0193
Ronald Dale Achenbach, Sr.
Tomb Position
SentinelTomb Relief
Highest Military Rank
SpecalistTomb Dates
Jul 1977 - Oct 1978Society Membership
--Select One--Obituary
Ronald D. Achenbach, Sr., 61, of Cortland, Ohio, formerly of Sharon, passed away Friday morning, May 31, 2019, in St. Joseph Hospital, Warren.
Mr. Achenbach was born July 1, 1957, in Sharpsville, a son of George and Helen (Mack) Achenbach, Jr.
A 1975 graduate of Sharon High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was a proud member of The Old Guard serving in Arlington National Cemetery at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Ron drove truck for many years and was employed by XPO Logistics, Lordstown, Ohio.
He was of the Catholic faith. A devout family man, Ron loved spending time with his children and grandchildren and coached several of his sons’ youth sports teams. He also enjoyed bowling, golfing and taking trips to the casino.
Ron is survived by his wife, the former Elizabeth “Lisa” Kreitler, whom he married January 24, 2009; two sons, Ronald (Adrienne) Achenbach, Jr. of Hubbard, Ohio and Jeff (Lauren) Achenbach of South Pymatuning Township; a stepson, Robert Easton of Howland, Ohio; his former spouse, Toni Brenick of Sharon; five sisters, Georganne (James) Timmerman of Naples, Florida, Patricia (Raymond) Galie of Haverstown, Pennsylvania, Debi (Marcus) Soxie of Hopkinsville, Kentucky, Jackie Conti-Koscheka of Waldorf, Maryland and Vickie Achenbach of Deltona, Florida; a brother, George (Susan) Achenbach of Sharon; six grandchildren, Zachary, Pierce, Reese and Christian Achenbach, Xahria Easton and Xavier Yochman and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Ron was preceded in death by his parents.
Outside Tributes
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Units & Campaigns
3d United States Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard)Awards & Decorations
National Defense Service MedalArmy Service Ribbon
Tomb Guard Identification Badge
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Learn More
Did you know?
Are the shoes specially made with very thick soles to keep the heat and cold from their feet?
The shoes are standard issue military dress shoes. They are built up so the sole and heel are equal in height. This allows the Sentinel to stand with a straight back and perpendicular to the ground. A side effect of this is that the Sentinel can "roll" on the outside of the build up walking down the mat. Done correctly, the hat and bayonet will appear to not "bob" up and down with each step. It gives a more formal, fluid and smooth look to the walk, rather than a "marching" appearance.
The soles have a steel tip on the toe and a "horseshoe" steel plate on the heel. This prevents wear on the sole and allows the Sentinel to move smoothly during his movements when he turns to face the Tomb and then back down the mat.
Then there is the "clicker". It is a shank of steel attached to the inside of the face of the heel build-up on each shoe. It allows the Sentinel to heel click during certain movements. A guard change is considered great when all the heel clicks fall together and sound as one click. The guard change is occasionally done in the "silent" mode (as a sign of devotion to the Unknowns) with no voice commands - every thing is done in relation to the heel clicks and on specific counts.
