A lifetime of service: Honoring the remarkable journey of Robert Caudillo

In the heart of Beaumont, on a bright and cheerful October day, a celebration unfolded as friends and fellow veterans gathered to commemorate the 90th birthday of a local hero, Robert Caudillo Sr. A man whose life has been defined by a profound commitment to service, Caudillo’s journey from his early years working as an eighth-grader to his service in the United States Army, followed by decades of support to his community and fellow veterans, can be described by those who meet him as an inspiration for all.

Born and raised in Beaumont, Robert Caudillo’s trek into the world of work began at the young age of 14, when he started his first job at Sommers Drug Store, a neighborhood establishment located on Avenue C and College Street. With a sense of responsibility that would shape his life, he delivered medicine to those in need, pedaling through the streets of his hometown on his trusty bicycle. He continued this work diligently until his high school graduation.

Upon completing his education at Beaumont High School, a pivotal moment in Caudillo’s life arrived. In 1954, the nation was experiencing the aftermath of Korean War and the looming tension of the Cold War. At the tender age of 20, Caudillo was drafted into the United States Army on April 12, 1954. Reflecting on his decision to join, he fondly recalled, “I wanted to go. As soon as I got out of high school, I went in June to take my physical, but I waited several months, and they hadn’t called.”

Caudillo’s eagerness to serve his country was unwavering, despite his mother’s apprehensions, and he approached the draft board on multiple occasions, demonstrating a tenacity that would characterize his lifetime of service.

“I wanted to go into the service, but my mother didn’t want me to go,” he recalled. “I waited another month, and they didn’t call me, so I went and checked the register, but I wasn’t on the list yet.”

Dogged determination ultimately led him to volunteer secretly, ensuring that his mother remained unaware of his enlistment. The secret serviceman requested that the draft notice be sent discreetly to him, like those received by his friends.

March 1954 marked the moment when the call of duty arrived in the form of a draft notice. Caudillo was inducted into the Army on April 12, 1954. His first military mission began with basic training at Fort Bliss, located in El Paso. However, little did he know that during this period, he would encounter not only the challenges of the military but also a love that would change the course of his life forever.

While at Fort Bliss, Caudillo attended a dance with a friend who was particularly fond of dancing. This event would lead him to meet a young woman named Tina. He recounted this fateful encounter, saying, “This buddy of mine from Corpus Christi asked me if I wanted to go to a dance one night because he liked to dance, but I didn’t know how to dance.

“I ended up going with him, and that’s where I met Tina. We were engaged less than two weeks later.”

The connection between Robert and Tina was so strong that it blossomed into a marriage that would last for 51 years.

After completing his basic training, Caudillo was stationed at Castle Air Force Base, located just outside Merced, California. During his 37-month assignment there, his duties revolved around manning anti-aircraft guns surrounding the base.

“They had anti-aircraft guns around the base, and that’s what I did was man those guns,” Caudillo reminisced about those days. “I was in C Battery, and we rotated shifts day and night.”

In his hands, Caudillo held a collection of treasured Polaroid-type photos: “I mailed these to Tina with the letters while I was in the service, and she kept every single one of them,” he said. During his military service, Caudillo and Tina’s love continued to grow, and their commitment was cemented with the birth of their first child shortly before he exited the Army in 1957. His honorable discharge marked the end of one chapter, but it was merely the beginning of a lifetime of unwavering service to his community and fellow veterans.

Returning to Beaumont with Tina and their two young children, the Caudillos began a new chapter in their lives. Over the years, Caudillo transitioned through a few job changes, but one thing remained constant – his dedication to his family and community. For more than three decades, he worked for Big 3, cherished moments spent with his children and wife brimming in the background. Tina’s passing after a half-century coupled with Robert left a void in the family, a deeply emotional experience for Caudillo, as he had been a devoted and loving husband. In the midst of his grief, he found a new sense of purpose at a friend’s funeral.

It was at this poignant occasion that Robert Caudillo learned about the Southeast Texas Veterans Service Group (SETVSG). This nonprofit organization, run entirely by veteran volunteers, is committed to providing final military honors for veterans from all military branches. The idea of serving his fellow veterans and their families resonated deeply with Caudillo, leading him to join SETVSG. This decision marked the beginning of a new chapter in his life, dedicated to giving back to the community and honoring those who had served their country.

Now, in his 15th year of service with SETVSG, Caudillo has become a familiar and beloved figure in his community. More often than not, he can be seen with his bugle in hand, ready to pay his respects and honor the memory of fallen veterans. So far this year, he has performed the solemn duty of playing Taps at 70 funerals, and amassed a total of 180 funerals in 2022. For Caudillo, this service is not a duty but a privilege.

“It’s my pleasure and honor to do this for our veterans and their families,” Caudillo shared of his feelings. “I know how much it means to them.”

The experience of a SETVSG service is a bittersweet moment for the families of departed veterans. It represents a heartfelt farewell to a loved one’s service story, with veterans standing at attention at the head and foot of the casket, offering a final salute. The solemnity is punctuated by the three-volley rifle salute and the haunting melody of Taps. These rituals create a poignant and respectful farewell to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their nation.

Many veterans, like Caudillo, have chosen to join SETVSG with the intent of honoring and serving the families of former service members. In doing so, they have discovered that the bonds formed with like-minded individuals that share their experiences are a gift in itself. Irma Caudillo Salazar, Caudillo’s daughter, expressed the exceptional impact of SETVSG on her father, saying, “We weren’t sure what he was going to do when momma passed. He took such good care of her and was completely devoted to her ’til the day she passed. Those guys are great friends to my daddy and like family to us all.”

SETVSG has provided an opportunity for more than 50 local veterans to continue serving their brothers and sisters in arms. The organization’s dedication to ensuring that the service and sacrifice of veterans is appreciated by the nation and their fellow service members is unwavering.

According to SETVSG Commander Bob Rose, the organization conducted final honors at the funerals of 327 veterans in 2022, following a similarly remarkable 367 funerals the previous year. This averages to nearly one funeral service provided every day of the year, demonstrating the organization’s commitment to its mission.

SETVSG is not only a means to honor veterans but also a platform for veterans like Caudillo to continue in service beyond their official military years. As veterans leave behind their active-duty roles, they often seek ways to continue serving their communities and fellow service members, and SETVSG provides the perfect avenue to do so.

For veterans and those interested in joining SETVSG, the organization offers an open invitation at www.setvsg.org/membership. The organization is entirely veteran-operated and, while most members are retired, they enthusiastically welcome and encourage younger volunteers to join their noble cause.

Amid the community he still serves, Robert Caudillo Sr.’s 90th birthday was celebrated as a testament to his enduring spirit of service, selflessness and dedication. From the early days of his work at Sommers Drug Store to his time in the Army, and his service with SETVSG, Caudillo’s journey is an example of the profound impact one individual can have on their community and the lives of their fellow veterans.