SGM Joseph Galiana, Jr., United States Army, Ret.

Joseph Galiana, Jr. was born January 11, 1931 in New Britton, Conn. and passed away April 4, 2012 in Austin, Texas at the age of 81.

Joseph proudly served his country in the United States Army, retiring in 1986 as a Sergeant Major.  His service included duty in Vietnam.  His many military decorations and awards include the Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service Medal and the Army Commendation Medal.

At the time of his death, Joseph was a member of St. Paul Chong Hasang Catholic Church in Harker Heights, Texas.

Joseph's first wife, Ok-Jae Lee Galiana, passed away on June 2, 1980.  He has been married to his current wife, Muncha, for thirty years.

On April 10 a funeral service was held for Joseph at the Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home in Copperas Cove, Texas.  In attendance were the Patriot Guard Riders who formed a line of American flags at the entrance.

After the service the Riders led the procession to the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Killeen, Texas where the family and friends were welcomed by the fifty American flags lining the roadway at the committal shelter.

After the flag draped casket was moved from the hearse to the shelter, by the Army Honor Guard, the Riders formed a line of flags around the shelter.

Capt. Souza, an Army Chaplain, read  Psalm 121, performed the rite of committal and led the gathering in final prayers.

The United States Army Honor Guard rendered full military honors.  The detail of five rifles fired three volleys of fire, representing Duty, Honor and Country, followed by the playing of taps by the Army bugler.

The American flag that covered the casket was folded into the traditional triangle.  An Army Non-commissioned Officer presented the flag to Muncha on behalf of a grateful nation and the United States Army as a token of appreciation for Joseph's honorable and faithful service.

SGM Joseph Galiana, Jr. was laid to rest on the sunny slope of the cemetery hill, 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, four sons, one daughter, two siblings, fourteen grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.

With thanks to Crawford-Bower Funeral Home for biographical information and photo.