Texans Called to Stand in for Family at Veteran’s Burial Ceremony

On Friday, September 26, the Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery in Mission will hold a solemn ceremony to ensure that one of America’s heroes is not laid to rest alone. At 11:00 a.m., U.S. Air Force Veteran David A. Kuhn will receive full military honors in recognition of his service to the nation, even though no next-of-kin is expected to attend.

Kuhn, born April 7, 1954, served his country in the U.S. Air Force from January 1974 to March 1976. While little is known about his personal life, what is certain is that he answered the call to serve—something that deserves acknowledgment, gratitude, and respect. His story is a reminder that every veteran, regardless of circumstance, is entitled to a dignified farewell.

The Texas Veterans Land Board, which oversees the state’s veterans cemeteries, organizes unaccompanied burials in partnership with local communities and veterans service organizations. These ceremonies serve a powerful purpose: they make sure no veteran is forgotten. When family members are unable to attend, the board and its representatives stand in for them, accepting the folded United States flag presented at the service. In this case, if no next-of-kin is present, a Veterans Land Board representative will accept the flag on Kuhn’s behalf.

Members of the community are invited—and encouraged—to attend Friday’s service. Attendance is more than just a gesture; it is an affirmation of shared responsibility to honor those who defended our freedoms. Local residents, fellow veterans, and anyone who wishes to pay their respects will help ensure that Kuhn is not buried alone.

This ceremony is part of a broader effort by the Veterans Land Board to uphold the principle that “No Veteran is Ever Left Behind.” Across Texas, unaccompanied veteran burials take place when service members pass away without family present to claim them. Each service becomes a community event where strangers stand in as family, connected by the shared values of respect, remembrance, and patriotism.

The Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery has been the site of many such gatherings over the years. On these occasions, residents from Mission and surrounding towns step forward to honor veterans they may never have met, filling the role of mourners and ensuring that the sacrifices of these men and women are not forgotten. The image of rows of Texans standing together, saluting or placing a hand over their hearts, reflects the best of what it means to be part of a community.

Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham, who made history in 2022 as Texas’ first female Land Commissioner, has emphasized the importance of programs that support veterans and their families. Under her leadership, the Veterans Land Board continues its mission not only to provide burial honors but also to expand services for Texas veterans. From affordable land and home loans to long-term care facilities and outreach programs, the board works to ensure that those who have worn the uniform are recognized and cared for throughout their lives and beyond.

The burial of David A. Kuhn is both a deeply personal and deeply communal event. While Kuhn may not have relatives present, the presence of community members can transform the service into a powerful expression of national gratitude. For those who attend, it is a chance to pause and reflect—not just on one man’s service, but on the collective debt we owe to all who have served.

The ceremony is open to the public. Residents of Mission, Hidalgo County, and across the Rio Grande Valley are asked to consider taking part, standing shoulder to shoulder to ensure that this Air Force veteran is honored with the dignity he deserves.

Every veteran’s story matters. Every service counts. And on Friday, the community will have the opportunity to ensure that U.S. Air Force Veteran David A. Kuhn is remembered not as unaccompanied, but as part of the larger American family that is forever grateful for his service.