Tony Alvarez

Tony Alvarez was born in Santa Monica, California on May 24, 1929 to Victorino Alvarez (Michoacán, Mexico) and Esther Montoya Garcia-Alvarez of Membres, New Mexico. Tony was married to Donna Dailey-Alvarez for 47 years.

Tony had one brother, Chief Petty Officer Gabriel Garcia. His brother’s wife’s name is Helen. They have 3 children: Ronald, Elena, and Alicia Garcia – no grandchildren.

Tony graduated from Santa Monica High School in 1948 and immediately enlisted in the U.S. Army. His unit, the U.S. Constabulary, was the occupational police force in Germany where he served as Corporal and Sgt of Arms in the 70th Field Artillery. At that time they guarded the “wall” in anticipation of a Russian invasion and to protect all the displaced persons from across Europe. The Constabulary served an additional 6 months in Germany due to the start of the Korean War with many of their members whose enlistment term was not up, being sent to that action. Unfortunately many did not survive.

While stationed in Fussen, Austria, near the Castle copied by Disneyland, Tony obtained an 800 cc Sundapt motorcycle (the one the Nazis used extensively throughout the war). After his service he traveled throughout the country on this motorcycle. Later in life Tony and Donna joined a motorcycle tour, obtained a 1979 BMW in Munich, traveled throughout Europe on it and shipped it back to Los Angeles.

Upon returning to Santa Monica Tony was employed by the Douglas Air Craft Company (McDonald-Douglas and later Boeing Air Craft). During his employment he worked as a mechanic – on DC7s and later on rockets that went to the moon. He retired in 1984 and managed several rental properties.

An Avid motorcyclist, he enjoyed weekend trips while working. He raced locally at the Ascot Race Track eventually beating the California State Champion. He was the first one to ride/test the first Yamaha motorcycle in the U.S. where he raced Fumio Ito, the Japanese National Champion.

Tony and Donna enjoyed traveling. They drove their VW Van across the United States 10 times to various Civil War reenactments and Constabulary reunions. He, along with his cannon, Gatling gun, and period clothing/collectibles, attended various schools to teach them American History.

Sgt. Tony participated in Civil War reenactments at Gettysburg (3 times), Manassas, and Chickamauga as well as many throughout California. While in Germany he placed many inmates in Nuremberg prison where many German officers had been held during the famous trials held there.

Tony and Donna enjoyed cruising in Europe, China, Russia, the Baltic countries, and Alaska.

The U.S. Constabulary troopers formed an association in 1980 with Tony serving on the board and Donna as financial secretary/treasurer. The group attended 2 European reunions as well as many here in the U.S. Due to age this was dissolved in 2019, but the comrades will never be forgotten and we cannot thank them enough for their service.