CONFIRMED: Charles James Guzman, Veteran, US Army (61-24) 6 Mar 24
7735 Gibbs Sprawl Rd
San Antonio, TX 78239
USA
US ARMY VETERAN
The family of Mr. Charles James Guzman, a US Army Veteran, requests the presence and participation of the San Antonio Patriot Guard at the services and LEO supported procession, and graveside rendering of military honors of their loved one. We are honored to accept this invitation.
Charles James Guzman, beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, and brother was called to heaven on Sunday February 25th, 2024, at 55 years old.
Charles is survived by his loving wife of 18 years Kristina Guzman, children Leeza Guzman, Cristian Guzman, Sofia Guzman and Khloe Guzman and grandchild Nathan Guzman. Also left behind to cherish his memories are his mother Maria Guzman and brothers Troy Guzman (Benjamin Thomas), Mark Guzman, James (Christine) Guzman, and many other family and friends.
Charles was born in Agana, Guam to James and Maria Guzman on November 3, 1968. After moving to the mainland and completion of high school, Charles joined the United States Army where he proudly served and achieved the rank of Sergeant. He joined the Army One Unit Station Training in Fort Knox Kentucky as a 19K, Armor Crewman. SGT Guzman served as a Tank driver, loader, gunner, and Tank Commander on the M1A1 Abram tank. His assignments included Germany, Ft. Riley Kansas, Korea, and Fort Hood Texas. Charles’ military training included the Combat Life Savers Course, Primary Leader Course, Advanced Leader Course, Army Retention Course, and Army Instructor Course. Charles’ awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal (3 oak leaf clusters), Army Achievement Medal (3 oak leaf clusters), Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korea Defense Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Medal (numeral 2), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (numeral 2) and Tank Drivers badge. Charles was a great leader and was greatly respected and revered by his peers and loved by all that got the opportunity to be his friend.
In 1999, Charles embarked on his most fulfilling adventure as he met the love of his life, Kristina. Charles and Kristina met through mutual friends and have been inseparable for the last quarter century. They married in 2005, and became a family with Charles’ daughter Leeza. Charles and Kristina also welcomed Cristian, Sofia and Khloe into their family and showed everyone what It was to be an amazing father. He was already the best husband, thoughtful son, caring brother, and friend so this was just another area where Charles excelled, and everyone saw it. Whether you knew him as SGT Guzman, Charles, Charlie, Tio Charles, or any other moniker everyone knew they were speaking to someone that truly cared for them more than he ever worried about himself. A true man of faith, Charles would regularly attend Sunday mass unless he was working. He truly was one of a kind. He showed what an amazing father he could be when during the pandemic he became the teacher of 3 kids in 3 different grades at the Guzman Academy of learning, otherwise known as virtual school. It was here that Charles learned a true appreciation for the teaching community and got to build many lasting memories with his children who were the apple of his eye. Charles was also fond of his toys. He loved cars including BMW’s and Volkswagens. He loved collecting all sorts of memorabilia and amassed an impressive Hot Wheels collection. Charles was also always wearing the latest Nike had to offer and really put them to use as he loved spending time at the gym and getting in his workouts. Charles also loved collecting license plates from all over the world on his travels with the military. Charles’ most cherished collection though, was the memories he shared with his family, his friends that became family, the strangers that became friends and everyone in between. Charles truly loved everyone and would always reach out with a friendly text or a call to catch up. Amongst those cherished memories are some of the best karaoke jams that South Texas ever had to offer. Where he was belting them out or giving you a high 5 after you butchered some Bee Gee’s tune, Charles had a way to always make you feel like the most important person at the party.
Charles was also a proud employee of both HEB and the Frost Bank Center Security team. Always bringing his infectious smile and positive attitude to both and loving what he did. I know you all would watch the Spurs games hoping you would get that glimpse of Charles sitting right behind the Spurs bench amongst all those legends and everyone could not wait to tell someone “I know him!”
WEATHER: Hi 81 / Lo 64, 20 % Chance of Rain, 85 % Humidity, Wind: 6 mph NE
REQUESTOR: Vickie King White, Family SPOX
STAGING: 8:30 am, Wednesday, March 6, 2024
Chapel Hill Memorial Park Funeral Home
7735 Gibbs Sprawl Road
San Antonio, Texas 78239
https://goo.gl/maps/PvVo4T8zJinRcD1q6
BRIEFING: 8:45 am
HONOR LINE: 9:00 am
**THIS IS A MOTORCYCLE ESCORT ONLY. NO CAGES PLEASE
KSU: 9:15 am (Semper Gumby)
**THE CAGES WILL MEET AT THE CHURCH
SERVICE: 9:30 am
St Monica Catholic Church
501 North Street
Converse, Texas 78109
https://goo.gl/maps/UmMWhQJuzL3w1Wme6
KSU: 10:15 am (Semper Gumby)
INTERMENT: 10:45 am – Shelter #5 (Call to Verify)
Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery
1520 Harry Wurzbach Road
San Antonio, Texas 78209
https://goo.gl/maps/kQ68VALuUAptXpgS9
RC: Tom “Tom Cat” Wilson
tomcatwilson2019@gmail.com
FC: Alice “Cake Lady” Wagener
hwagener@sbcglobal.net
ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS
1. Iron horses if you can, cages are always welcome and appreciated and unless under special circumstances not allowed in processions. You do not have to have a motorcycle to participate in honoring our veterans.
2. Safety First: Please remember to properly hydrate (including the night before) before any outdoor activity and to dress appropriately. Do not hesitate to take a break at any time if you feel you need to get in the shade or get indoors and always ask for help at any time. Also please do not forget your sun screen.
3. Please remember that our mission is to stand tall and silent, and with honor and. NO TALKING, SMOKING, CHEWING OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS, OR CELL PHONE USE IN THE FLAG LINE!
***Safety Notice***
Before volunteering and/or attending any San Antonio Patriot Guard Riders missions we encourage you to review all safety information below. Included are some potential safety concerns to be aware of, however this does not include the full scope of all potential hazards. Anyone attending any San Antonio Patriot Guard Riders mission understands that they do so at their own risk. Neither the Patriot Guard Riders Organization nor its representatives are liable for any damages incurred on any PGR mission or event.
Funeral Processions/Escorts
EVERY RIDER IS SOLELY RESPONSIBLE for their own safety at all times while riding in a funeral procession.
At NO TIME are any riders authorized to block any intersection or otherwise block or impede traffic laws in any way. Only Law Enforcement officials are authorized to block and/or impeded the lawful flow of traffic.
If you choose to fly a Flag on your bike you are SOLELY RESPONSIBLE for ensuring it is secured and not a danger to any other rider or traffic.
Warm Regards,
Bob “Pizza Man” Johnson
Asst. State Captain
Deputy State Captain
San Antonio Patriot Guard
Dignity, Honor, Respect
Cell: 562-413-2223
“We can’t all be heroes. Some of us get to stand on the curb and clap as they go by.”
Will Rogers