SAN ANTONIO – When word got out that a veteran would be laid to rest but no family or friends would be attending his funeral, many people in the San Antonio military community jumped into action.

  • Dutton was 71-years-old
  • Served during the Vietnam War

"Wherever he served, he served honorably," said retired U.S. Army chaplain Will Bearden. "He is part of the reason that we have the freedom to come out and do what we're doing here today. For that he deserves our eternal thanks."

Dozens of San Antonians came together to remember the life of U.S. Army Specialist Ronnie Dutton on Wednesday.

"It's hard to explain, but it's something primal that causes us to want to be here," said Bearden.

Service records indicate Dutton was drafted into the Army in 1968 during the height of the Vietnam War. Dutton served for two years, working his way up in rank.

At the funeral teenagers from Robert G. Cole High School's JROTC program served as pallbearers.

"It shows how well we honor the military and how they'll never be disrespected," said Erica Gonzales, a JROTC cadet. “It's a really humbling experience for me, and for all of us actually. I always thought that the pallbearers are usually men. I thought that we should show what all girls can do."

Candy Martin accepted the flag on behalf of Dutton’s family. She is a Gold Star mother whose son died 12 years ago.

"What it meant to me was I was a mother again. That's somebody's child that we laid to rest today," said Martin.