No Soldier Left Behind, All Invited to Texas Vietnam Vet's Burial

Some Things You Should Know About Donald Lee Keeney

You've probably never heard the name Donald Lee Keeney before and until a few hours ago, the same was true for me. Here are some things you should know about him.

He passed away on July 20, 2024, at the age of 86
He was a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Army
He was deployed to Vietnam
None of his family members are expected at his burial

No Veteran is Left Behind

There is a program in Texas that makes sure no Veteran is ever buried alone. The Unaccompanied Veterans Program was implemented in January 2015. Since then, 250 Unaccompanied Veterans Burial (UVB) services have occurred at several designated Texas cemeteries.

These ceremonies were implemented for eligible Veterans with no known next-of-kin or those with next-of-kin who cannot attend, to ensure standard interment procedures with military honors at Texas State Veterans Cemeteries.

(Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

The Texas Veterans Land Board works with the local communities and fellow Veterans service organizations to ensure NO Veteran is EVER left behind.

Before the implementation of this program, veterans were brought into the cemetery and provided with “direct no witness” burials. This meant their remains were brought to the cemetery and directly buried or interred with no honors or recognition of their military service.

Unaccompanied Veteran Burial for Donald Lee Keeney

On Friday, August 30th at 10 a.m., the Coastal Bend State Veterans Cemetery located at 9974 IH-37 Access Road in Corpus Christi will conduct an Unaccompanied Veteran Burial for this decorated veteran. He will receive military honors.

Staff Sergeant Keeney served from December 1954 to June 1976. He received the National Defense Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and the Bronze Star Medal for his service to our country.

Staff Sergeant Keeney is not expected to have any next-of-kin attend his burial. Residents from around the Corpus Christi area, are encouraged to attend. If no next-of-kin is present at the burial, a Veterans Land Board Representative will accept the United States flag on his behalf.