Donald A. Richburg
Tomb Position
SentinelTomb Relief
Tomb Dates
Jan 1959 - May 1960Society Membership
Lifetime MemberObituary
Mr. Don Richburg, age 71, of Roscoe, Texas, passed from this life on Thursday, March 5, 2009 at Rolling Plains Hospital in Sweetwater, Texas. Funeral services were held at the First Baptist Church in Roscoe, Texas, with burial in the Roscoe Cemetery. Don was born on October 19, 1937 in Loraine, Texas, to Homer and Opal Richburg. He was a 1956 graduate of Roscoe High School. After graduation he enlisted in the United States Army and served as an Honor Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington, Virginia. He returned to Roscoe where he married his high school sweetheart on June 4, 1962. He was an engineer on the RS&P Railroad. He was a farmer and rancher until the time of his death. He was a member of the Roscoe Lions Club, Roscoe School Board, Nolan Coliseum Board, American Legion, a member of the First Salem Lutheran Church, Roscoe and the First United Methodist Church of Loraine. He was also a supporter of local 4-H and FFA youth, being a charter member of the Roscoe Swine Breeders Association and founder of the West Texas Rehab Center Benefit pig show and sale. He is preceded in death by his parents Homer and Opal Richburg and a brother, Jerry Richburg.Outside Tributes
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The Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (SHGTUS) is able to provide our programs, events, assistance, scholarships, and services due to the generosity of its members, organizations, and individuals. SHGTUS does not receive institutional funding. Note: The Society of the Honor Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a 501(c)(3) organization, so your contributions may be fully tax deductible.
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Did you know?
Is it true after two years, the guard is given a wreath pin that is worn on their lapel signifying they served as Guard of the Tomb, that there are only 600 presently worn, and that the Guard must obey these rules for the rest of their lives or give up the wreath pin?
The Tomb Guard Identification Badge (TGIB) is awarded after the Sentinel passes a series of tests. The TGIB is permanently awarded after a Sentinel has served nine months as a Sentinel at the Tomb. Over 600 have been awarded since its creation in the late 1950's (on average 10 per year). And while the TGIB can be revoked, the offense must be such that it discredits the Tomb of the Unknowns. Revocation is at the 3rd Infantry Regimental Commander’s discretion and can occur while active duty or even when the Sentinel is a civilian. The TGIB is a full size award, worn on the right pocket of the uniform jacket, not a lapel pin.
