For more than four decades, Emil Garza has dedicated his life to serving others — first through his military and law enforcement careers, and now through public service in his hometown of Cuero.
Garza’s journey began right after high school in 1978, when he enlisted in the United States Air Force at the height of the Cold War. Over the next 32 years, he served both on active duty and in the reserves, ultimately retiring as a Command Chief Master Sergeant — the highest enlisted rank in the Air Force.
During his career, Garza was assigned to the 433rd Airlift Wing out of Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, working in Security Forces. Among his many deployments, one stands out as his “greatest”: his post-9/11 mission to Saudi Arabia during Operation Enduring Freedom, where he supported Operation Noble Eagle and helped enforce the no-fly zone.
