MSG Wilson Reyes, Texas National Guard

Wilson Reyes was born January 30, 1969 in Patterson, New Jersey, and passed away on February 27, 2013 at Fort Bliss, Texas, at the age of 44.



Wilson proudly served his country in the Texas National Guard and was on active duty at the time of his death.  His service included a tour of duty  in Iraq in 2008, as a Platoon Sergeant, with the 836 En (Sapper) Co.  Sappers are combat engineers who seek out explosive devices and detonate them.



On March 8, a funeral service was held at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Pflugerville, Texas.  In attendance were Patriot Guard Riders who formed a line of American flags to welcome the arriving family and friends.



After the service, the Riders led the funeral procession to the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Killeen, Texas.  There, the family was welcomed by fifty American flags, lining the roadway to the committal shelter.



After the United States Army Honor Guard carried the flag draped casket into the committal shelter, the Riders formed a line of flags along the front of the shelter.

The Honor Guard afforded to MSG Wilson Reyes full military honors.  The detail of three rifles fired three volleys of fire, representing Duty, Honor and Country.  The detail, and all in attendance, stood at attention as the Army bugler sounded the always mournful taps.








The American flag that covered the coffin was carefully folded into a tight triangle and passed to a Non-Commissioned Officer.  He passed the flag to Brigadier General William Smith, Deputy Commander of the 36th Infantry Division.


 General Smith presented the flag to Wilson's dear wife, Maria, on behalf of a grateful nation and the United States Army as a token of appreciation for Wilson's honorable and faithful service.



General Smith also presented folded flags to Wilson's mother, Antonia, and to his two daughters and two sons.



After military honors, a Catholic Priest conducted the graveside rite of committal, including the sprinkling of holy water upon the coffin.




MSG Wilson Reyes was laid to rest on the sloping rain swept plain of the cemetery, as the rain clouds hung heavily upon the Texas hill country.




Left to cherish his memory are his wife, his children and parents, and many other dear family, friends and fellow Texas Guardsmen.

  

With thanks to Cook Walden Funeral Home for biographical information and to Ceej Foy for additional photographs.