Raul Garcia

Command Sergeant Major Raul Amado Garcia was born in Guantanamo, Cuba where he spent his formative years. Having a love for math, he studied accounting. In 1957, he immigrated to the United States, living in Maine with his sister, Maria. He was proud of both his Cuban heritage and his adopted country, the United States of America.

CSM Garcia joined the United States Army in 1958 and served for twenty-four years. He rose through the ranks as a non-commissioned officer, retiring as a Command Sergeant Major in 1982. During his years of active duty, he was stationed at Army bases in the United States and overseas in Vietnam, Korea, and Germany. He loved telling stories of his past military experiences, especially as a drill sergeant.

CSM Garcia was awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star with Valor, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, along with various medals and ribbons commemorating good conduct and meritorious service. In addition, he was a graduate of the Non-Commissioned Officer Academy.

While stationed at Fort Benning, Georgia, he met Pastor A.J. Silva who was instrumental in leading him to a profession of faith in Jesus Christ as his personal savior. CSM Garcia spent his retirement years in the metro Atlanta area during which he worked for the United States Postal Service for 21 years and managed a gas station. Throughout his lifetime, he enjoyed helping immigrants adjust to their new life in America, befriending them and spending countless hours assisting them with the very basics to acquire jobs and housing. He also loved playing games and would play to win regardless of the opponent’s age. In his later years, he played dominoes every day, even with those who visited. You would see a large grin if he won the game.

In addition to his wife, Georgina, Raul is survived by his children: Nancy Richey of Woodstock, GA; Suzette (Roy) Grady of Christchurch, NZ; Vivian (Greg) Shepler of Roswell, GA; and Daniel (Carren) Garcia of the United Kingdom. He is also survived by three grandchildren and two step-grandchildren. His other siblings, Enrique, Ana Maria, Maria, Omar, Otto, Hugo and Eduardo preceded him in death.