SSG Enrique Medina, United States Army, Ret.

Enrique ( Rick) Medina was born on August 6, 1962 in El Paso, Texas.  He passed away at the age of 60, in Temple, Texas, in the care of his loving family.

Enrique was married to his elementary school sweetheart, Irene.  He proudly served his country in the United States Army for more than twenty years, having enlisted after graduation from high school.  His duty included service in Iraq during the Gulf War.  His assignments included service with the 9th Infantry Regiment ("Manchu"), one of the oldest and most decorated active duty infantry units in the United States Army, having been formed as the result of the Act of 16 July 1798.



Enrique earned many awards and decorations during his years of service, including the Bronze Star Medal and the Combat Infantryman Badge.

His favorite pastimes included "APA" Pool, (American Poolplayers Association), cars and traveling. Family time was, by far, his favorite activity.  He and his family could be found cheering on his favorite team, The Dallas Cowboys, on Sunday afternoons.

Funeral services were held on March 22 at Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home in Killeen, Texas.  In attendance were the Patriot Guard Riders who formed a line of American flags at the front of the chapel, to welcome the arriving family.


After the service, the Riders led the procession to the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery, just five miles away, where the family was greeted by fifty American flags blowing briskly in the wind.


After the flag draped coffin was moved from the coach to the committal shelter, the riders formed a line of flags around the shelter during the service and the military honors.


A United States Army Chaplain performed the graveside rite of committal, after which Crucifixes were presented to Enrique's wife and his children.


The United States Army Honor Guard rendered full military honors.  The Rifle Detail fired three volleys of fire, representing Duty, Honor and Country, followed immediately by the playing of taps.The flag that had covered the coffin was folded into a traditional triangle and passed to an Army Non-Commissioned Officer.


 He presented that flag to Enrique's dear wife of 32 years, on behalf of a grateful nation and the United States Army as a token of appreciation for his honorable and faithful service.




SSG Enrique Medina was laid to rest on the grassy plain of the cemetery, over looking the Texas Hill Country, as the American flag flew at half-staff, in his honor, at the top of the hill.











Left to cherish his memory are his wife, his parents, Miguel and Eufemia Medina, three children, two grandchildren, and many other dear family and friends.

With thanks to Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home for biographical information and photograph.