Raul Soto Sr.

Raul Soto was born on April 12, 1938, in Poteet, Texas to Guadalupe Antu Soto and Paulino Soto Sr. He married on August 14, 1965, to former Jesusa Martinez and raised two sons, Raul Jr. and Stephen. Following graduation from Poteet High School, he entered the U.S. Army on August 17, 1955. For over 43 years, he worked in Federal Civil Service and served on active duty and in the US Army Reserve in a variety of assignments in the U.S., Central America, Europe and Vietnam.

Raul began his Federal civil service career at Fort Sam Houston in November 1958 having completed a tour of duty in the Army. Other civilian assignments took him to Fort McPherson, GA in 1974; then to an overseas assignment in Germany in 1978 with U.S. Army Combat Equipment Group, Europe; after 2-1/2 years returned to the US and was stationed at Fort Polk, LA. He eventually returned home to San Antonio, TX and served in various positions at Fifth Army Fort Sam Houston in 1983. In 1993, he was selected as Director of Logistics for the U.S. Army Garrison, Fort Sam Houston. As a GM-14, he retired as the highest-ranking Hispanic at Fort Sam Houston in December 1998.

Following an initial enlistment of 3 years in the Army, he joined the U.S. Army Reserve with the 90th Infantry Division and served in the US Army Reserve for 38 years concurrent with a civil service career. As an enlisted man, he attained the rank of SFC (E7) before attending the Artillery Officer Candidate School at Fort Sill, OK in March 1965 where he received a commission as 2LT in the Ordnance Corps. He was recalled to active duty in April 1968 with the 238th Maintenance Company and deployed with the unit to the Republic of Viet Nam in October 1968 where he later became its commander until the redeployment to the US in September 1969. Throughout his military career, he served as commander for three different companies, a battalion,2 USARF schools and a combat support group. Raul's Army career began in August 1955 as a Private (E1) and retired from the US Army Reserve in May 1993 at the grade of Colonel (06). His military awards include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and the Viet Nam Campaign and Service Medals, several other service medals.

He attended Draughon's Business College and completed courses from Boston College. Over the years he attended several logistical management government courses consistent with his civilian assignments. He also completed major military courses which included the Artillery Officer Candidate School, Ordnance Basic and Advanced Courses, and the Command and General Staff College Course.

A chance meeting with Audie Murphy, a WWII hero and Hollywood actor, was a highlight upon his initial enlistment. The actor, a highly decorated WWII veteran, was in San Antonio promoting the movie 'To Hell and Back' during that week in August 1955. A mock 'swearing-in ‘ceremony into the U. S. Army was administered by Audie Murphy, wearing his uniform as an Army Major, on the stage of the Majestic Theatre on the evening of August 17, 1955. Raul and 50 or so other recruits were lined up on the stage of the Majestic Theater where they were personally greeted by Audie Murphy just prior to the 'swearing-in' ceremony. This group was labeled the "Audie Murphy Platoon".

Raul was a member of St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church where he served on the Pastoral Council, held a 4th Degree and an Honorary Life member of the Knights of Columbus, a lifetime member of the VFW, a life-time member of the Reserve Officers Association (ROA) and a life-time member of the 238th Maint Association.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at Porter Loring Mortuary North, 2102 North Loop 1604 East, San Antonio Texas, with a rosary to follow at 7:00 p.m.

A Funeral Mass will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at St. Gregory The Great Catholic Church, 700 Dewhurst, San Antonio, Texas. Interment will follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach, San Antonio, Texas.