Captain Alfredo "Sam" Garcia

Captain Alfredo “Sam” Garcia, joined his fellow Marines at the pearly white gates February 4, 2024. Captain Sam Garcia dedicated 20 years in the U.S. Marines (1953-1973), His assignment was to open the first base theater at 29 Palms Marine Base, California. They did this because of his experience working at the theater “Alameda” at his home town of Falfurrias. After that his career took off going to Okinawa, then back to training, and attending schools for Legal and Logistics later. Afterwards he would be selected as a Drill Instructor (DI) at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina. After a few years drilling in the field - he became Senior Drill Instructor (SDI). He worked mostly logistics in his career being stationed at MCAS Beaufort, S.C. and MCAS Cherry Point, N.C. Then in 1967 he received a commision as 2nd LT and was sent to Da Nang, Viet Nam. He was there from 1967-1968 returning home to serve his twilight tour at MCAS New River and retiring as Captain. When he retired he went back to his home that he left when he was 17. Settling down at his five ace ranch that he inherited from his family. Not long after being home he worked with radio station KPSO (spanish) then with Mobile Oil Company at the La Gloria plant. He then applied and was selected for U.S. Border Patrol, attending the Academy at Los Fresnos, Texas. Graduating Class 107. His first duty station was Laredo, Texas.
Working various assignments and becoming a very proficient agent he transferred to Bakersfield Station in California. After years of working, he switched gears and worked with the Department of Commerce - U.S. Census Bureau. He worked in Washington, DC for many years until he decided to move back to his home state of Texas. His twilight years in civil service was at McAllen, Texas were he spearheaded the 2000 Census for most of the valley including Laredo. This was his last assignment. He eventually moved to San Antonio where he resided at Schertz, Texas. He volunteered for many organizations such as the Webelo Scout Master at Wilmington, NC. He was one of the first to integrate Webelo troops. He also was a member of VFW (District Commander), American Legion, Disabled American Veteran (Life Member) and Knights of Columbus (3rd Degree). He also volunteered as Honor Guard at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.
Alfredo “Sam” Garcia was the last of 10 children in his family. Born on a dairy farm March 3, 1936, at Falfurrias, Texas. He is preceded in death by his father Hilario and Enimencia Morales Garcia. His brothers were: Alfredo M, Julian, Hilario Jr., Jose M., Humberto, Rodolfo Garcia. His sisters were: Consuela (Garza), Corena, and Estela (Salas). Left to cherish his memory is his loyal loving wife Carolina Ozuna Garcia and her seven children. Five Daughters and they are: Sylvia “Jaye”, husband Eric Berolzheimer, her son Jaime, his wife Christine and children Vivian, Amelia and Joanthan Joel. Stela "Joyce" (Garcia) Vincent her daughter Natalie June Casto, husband, John, and children Natasha and Nicholas;  daughter Basilia Turney, husband, Marcus and children Cole and Roman; and  son, Jacob Vincent, wife Leeza, and children Kailyn, Mason, and Nathan. Sara Carolyn, her children are Anthony Metoyer, Samantha Carolyn (LeGarda), husband Gilbert and son Eli. Krysten (Hawkinson) husband Raymond and children Edward Reed, Austin Eggers. Maggie Elena (Conant) husband Curt and daughters Jennifer (Grijalva) husband Gilbert, Hayley Conant her son Greyson Gerent. Barbara Ann (Beauchat) husband John, daughters Bernadette, son Michael Jacob, Breanna and husband Jacob Salinas, and Josette. The Captain's sons are: Miguel Aceves Garcia, wife Gail their children Krystal, Jackie and Adriano. Jose Alfredo Garcia, Sr., wife Tila Maria children Jose Alfredo Garcia, Jr. wife Lisa Marie children Vivianna Beatrice her son James, Jose Eliseo, Olivia Elaine, and Isabella Nicholette. Raquel Victoria Buitron husband Roberto Jr., children Sofia Caprice, Roberto III, Benicio Alejandro.
The Captain loved mariachi music as you can see he named both his sons after his favorite ones, Miguel Aceves Mejia and Jose Alfredo Jimenez. He loved his Spanish movies too - thus the name of Mexican actor Sara Garcia. He loved his ice cream and popcorn and was very proud that his family was connected with the Laster Family that once provided Fresh Falfurrias Milk and Butter throughout South Texas.
Semper Fi!

A Visitation for Alfredo will take place from 5:00PM - 8:00PM, with the Holy Rosary to be recited at 7:00PM, on Wednesday, February 28, 2024 at Schertz Funeral Home Chapel. The Funeral Mass will be at 11:30AM on Thursday, February 29, 2024 at Good Shepherd Catholic Church of Schertz. Interment, featuring full United States Marines Honors, will follow at 1:45PM at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery - Shelter 5.