As a U.S. Army Veteran, it was a tremendous honor representing La Prensa Texas at the 30 Year Voluntary Service of Rick Davila to the Fort Sam Houston Memorial Service Detachment. These distinguished volunteers ensure that no Military Veteran is ever buried alone. God Bless You Rick Davila for 30 great years! Thank You MSD Manny Mendoza for inviting La Prensa Texas. Among some of the dignitaries in attendance were State Senator Jose Menendez and Joseph Bray.
Rick Davila was born in La Vega, Dominican Republic. He graduated from Chandler High School and attended the University of Puerto Rico. Rick has fulfilled his life through many meaningful and worthwhile endeavors, especially those that benefit military veterans and activities.
Answering his Nation’s call to duty, Rick joined the United States Army in 1955 and served faithfully and honorably in the areas of military police, field artillery, and military intelligence in a number of military posts in the United States and Puerto Rico, various locations in South American countries and fourteen years in the Canal Zone. After his extensive and distinguished service, Rick retired as a Sergeant Major in 1988.
Rick continued his interest and desire to be involved in military activities, joined and became a life member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1059 in San Antonio, and joined the Memorial Services Detachment in February 1992, just months after the MSD was chartered on December 17, 1991. During these 30 years, Rick has served in positions as Squad Leader, Vice Commander in 2001 and Commander in 2002.
Rick, in fulfilling his responsibilities in a distinguished manner with the MSD for 30 years, has participated in thousands of committal services. The Memorial Services Detachment, since its inception in December 1991 to the present time, has participated in rendering the final military salute to nearly 42,000 veterans being laid to rest at the Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. Each veteran’s committal service is given the dignity, highest respect and solemnity it merits.
Tribute is being paid to Rick Davila for his thirty years of distinguished service. Members of the Memorial Services Detachment extend their sincere appreciation and hearty thanks for his distinguished service, his leadership and friendship.
