerosity and thoughtfulness—it’s these acts of kindness thatstrengthen the bond within ourcommunity. Thank you, Joe, Carolyn, Elizabeth,and family, for making thisgathering so special! 6 From January through April 2024, our volunteer veteransproudly provided military honors to 103 veterans at Fort SamHouston National Cemetery, dedicating a combined total of1,834 volunteer hours. Guided by our motto, "VeteransHonoring Veterans," we are deeply honored to remember andrespect those who selflessly served our nation. It is a trueprivilege to stand alongside our fellow veterans, carryingforward the spirit of service and gratitude that defines ourgreat nation. 8 Jan 2025 - It was a cold day at the Fort Sam Houston NationalCemetery. Despite the chill, we stood firm in our mission tohonor our Veterans. The cold reminded us of the resilience ofthose who served, and we remain dedicated to ensuring theirsacrifices are never forgotten. (Photo Courtesy of Manny Ibera)

WEDNESDAY SQUADSafety and proficiency remain top priorities for the WednesdaySquad. On March 5, 2025, we completed M1 Garand rifletraining, focusing on assembly, disassembly, proper loadingand unloading, and preventing negligent discharges. We alsoreviewed ground guiding procedures to keep our vehicleoperations safe. On March 26, 2025, we continued with a hands-on class on M1Garand lubrication and maintenance, led by Bob Ramirez fromthe Monday Squad. His expertise gave our veterans a deeperunderstanding of how to care for these historic rifles, and weare grateful for his time and passion. Ongoing training keepsour team sharp, safe, and ready to honor our fallen with theprofessionalism they deserve.TRAININGUSA Vet SPC Bob Ramirez, a Vietnam Veteran and M1Garand Subject Matter Expertfrom the Monday Squad,conducted training on theproper maintenance andlubrication of our duty rifle. US Army vet CSM LuisGonzalez, our SquadLeader and primarytrainer, conducted M1Garand rifle trainingand reviewed groundguiding procedures toreinforce safety,proficiency, andaccident prevention.Special Memorial ServicesOn Jan 22, 2025, our squadhonored CMDCM William R. "Will"Clouse, a distinguished 30-yearveteran of the United States Navy.Rising to the rank of CommandMaster Chief Petty Officer, Will’sfinal assignment was serving as theCommand Master Chief for theChief of Naval Operations at thePentagon. He was also a strongcontender for the prestigiousposition of United States NavyCommand Master Chief — an honorreserved for the Navy’s mostexceptional leaders.

We had the honor of celebrating Joe T. Casason his 92nd birthday.Joe proudly served withthe Memorial Services Detachment and theWednesday Squad from 1997 to 2022; 25 yearsof dedicated service honoring our nation’sheroes and their families at Fort Sam HoustonNational Cemetery.It was a privilege to celebrate this milestoneand thank Joe for his incredible commitment.Happy Birthday, Joe!8WEDNESDAY SQUADJoe Casas 92 Birthday Celebrationnd4 MSD Ash WednesdaythAll-Denominational Religious ServiceMarch 5, 2025 - Thank you all forsupporting the 4th Annual MSD AshWednesday All-DenominationalReligious Service. The service was ledby U.S. Army Veteran and OrdainedCatholic Deacon, CW4 Jesse Núñez. Atotal of 25 individuals attended thissolemn ceremony, including theCemetery Director, several employees,family members, friends.

Gene Carter was recognized as theWednesday Squad's 2024 Man of theYear for his outstanding performance ofduty during FY2024. He performedhonors at 284 funeral services andlogged 488 volunteer hours. John Francis addresses the crowdpraising our squad for their performanceof duty during the event. USMC VET CPL Manuel Valdez, USA VETSSG Luis Báez and USMC VET MSG RaúlMarroquín. 9WEDNESDAY SQUADSquad Social Event Jan 25, 2025 - During our quarterly social event, wetook the time to recognize and thank our veterans fortheir dedicated service to our military community andthe Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery throughout FY2024. We are incredibly grateful for their commitmentand sacrifices. A special thank you to Panchitos Mexican Restauranton McCullough Ave in San Antonio, and to Gene & MaryCarter for hosting this wonderful event and making iteven more meaningful. Your support is trulyappreciated. Thank you to everyone who joined us, andhere's to continue to honor and serve our Veterans!USA Vet SFC Michael Barnett, USN VetPO3s Gene Carter and Jon Brown.

WEDNESDAY SQUADSpecial Memorial ServicesFeb 26, 2025 - Our squad providedmilitary honors to U.S. NavyVeteran LTJG Nancy Meyer. LTJGMeyer served in the U.S. Navy from1969 to 1971, where she met herhusband, Chris. Chris is also a U.S.Air Force veteran. Both weredevoted members of the ReligiousSociety of Friends (Quakers).According to the family, Nancyrequested that Chris wear a Quakerattire during her funeral service. Asa loyal husband, Chris honored hiswife's wishes and agreed to take aphotograph with our squad.We want to express our deepestcondolences to the Meyer family,and we are humbled and honoredto take a picture with Mr. Meyer.USAF Vet Chris Meyer, dressed in Quakerattire, with Wed Squad USN Vet LTJG Nancy Meyer Navy Seabees Memorial Monument Dedication Ceremony March 8, 2025 – Weprovided military honorsduring the dedication andunveiling of the SeabeeMemorial Monument atFort Sam Houston NationalCemetery. This tributehonored the past, present,and all Seabees resting atthe cemetery. The Seabees have playeda vital role in our militaryhistory, building criticalinfrastructure in combatzones, disaster areas, andremote locationsworldwide. Their motto,"We Build, We Fight,"reflects their dedication toboth construction anddefense, ensuring missionsuccess wherever theyserve. If you are a Seabee or know of any Seabees in your area who wouldlike to join the San Antonio Seabees / Island X-1 Texas NSVA, pleasevisit, San Antonio Seabees Facebook Group.(https://www.facebook.com/groups/376803006161733)

11WEDNESDAY SQUADUnaccompanied Veteran ServicesHonoring Unaccompanied Veterans at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery"We are forever grateful for their service."On January 15 and April 16, 2025, our Wednesday Squad had thesolemn honor of participating in two Unaccompanied Veterans Servicesat Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. These ceremonies paid tributeto 19 Veterans—10 in January and 9 in April—who bravely served ournation but had no family or friends present to say goodbye.USN Vet PO3 Jon Brown and USMC Vet LCplErnest YbarraAt both services, our Squad proudly provided full military honors,ensuring that each veteran was laid to rest with the dignity and respectthey so rightly earned. Our talented bugler, Porfirio Montellano,delivered moving performances of Taps, adding a heartfelt andpowerful touch to each ceremony.The April service was hosted in partnershipwith the Bexar County Military and VeteransServices Office, led by Executive DirectorKeith Wilson. A U.S. flag was presented toSan Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg, and theLast Roll Call was conducted by USMCveteran John Rodriguez. We are grateful to the many veteranorganizations and supporters who stoodwith us to honor these heroes. Thesemoments serve as a powerful reminder ofour shared commitment: to ensure that noveteran is ever forgotten.USA Vet SFC MichaelBarnettUSAF Vet PorfirioMontellano USN Vet PO3 Jon Brownpresents a neatly folded American Flag to San AntonioMayor Ron Nirenberg The Wednesday Squadstands in formation, readyto fire the traditionalthree-volley salute inhonor of ourUnaccompanied Veterans.

THURSDAY SQUAD12Thursday squad regrets to announce the passing of 22 Year MSD LifeMember Thursday Squad Member Noland Martin. Noland Joined MSD onSeptember 1, 2001 and served until his retirement on 14 September 2023.He was held to a very high esteem by all Thursday Squad Members.Noland continued to join the Thursday Squad even after he begin losinghis sight. One of eight siblings, he was raised in Elmendorf,Texas by his grandmother. In 1953, at age 17, he andhis twin brother joined the US Army to becomeparatroopers. He served the next twenty-three yearsbefore retiring in 1976. While in the Army, he servedmultiple tours in Korea, Vietnam and Germany. Hisawards include the Bronze Star with oakleaf cluster,Purple Heart with oakleaf cluster, the Air Medal,Combat Infantryman Badge, Senior ParachutistBadge, and others. It was on one of tours to Germanythat he met the love of his life, Helga, in 1958. Theymarried in 1959 and remained best friends andsteadfast companions for the next sixty-six years.Following his retirement in 1976, he became restlessdoing office work and became an owner operator inthe trucking industry. Following his second retirementin 1998, he embarked on a third career volunteering.He gave countless hours to two causes; He was aninterpretive docent for the National Park Service atthe San Antonio Missions National Historical Parkwhere he specialized in relating the story of the life ofthe native Americans and their treatment by theSpanish. His greatest joy came from serving twenty-two years with the Fort Sam Houston MemorialServices Detachment providing military honors atfunerals for fellow veterans. He made many friendswith fellow volunteers and always enjoyed thecamaraderie.He is survived by his wife Helga, their son Carl and theirdaughter-in-law Helen. His surviving siblings, Virginia,Carole and Roland and many nieces and nephews.Noland Martin was born on September 2, 1936, in Houston, Texas. Hepassed away on February 20, 2025, in Fredericksburg, Texas.Noland Martin served at the Battle of the la-DrangValley (LZ XRay), during the first major battle of theVietnam War. He was awarded the Silver Star,presented by President Johnson, and went on to serve asecond tour in country.(Above) Noland’s retirement ceremony in 2023.(Below) Fil Villarreal presenting the shells andexplaining their meaning, Duty, Honor andCountry to the family members of former MSDmember Noland Martin.

THURSDAY SQUADMARK MILLER FUNERAL SERVICEOn Monday, 21 April, Thursday Squadstepped up to provide honors to a very wellattended service for Navy Veteran MarkKennedy Miller. As this service conflictedwith graveside services supported byMonday Squad, the members of Thursdaywere more than happy to provide supportto a fellow veteran and his family. Afterhonors were rendered, members then paidtheir respects to the family. Members ofthe Patriot Guard and the Combat VetsAssociation also participated, and membersof various local veteran groups were inattendance.Mark K. Miller came into this world on August 6,1971, and took his last breath on April 7, 2025.Although he is not here physically, his impact onthose who knew him, and even those whodidn’t, will go on forever. Mark, or Sparkie as thefamily called him, did not have children,although his nieces and nephews filled in thatspace beautifully.Mark touched the lives of thousands during hislifetime, with kindness and encouragement.After an honorable discharge from the Navy, heserved over 60,000 people at the Food Bank inDevine, TX, praying for them and offering hope.This was a testament to his servant’s heart. Hespoke at veterans’ meetings and conferencesproviding insight and comfort.At age 21 he joined the Navy serving as Masterof Arms on the nuclear aircraft carrier, theGeorge Washington for 6 years. Right after 911he rejoined the Navy to serve in a moresignificant way as a sniper in the MobileSecurity Force (Special forces). He served underextreme hardship in some of the mostdangerous situations in the Middle East andSouth America, serving a total of 15 years.Obituary can be found here:https://shorturl.at/3argM13

14Space Force MSgtSimmons was anHonored Guest at theSons of the AmericanRevolution Gala,pictured with Mike Giglioand Frank Kebelman,also below..Thursday Squad with the Army Honor GuardFlag FoldersTHURSDAY SQUADMembers of Thursday Squad practiced flag folding beforethe start of their day.Roberto andMarianitaVela at aThursdayluncheon.Manny Mendoza and Debra Eaton Members of Thursday Squad at Shelter 1Debra Eaton and Mike Giglio with a Mariachi Band

FRIDAY SQUADFriday Squad atthe awardspresentationceremony- RonLarson, RandyBrown, RobertReyes, JohnnySanchez and MaxBirthday celebrations over the past 4months included Billie Reilly (top),Tom Earnest, Sean Habina, MartinUrrutia, and Ike (second), Dale Taylor(third), and Mike Hoffman andGordon Brewer (bottom)!Birthday Celebrations!Dr. Brown Is In theHouse!15Randy awarded hisVA medical uniformfrom Morris Chase.For some reason the individual at Audie Murphy who assigned thetraining modules failed to recognize that MSD personnel arevolunteers who have no connection to day to day operations at thehospital. As a result, he assigned the MSD personnel every trainingmodule that a new hire medical provider was required to complete.Randy Brown was lucky enough to be the first to slug his way throughthe training modules. When he saw some of the subject matter, theVolunteer Coordinator at Audie Murphy who replied that all of themodules were to be completed (without actually checking as to whathad been assigned). The single module covering the limits andsupervision of new hire medical personnel took over 8 hours tocomplete. After several conversations, the medical provider modulewas dropped.Since it now appeared that Randy was trained to be a new hiremedical provider, the squad thought he should have the “uniform” tomatch the position and presented him with his own stethoscope andlab coat. As you can tell from the photo everyone everyone had a biglaugh. As most of you are aware the plan uponreceipt of the new bus was to donate it to theVA at Audie Murphy (which did not work outas planned).There were two requirements levied uponMSD personnel who were selected to becomedrivers, the first was go through anoccupational health physical, and the secondwas to complete several computer trainingmodules. The computer training was“supposed” to pertain to operation of the busand use of the government credit card.

16Friday Squad member Tom A. Earnest passed the 20-year mark ofvolunteering with the Memorial Services Detachment on 18 February2025. A native of Cleveland, Ohio, he entered the Air Force in February1959 and served until August 1981, when he retired as a master sergeant.Afterwards, he worked in banking until he retired in December 1995. Tom joined Friday Squad in 2005 and initially served as a rifleman.When Mike Hoffman became MSD Commander in 2006, Tomvolunteered to be Finance Officer. (Mike and Tom had known each otherwhen serving together at Headquarters, Air Training Command in theearly 1970s and later at the USAF Military Personnel Center in the late1970s and early 1980s.) When Mike termed out as Commander in 2008,Tom was elected Commander and Mike served as his Finance Officer.After two years as Commander Tom was succeeded by Richard Mann in2010. When Abel Araiza became Commander in 2011, Tom served first ashis Finance Officer and then as Vice Commander from 2012 until 2018. FRIDAY SQUADTom and his wife Joyce started the Wreaths AcrossAmerican program for Bexar County in 2007. Later, heand Joyce began the Missing in America Project (MIAP)in 2015, which provides military honors at Fort SamHouston National Cemetery (FSHNC) for the unclaimedcremains of eligible former service members from allover Texas. Additionally, he arranged for andconducted ceremonies at the FSHNC, including theNational Vietnam War Veterans Day until 2021,Memorial Day (2009-2019), Veterans Day (2009-2020),and assisted with the Buffalo Soldiers Day (2010-2020)at the San Antonio National Cemetery. Tom waspresident of Veterans of Great San Antonio for eightyears, until it was disbanded in 2019 and the remainingfunds given to the FSHNC.Joyce Earnest, wife of Tom Earnest, speaksat the Missing in America Project (MIAP) in2022. The purpose of is to locate, identifyand inter the unclaimed cremated remainsof American veterans through the jointefforts of private, state and federalorganizations.Able Araiza, left, former commander of theMemorial Services Detachment, and theformer vice commander, Tom Earnest, seta wreath at Fort Sam Houston NationalCemetery in 2015 to mark the 70thanniversary of the end of World War II .

17FRIDAY SQUADTom and his buddy and fellowFriday Squad member MaxTom Earnest (left) goes over theMemorial Day Ceremony script withMike Giglio (Thursday Squad/MSDChaplain) in 2021. As if he didn’t have enough to do, Tom has been active in the local community also. Tom was with theBoys Scouts of America for over forty years, and attended the National Jamboree every four years from1985 until 2017, instructing scouts on using Dutch ovens to cook meals. He was co-founder of the LoneStar Dutch Oven Society (LSDOS) in 1994 and co-founder of the Bare Pots Society of San Antonio. He wasLSDOS State Treasurer for three years. After he was no longer MSD Commander, Tom continued to serve with Friday Squad, until he had a heartattack in August 2021. Tom “died” and had to be resuscitated three times before he reached BrookeMedical Center. Things looked grim; even his doctor said that he wouldn’t make it, but Tom rallied, andeventually returned to limited duty with Friday Squad, “playing” the electronic bugle when needed. Tom suffered another medical setback in August 2024, when he had a stroke. Again, things looked bleak,but Tom fooled them all and was soon back with Friday Squad. Tom has rendered outstanding service to MSD as rifleman, Finance Officer, Commander, and ViceCommander, and continues to be a valuable member of Friday Squad. In his 20 years of MSD service Tomracked up 6,631 volunteer hours and participated in 4,572 ceremonies. Tom and Joyce have been married since August 1984 and have four children, two boys and two girls, ninegrandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren.Congratulations, Tom Earnest, for your long and faithful service to MSD and the community. You’ve donemore than your share.Need a picnic table ormicrowave? Talk to Jack Branson(Friday Squad/VehicleOfficer/Ordnance Officer! Freeto whoever can take them!

C H A P L A I N ’ S C O R N E RGreetings to one and all. We are now into our fifth month of 2025and we continue to offer our services to our deceased Veterans. Asof today 1 May, we have been honored to accomplish 46,977Funerals. I do believe that even when we have been given ourhonors, there will be a MSD with all new folks still giving Honors toour Veterans We have been fortunate this past quarter with no passing of ourcurrent members. We have had some illnesses, our long timeCommander Abel Araiza had a Mild Stroke. Our presentCommander Manny visited with Abel today, and reports he isdoing quite well, I got stuck in traffic on 1604, could not finishearly enough to visit with Abel, will try again soon. Please let meknow if any members of your Squad have a serious illness. As Y'all may know John Francis of Wednesday's Squad is aVolunteer with the Christian Assistance Ministries, My wife Rosyalso volunteers there, I also at times volunteer there. 18They are always in need of Jeans, dungarees and any type of clothing, many of these homelessindividuals live in their clothes 24 hours a day, it doesn't take long for their clothes to fall apart.If you are able please donate some clothing, CAM also helps Families in need, so any type of clothingis welcomed. In closing out this message, I would like to offer a prayer that I recite each week. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, Rest in Peace .Amen.Your MSD Chaplain. Francis Michael GiglioMSD Chaplain Mike Gigliooffers a prayer at anUnaccompanied VeteransCeremony.

USAF Vet MSG PorfirioMontellano & USAF VetSMSgt Randy Brown (FromFriday Squad) March 1, 2025 - We had great success at Lackland Air Force Base MilitaryAppreciation Day, recruiting new members and promoting ourorganization! A special thanks to members of other squads, as well asJon Brown and Porfirio Montellano, for their invaluable assistance. Yourdedication and teamwork made this event a success! If you or anyveteran that you know is interested in joining MSD-reach out to us!MSDHAPPENINGS19USN Vet PO3 Jon BrownThursday Squadmembers performedmilitary honors in therain. Members provideprofessional honorsno matter theweather-heat, cold,rain, sun, and evensnow! The Friday PM watch-stander,John Ackerman, has retired andwe are asking for assistance fromany MSD Member to take hiswatch as they've already beenVetted (the current hiring freeze ispreventing new volunteers frombeing signed up).

M S D A R M Y A N D A I R F O R C E A W A R D C E R E M O N Y(Above) Robert Ramirez, Friday Squad,with Veronica Camacho, Fort SamHouston National CemeteryAdministration OfficerMr. Damon Lilly, Deputy toCommanding General U.S. ArmyNorth, presented the PublicService Commendation Medal to:Top Left: Fil Villarreal (Thursday)Left: John Francis (Wednesday)Bottom Left: Richard Puente(Wednesday) Above: Adan Gonzalez (Tuesday)Right: Robert Reyes (Friday)Bottom Right: Frank Kebelman(Thursday)20On March 15, 2025 members of MSD were awarded the ArmyPublic Service Commendation Medal and Air ForceCommander’s Award for Pubic Service Awards, and Senateand House of Representative Resolutions at a ceremony atFort Sam Houston National Cemetery. Special guestsincluded: Mr. Damon Lilly, Deputy to Commanding General U.S. ArmyNorth Colonel Brian Wish, JBSA/502 ABW Commander ndVeronica Camacho, Fort Sam Houston National CemeteryAdministration Officer and Guest Speaker.The Public Service Commendation Medal is the fourthhighest public service decoration the U.S. Army can bestowupon a civilian. The Air Force Commander’s Award for PublicService is a civilian award given by the Secretary of the AirForce, recognizing individuals who have helped the Air Forcewith major projects, milestones, or base support. Members also received Texas Senate and House Resolutionsprovided by Texas State Senator José Menéndez and TexasState Representative Barbara Gervin-Hawkins. Resolutions,which are not binding law, express the collective sentiment ofthe Senate and House on a particular issue, person or event,in this case the MSD members receiving the Army and AirForce Awards.

M S D A R M Y A N D A I R F O R C E A W A R D C E R E M O N Y(Above) Veronica Camacho, Fort SamHouston National Cemetery AdministrationOfficer was the Guest Speaker.Colonel Brian Wish, JBSA/502 ABWCommander, presented the AirForce Commander’s Award forPublic Service to:ndAbove: Alex Estrada (Wednesday)Top Left: John Francis (Wednesday)Left: Top Left: Richard Puente(Wednesday) Bottom Left: Robert Reyes (Friday)Top Right: Adan Gonzalez (Tuesday)Right: Fil Villarreal (Thursday)Bottom Right: Frank Kebelman(Thursday)Below: Ron Larson (Friday Squad)21(Above) Award recipients posed with Mr.Damon Lilly, Deputy to Commanding GeneralU.S. Army North .

(Left) Jacqueline Jones(Tuesday Squad) emceed theceremony. Also in the photois Friday Squad Leader RandyBrown. (Right) Jackie Jonessaved the awards fromblowing away after the tablecollapsed!22M S D A R M Y A N D A I R F O R C E A W A R D C E R E M O N YSteven McCray (Vice-Commander) presented theTexas Senate Resolutions to:Above: Robert Reyes (Friday)Top Left: Richard Puente(Wednesday) Left: Adan Gonzalez (Tuesday)Bottom Left: Alex Estrada(Wednesday)Top Right: Fil Villarreal(Thursday)Right: Frank Kebelman(Thursday)Bottom Right: John Francis(Wednesday)Below: Ron Larson (Friday)

23There’s a boy in 34G,A hero lives there you see.To you I want to tell,A story I know so well,Of how he came to bethe boy in 34g.To his country he’d pledge his allegiance,everyday at school.Those words had become so real to him,he realized then what he had to do.The boy in 34G.Came time for his graduation,and with a sense of obligation,proceeded to join the fight,for our country, it’s freedom , and thosethings that are right,felt the boy in 34G.“ENDURING FREEDOM” was name of theOPERATION.“It’s where I’m going, mom to serve mynation”.To a land far away he went,to Afghanistan he was being sent.The boy in 34 G.One day the dreaded news arrived,of how Private Diego Montoya had died.In grief, pain and sorrow his mother cried,for her boy in 34G.September 2, I won’t ever forget,“We’ve come to inform youwith much deep regret”.“There’s been a mistake!”my voice in a shout!“His dog tags were checked, ma’am”.“We’re sure, there’s no doubt.”And so it was he would be,The boy in 34G.Dover his casket they flew,Draped in Old Glory, the red, white andblue,These colors don’t run,And neither did he,this soldier, a hero, my son,My boy in 34 G.There’s nothing a mother won’t do for herown.I would escort him home, I would do italone.My Lord gave me strength, and courageand pride,From Dover we left in God’s morning light.Just me and my boynow in 34G.In Mission, his hometown ,we laid him torestWhere all those around him , are also thebest!A number and letter mark each grave,For the soldiers and heroes whoeverything gave.They are especially marked for only thebrave.The lines and rows will go on forever,We should make our cause to forget them,NEVER!24 A, or 19 B,They all did their part so we can be free,Courage and valor describe him the best.Courage and valor describe ALL the rest,Just like my boy in 34G.You’ve now heard my story,how it came to unfold,of my third born , my son, my twentyyear-old,Your hero, God’s sonmy boy in 34 G.https://720mpreunion.org/history/honor_roll/casualties/montoya_diego_m/montoya_diego_m.htmlTHE BOY IN 34G Written by Maria Guerra, Mother of PFC Diego Montoya