Preparations are currently underway for New Braunfels native Marine Lance Corporal Guillermo “Willie” Perez to return home following his tragic death on July 30th
during a training mission off the coast of California that also took the lives of eight other Marines. The New Braunfels Police Department and the New Braunfels Fire Department are currently working with United States military officials and Zoeller Funeral Home on coordinating the details for the funeral procession, which is likely to occur within the next 10 days.
City of New Braunfels Mayor Rusty Brockman will ask that all flags in New Braunfels be flown at half-staff from dawn until dusk on the day of the fallen Marine’s funeral. Additionally, New Braunfels City Council will honor Lance Corporal Perez and his family with a proclamation ceremony during the August 24th City Council meeting.
“New Braunfels is proud to assist in welcoming this brave hero home and showing support for his family,” said New Braunfels Mayor Rusty Brockman. “Thanks to discussions I have had with Lt. Col. Mark House from the NBHS Marine Corps Junior ROTC program, I have learned a lot about Lance Corporal Perez and his character. He was a stand-out young man who volunteered at many local events, including assisting the Noon Lions Club with their parking lot operations during Wurstfest. New Braunfels is known for its dedication, commitment, and support of the military men and women who serve to protect us every day. So we want to do our best to honor and recognize not only Lance Corporal Perez’s service to his country, but also his dedication to his community.”
Once all of the formal details about the procession, the City Council meeting, and other plans are complete, the City of New Braunfels will make additional public announcements.