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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.
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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?
Do you guard in a blizzard or a bad thunderstorm?
YES, but the accomplishment of the mission and welfare of the Soldier are never put at risk. The Tomb Guards have contingencies that are ready to be executed if the weather conditions ever place the Soldiers at risk of injury or death (i.e. lightning, high winds, etc). This ensures that Sentinels can continue the mission while ensuring safety. It is the responsibility of the Chain of Command from the Sergeant of the Guard to the Regimental Commander to ensure mission accomplishment and soldier welfare at all times.
It was erroneously reported that during Hurricane Isabel, the Sentinels were ordered to abandon their posts for shelter and that they refused. No such order was ever given. All proper precautions were taken to ensure the safety of the Sentinels while accomplishing their mission. Risk assessments are constantly conducted by the Chain of Command during changing conditions to ensure that soldier welfare is maintained during mission accomplishment.
