Sergeant Major (Ret) Federico Raul Saenz

1944 - 2025

Sergeant Major (Retired) Federico Raul Saenz
December 24, 1944 - October 9, 2025
Sergeant Major (Retired) Federico Raul Saenz, age 80, of San Antonio, Texas, passed away peacefully on October 9, 2025, surrounded by his loving wife and daughters.

He was a man of great integrity, faith, and devotion-to his country, his family, and the soldiers he led.

Born on December 24, 1944, in Corpus Christi, Texas, Federico grew up with a deep sense of duty and love for his country.

After graduating from Roy Miller High School, he enlisted in the United States Army at the age of 18, beginning a remarkable 30-year career of dedication and service that culminated in his rise to the esteemed rank of Sergeant Major.


During the Vietnam War, he served from January 1968 to January 1969 with HHC 2nd Battalion, 3rd Infantry, 199th Light Infantry Brigade, and later with Advisory Team 26, Military Assistance Command Vietnam.

His courage and compassion on the battlefield earned him the Purple Heart and his treasured Combat Medical Badge, honors that reflected his selflessness and bravery.

His military decorations reflect a lifetime of excellence and valor: Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal (3rd Oak Leaf Cluster), Army Commendation Medal (1st Oak Leaf Cluster), Army Achievement Medal (1st Oak Leaf Cluster), Vietnam Campaign Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal (9th Award), Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with Palm, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (3), NCO Professional Development Ribbon (4), Overseas Service Bar (2), Combat Medical Badge, and National Defense Service Medal with Service Star.

After retiring from active duty, Federico continued to serve and grow.

He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Our Lady of the Lake University in 1997, demonstrating his belief in lifelong learning.

He was a Life Member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2059-where he proudly served as Post Commander in 2010, 2011, and 2014-as well as a member of the Military Order of the Cootie, the American Legion Post 0667, and the Military Order of the Purple Heart.


Beyond his accomplishments, Federico found his greatest joy in life's simple pleasures-fishing, hunting, singing his favorite karaoke songs, barbecuing for his family, and traveling to new places.

His laughter, wisdom, and music brought warmth to every gathering.

Federico is survived by his devoted wife,
Kathleen Saenz; his children, Sandra Teitelbaum, Julie (Oscar) Montes, Christina (Brian) Bacic, Scott (Sarah) Wagoner, and Brent Wagoner; and siblings Mary, Ophelia, Oralia, Richard, Lydia, and Cynthia.

He was a proud grandfather to thirteen grandchildren: Sarah, Taylor, and Aaron Teitelbaum; Devon, Aleah, and Dominick Montes; Mason Bacic; Owen, Aubrey, Brynn, Landree, Lillian, and Lexi Wagoner.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Federico and Rebecca Saenz; his twin brother Alfredo Saenz; and brothers Octavio and Oscar Saenz.

Visitation will be held November 5, 2025, from 5:30–8:00 p.m., and a religious ceremony on November 6, 2025, from 9:00–10:00 a.m., both at Sunset Funeral Home, 1701 Austin Highway, San Antonio, TX.

Full Military Honors Caisson will follow from 11:00–11:30 a.m. at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Road.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2059 at 12:30 p.m.


In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to VFW Post 2059, where he faithfully served his fellow veterans.

"Well done, thou good and faithful servant… Enter thou into the joy of the Lord." – Matthew 25:21