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 VFW Post 76 Honor Guard

Welcome to the VFW Post 76 Honor Guard homepage.  Here we will share how it all began and where we are today.

Our founder is Post 76 member, Ray Gutierrez, whom is also a member of the Fort Sam Houston Memorial Service Detachment (MSD) as their bugler.

As a new Post 76 member, Gutierrez realized that no other VFW Post within Distirct 20, comprised of approximately twenty-two VFW Posts scattered throughout Bexar County and other surrounding counties, did not "exist."

In January 2007, Gutierrez petitioned the Post membership to formulate, finance, and support its own Honor Guard.  The membership in prior months denied his request, but, with strong conviction and will, Gutierrez persisted.

During the month of February 20, 2007, Post member, Arturo "Art" Martinez designed the first VFW Post 76 Honor Guard Patch that symbolized the desires of Gutierrez.  The membership overwhelmingly approved its creation.

One of the first Post member's to financially support the Guard was comrade Eddie Aleman.  He personally donated $200 towards the purchase of uniforms and accessories.  Chaplain Lee Swain followed by contributing $100.  The District 20 Commander, Robert De La Vega, donated $200, while the Post and its members financed the rest of monies needed to equip the Guard.

It was the belief of Gutierrez that the Guard could be self-sustaining.  While the Guard can not charge for its services only donations/contributions are allowed.

On February 12, 2008, the Honor Guard Commander, Mario Castilleja, announced to the membership that the M1 weapons had been delivered to the Post.  However, prior to the receipt of weapons, the Post Commander, Antonio "Tony" Vasquez summoned Castilleja to direct the construction of a storage weapons room that complied with strict regulations.

Today, the dedicated VFW Post 76 Honor Guard stand tall, its members share a special commitment and camraderie.  The Guard is led by Mario Castilleja; Guard Captain/Quartermaster and bugler, Ray Gutierrez; Adjutant, Robert Ramirez; Tresurer, Phil Moreno; Chaplain, Manuel Castillo; Squad Leader, Santiago Tello; Historian, Joe Casas.  The rest of the team are:  Victor Ramos; Fermin Gutierrez;  Joaquin Faz; Jesse Benavidez; Abel Araiza; Marion Huber; and Michael Rojas (temporary duty in Saudi Arabia).

All veterans should remember that it is essential to have on-hand a copy of their Department of Defense (DD) Form 214 to process a family member's request to bury a veteran with full military honors. 

Presently, the Fort Sam Houston Cemetery does provide this service; however, being buried in a local cemetery is not "guaranteed."  The military can no longer provide full honors other than a flag folding team.

For burial assistance, first coordinate with the servicing Funeral Director.  The Director or family member may contact the following members for assistance: