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David Gates
Tomb Position
Sentinel, Sergeant of the GuardTomb Relief
Tomb Dates
Mar 1964 - Sep 1965Military Dates
May 1962 - Sep 1965Society Membership
MemberHome City / State
Akron, OhioObituary
David Gary Gates, age 80, passed away peacefully on October 5th, 2020 with his family by his side. Loving husband of Nancy, proud father of Stephen and wife Whitney, brother to Pat Kerl, and uncle to Gregory Kerl.
David served his country with distinction as a member of the Honor Guard at The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. He was always proud of his selection to The Old Guard, an incredibly rare honor, and the least awarded in the Army. While in the Tomb Guard, he served as a member of the funeral detail for President John F. Kennedy.
After finishing his tour in the Army, he studied at the Cleveland Institute of Art, where he fell in love with his wife of 53 years, Nancy. He later moved his young family to Pittsburgh, where he became the Creative Director for the advertising agency VanDine Horton working on numerous clients, including Alcoa, Buhl Science Center, the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy.
David was best known for his humor, quick wit, award-winning graphic design, one of a kind holiday cards, intricate woodworking, and love of any dessert with whipped cream.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to Family Hospice Lawrenceville, Inpatient Unit, 310 Fisk Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15201, or make a memorial donation online at FamilyHospicePA.org in honor of David.
Memories & Condolences
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Units & Campaigns
3d United States Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard)Awards & Decorations
Tomb Guard Identification Badge
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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?
How many times will a Sentinel be on duty during the shift?
Each Relief has a 24 hour rotational work day. Ideally, four qualified Sentinels, one Relief Commander (RC), one Assistant Relief Commander (ARC), and several Sentinels in training comprise the Relief. The daily walk schedule is made by the RC or ARC and is dependent on the number of Sentinels who are proficient enough to guard the Tomb in front of the public. Generally, the Sentinel will do several walks back to back and then be done for the day. However, in extreme cases, Sentinels have been known to go back-to-back (every other walk) for the entire shift.
