SSG Orlando Gonzalez, United States Army, Ret.

Orlando Gonzalez was born April 7, 1958 at Brooklyn, New York and passed away, at the age of 54, at his residence, which was his wish,  in Killeen, Texas on June 30, 2012.

Orlando proudly served his country in the United States Army, including service in Vietnam, and retired from active service, after twenty years, with the rank of Staff Sergeant.

On July 10, the Patriot Guard Riders assembled at the Heritage Funeral Home in Harker Heights, Texas, and led the funeral procession to the Central Texas Veterans Cemetery at Killeen.  The family was welcomed at the columbarium of the cemetery by other Patriot Guard Riders, standing around the committal shelter with American flags.

A minister spoke of Orlando's life, read from the Bible and led the family in final prayers.

Military honors were then rendered by the United States Army Honor Guard.  A detail of  five rifles, standing on the hillside above the columbarium fired three volleys of fire, representing Duty, Honor and Country.  The Army bugler played taps.

The American flag that had rested against the urn containing the cremains, was carefully unfolded, and refolded into the traditional triangle, and passed to a Non-Commissioned Officer.  He presented the flag to Lilian, Orlando's dear wife of 31 years, on behalf of a grateful nation and the United States Army as a token of appreciation for his honorable and faithful service.

Lilian carried the urn to the columbarium wall, where she placed it into a niche to be sealed for all of eternity.




Left to cherish Orlando's memory are his wife, three daughters, three grandchildren and many other dear family and friends.


With thanks to the Killeen Daily Herald for biographical information.