Members of the New Mexico Army National Guard’s Military Funeral Honors Program serving as pallbearers ceremoniously unfolded and refolded the flag before Aguilar presented it. NMARNG Soldiers fired an 11-gun salute and three rifle volleys before sounding “Taps.” A joint honor guard of Army and Air Guard members stood in front of the audience holding the U.S. and New Mexico flags for the entire ceremony. Veterans stood behind the audience holding U.S. flags and the U.S. Army flag. The Santa Fe Fire Department hoisted a large American flag from a ladder truck and posted an honor guard near the entrance to the cemetery. A large number of New Mexico National Guard retirees who served with Peña attended the ceremony. Peña began his 40-year military career by enlisting the U.S. Army as a recovery vehicle operator before joining the NMARNG. After graduating from Officer Candidate School, he commissioned in the Ordnance Corps. As an officer, Peña held a variety of commands and staff positions, culminating with his service as the Deputy Adjutant General of New Mexico. Peña died Aug. 8 at age 65. His wife, daughters Stephanie and Jessica, son Thomas (TJ), and five grandchildren survive him. (Photos by Douglas Mallary, NMNG Public Affairs)
