In Waco, Texas, a family’s fight for respect broke through federal bureaucracy when a shutdown denied a dying war hero his final wish.
Faced with a government freeze on military services, relatives of 99-year-old World War II veteran Florencio Davila successfully rallied local support to secure him a funeral with full military honors, the New York Post reported.
Davila, a proud veteran and devoted family man, passed away on October 21 at the age of 99, having served his country bravely as a gunner in the 632nd Tank Destroyer Battalion during the war in the Philippines.
Shutdown Threatened Veteran’s Final Honors
Though Davila had expressed one simple final request — to be buried with military honors — his family was stunned to learn that the federal government’s latest display of dysfunction meant no such honors would be granted at that time.
“As we were making the preparations, we were told due to the government shutdown [that] military funerals are not happening right now or taking place right now,” said Sonya Guerrero, Davila’s granddaughter.
The Army failed to respond to the family’s initial inquiries, compounding the hurt caused by an indifferent bureaucracy. For a man who once risked everything under enemy fire, this cold shoulder from his own government felt like a slap in the face.
Local Community Steps In To Help
Rather than accept defeat, Guerrero dug in and began contacting every office she could find — proof, once again, that if you want something done in this country, don’t rely on Washington.
Thankfully, members of the Waco community stepped up and helped the family connect with Fort Hood’s Casualty Assistance Center. Despite federal stagnation, the local military personnel showed the kind of commitment politicians could learn from.
Fort Hood officials ultimately agreed to provide the full military honors Davila had earned — not because Washington got moving, but because Texans don’t sit idly by when one of their own deserves respect.
A Dying Wish Finally Respected
Guerrero reflected on the emotional journey, saying she was “devastated” when first told her grandfather’s burial wishes could not be fulfilled. “That was his only request...I couldn’t let it happen,” she explained.
This wasn’t about politics. This was about basic decency — giving proper honors to a man who had already given this country more than most ever will.
Davila will be buried in Waco’s Oakwood Cemetery next to Mary, his wife of more than 60 years, bringing a fitting close to a long life defined by loyalty to both family and nation.
Love Of Country Runs Generations Deep
Guerrero called her grandfather “a proud veteran” and urged others to take action: “Fight for your loved one and what they wanted and their wishes. Make it happen for them.”
Her determination stands in stark contrast to the dismissiveness they encountered from federal offices — a reminder that ideals like duty and honor are upheld by individuals, not bureaucracies.
Davila’s son, Irie Cuevas, described his father as a selfless man who “cared more about other people than himself,” adding, “The Bible says to give honor where honor is due.” Sadly, it took local grit, not government grace, to do just that.
