Aggies can get involved with Wreaths Across America

In the November/December 2018 edition of the Texas Aggie magazine, I read a very interesting article about Major General Alvin R. Luedecke. It discussed his colorful, busy life, and the fact that he had been president of the University after General Rudder’s death. It also indicated he had died in 1998 and was buried at Fort Sam Houston Cemetery in San Antonio

My mentor and ‘adopted’ dad, Chuck, (a Longhorn supporter I’m sorry to say) died in 2017 and is also buried in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. His wife, Sandy, is my best friend. We decided to get involved with Wreaths Across America and lay a wreath on Chuck’s grave in December 2018. What an opportunity to also honor Major General Luedecke.

Let me tell you how this organization works. It is run by volunteers and donations. The goal is to lay a Christmas wreath on every grave in every cemetery around the world where our veterans are laid to rest. At Fort Sam Houston, after a moving and patriotic service which included a flyover, more than 40,000 wreaths were laid by family and friends. The vast majority of these wreaths are placed on the graves of the more recently deceased. After all, they still have living family and friends to remember them. However, as we went in search of Major General Luedecke’s grave site, it became more and more apparent that the older grave sites were ignored. You can tell from the 2 pictures how full with wreaths the back of the cemetery is compared to the older front section where Major General Luedecke rests. I’m certain there are Aggies in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery with no wreaths on their headstones.

When Sandy and I were laying wreaths last December, I started thinking about how many old Ags must be scattered in cemeteries near and far and around the world with no one left to remember them. As much as we Aggies value tradition, I think this is a worthwhile project in which we can all be involved. The Aggie mom's clubs, current campus service organizations, the Corps of Cadets, and The Association of Former Students might like to be involved. A&M historians could play a role.

A couple of weeks ago, I saw an obituary in the Austin American-Statesman for Brigadier General David O. Williams, Jr. He attended Texas A&M College from 1942 until he volunteered for pilot training in 1944. He also is now buried at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. While he never graduated from A&M, he is still very much an Aggie and will have a wreath this December.

I urge you all to go to wreathsacrossamerica.org for more information. This year, we volunteers will lay wreaths Saturday, December 14, 2019 across the country and internationally. Sandy and I will be at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery honoring my mentor Chuck, Major General Luedecke, and Brigadier General Williams. And any other old Ag I can find. Maybe we will see you there. Come early, though. Parking at Ft. Sam was already full 2 hours before the start of the ceremonies.

Tammy Sartor '79

Editor’s note: In related efforts, the San Diego, Houston and Maryland Texas A&M Clubs have partnered with Wreaths Across America in recent years and are doing so again in 2019. Find other A&M Clubs chartered by The Association of Former Students at tx.ag/clubs.