Central Texas Unites to Honor Veteran

Central Texas Community Invited to Honor Veteran at Unaccompanied Burial

The Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery will hold an Unaccompanied Veteran Burial on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. in Killeen, Texas, for U.S. Army Veteran Sergeant First Class David Guerrero Acosta. Community members are being encouraged to attend to ensure that the veteran is honored and not laid to rest alone.

The ceremony will take place at the state veterans cemetery and is open to the public. Organizers have emphasized the importance of community presence, noting that SFC Acosta is not expected to have any next-of-kin in attendance.

Honoring a Life of Military Service

Sergeant First Class David Guerrero Acosta was born on October 18, 1946, and dedicated more than two decades of his life to service in the United States Army. His military career spanned from June 1966 through August 1989, a period that included years of significant global and military change.

During his service, SFC Acosta earned multiple military decorations recognizing his commitment and professionalism. These honors include the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, and the Army Good Conduct Medal—awards that reflect sustained service, exemplary conduct, and dedication to duty.

The upcoming burial ceremony is intended not only to mark his passing, but also to formally recognize his years of service to the nation.

What an Unaccompanied Veteran Burial Means

An Unaccompanied Veteran Burial occurs when a deceased veteran has no known next-of-kin or when family members are unable to attend the burial service. In these cases, the presence of fellow veterans, local residents, and community members becomes especially meaningful.

Organizers of the ceremony have asked members of the Killeen community and surrounding areas to attend as a way to stand in for family and to show collective gratitude for SFC Acosta’s service. Attendees serve as witnesses to the final honors rendered and as representatives of a nation acknowledging its debt to those who served.

Military Honors to Be Rendered

SFC Acosta will receive full military honors during the ceremony. These honors are a formal and symbolic expression of respect from the United States military, reflecting the significance of his service and sacrifice.

If no next-of-kin is present at the burial, a representative from the Texas Veterans Land Board will accept the United States flag on his behalf. This ensures that the flag is received with dignity and care, even in the absence of family members.

Community Participation Encouraged

Local officials and organizers are urging the public to help spread the word about the ceremony and to attend if possible. The goal is to ensure that SFC Acosta is surrounded by community support and appreciation at the time of his burial.

By attending, community members play an active role in honoring a veteran who served for more than 23 years and in reinforcing the principle that military service is remembered and respected, regardless of personal circumstance.

A Broader Commitment to Veterans

The Texas Veterans Land Board works with local communities and veteran service organizations to ensure that no veteran is ever forgotten. According to the organization, Unaccompanied Veteran Burials are part of a broader effort to uphold the dignity of veterans who may otherwise face burial without family present.

These ceremonies reflect a standing commitment to the idea that service to the country carries lasting significance and that veterans deserve recognition at every stage of life, including their final farewell.

Final Invitation

The Unaccompanied Veteran Burial for Sergeant First Class David Guerrero Acosta will take place on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen. Members of the public are invited to attend and stand in honor of a veteran whose service spanned more than two decades.