OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Chester Weber is a success story.
However, it’s not just because he’s won 21 four-in-hand national championships and set the standard in the sport of combined driving.
The co-president of Live Oak International is also a local businessman, owning Gratitude and Compassion, an organization committed to supporting programs in the Ocala/Marion County community through charitable contributions that provide essential resources and supporting services to bereaved individuals. But it’s Weber’s selflessness, empathy, and integrity—his ability to make work enjoyable and his dedication to following his passion—that have earned him widespread love and respect.
A proclamation ceremony was held on Feb. 8, 2025, at the Elliott Center to honor Weber for his contributions to the nation’s military service members and veterans, said Capt. Stephen Petty, the event’s master of ceremonies.
“The mission of the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment of the Old Guard is to guard the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, who represents the soul of America and the supreme sacrifice of her heroic dead,” said Petty.
After World War I, on Nov. 11, 1921, an unknown soldier was chosen to represent the sacrifice of veterans. His remains were carried on a horse-drawn caisson in a procession through Washington, D.C., before being interred in the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The same caisson escort is now a tradition for presidential funerals and provides solemn military honors at Arlington National Cemetery.
The ceremony on Feb. 8 was a surprise to Weber.
“The accolades mean a lot to me, they’re humbling,” said Weber.
“Thank you. The work I do in both of my lives, my funeral life and my horse life, found their ways together. It’s not without the tireless work of so many wonderful people who give of themselves to the dedication of these young soldiers and these wonderful, majestic animals. So, to everybody’s who’s part of the team, I’m merely a piece of the wheel, and I’m humbled to be on the team with you to try to bring back and restore the excellence of the caisson program. It means a lot. Thank you to Beverly (Wilson) for organizing this and the entire team at Empath, for hosting us, and for everyone who showed up today.”
“While representing our country both nationally and internationally, he (Weber) was the youngest, the best, the highest, and the most,” said Petty. “He has truly earned and deserved all of those awards. He was even congratulated by the Queen of England. Our veterans will always honor and respect Chester because he is the main reason we’re not in total jeopardy of losing that most meaningful tradition, the caisson funeral escort.”
Rev. Mark Cummins acknowledged that Weber serves as an inspiration, demonstrating that anyone can make a difference.
The Marion County Memorial Honor Guard presented Weber with 24 proclamations from organizations including the American Legion, AMVETS, Marine League Corps, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and several veterans’ clubs.
“We as veterans will be forever in your debt, Chester, for what you’ve done for our veterans, for the country, and for the nation’s pride,” said Petty.
Beverly Wilson, executive director of Empath HMC, noted that Weber’s efforts have deeply impacted both the veterans’ and equestrian communities.
“Last year, Chester said he had the great fortune of his two worlds, the horse world and the veterans’ world, coming together under our auspices of Hospice of Marion County,” said Wilson. “And so that has been absolutely magical to see the work that’s been done and the excitement that it has created in our veterans’ population. The pride that our men and women felt during that processional for former President Jimmy Carter, was so impactful for those men and women.”
Wilson was able to share that story with the soldiers this past week, who are training with Chester. However, the video that was produced this past week was so emotionally powerful, it will be shared with veterans who are currently living in assisted living facilities.
“For those of you who know Chester well, despite his 21 national championships and nine international medals, he’s a very humble man,” said Wilson. “But his humility is exceeded only by his generosity.”
Maj. Wes Strickland, 3d U.S. Infantry director of communications, U.S. Army, attended the ceremony, emphasizing that Weber’s contributions will have a lasting impact on the caisson detachment.
“I want to say thank you to Chester for all that you’ve done for our veterans, and specifically with the caisson detachment,” said Strickland. “He’s been instrumental, and as we rebuild the caisson detachment, and we saw that work really come to light last month with the historic State Funeral for former President Jimmy Carter. He has a heart and a passion for the veteran community.”
City of Ocala Mayor Ben Marciano and Ocala City Councilman James Hilty Sr. attended the ceremony, with Marciano presenting the city’s proclamation. Marion County Commission Chair Kathy Bryant performed the National Anthem and was joined by commissioners Michelle Stone and Craig Curry, who presented the county’s proclamation.
Weber used his extensive network to bring together professionals to train the horses and riders of the U.S. Infantry Regiment. He consulted with the Military District of Washington and the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment on rehabilitating the herd, establishing a balanced work-rest cycle to sustain the platoon’s rigorous workload.
Through Weber’s expert guidance, the modernization of caisson tack, equipment, and facilities has ensured the holistic health of the horses. His initiatives will continue supporting the caisson platoon’s mission of honoring veterans as they are laid to rest. The 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment is the oldest active infantry unit in the country and the Army’s official ceremonial unit.
Both the City of Ocala and Marion County proclaimed March 16, 2025, as Chester C. Weber Day.
Beverly Lafferty, Empath HMC director of volunteers and veterans support, shared her experience of witnessing the changing of the guard at Arlington National Cemetery and seeing the caissons in action.
“It was a moment of beauty, honor, and gratitude,” said Lafferty. “The horses were in rhythm as if they knew they were carrying a hero. I’m grateful to recognize Chester for the time he has given to our veterans nationwide, ensuring the caisson program will endure at Arlington National Cemetery, so veterans may be honored with this final recognition.”
Weber was presented with a clock, symbolizing his generosity of time.
Leigh Blair, Empath HMC director of admission advancement, shared slides from her grandfather’s funeral at Arlington, reflecting on the honor and emotion of watching the caissons and the honor guard’s gun salute.
J.P. Carvalho Cubas, who has worked closely with Weber, paid tribute to his contributions. Carvalho Cubas also played a critical role in making certain the horses for the caisson team were prepared for the processional in Washington, D.C.
Born in Brazil, Carvalho Cubas says that he grew to love the United States of America as an observer, admiring its culture and values.
He paid homage to the veterans and to those who’ve made the ultimate sacrifice, and he also paid tribute to Weber for his influence and his appreciation to be part of the team that works with the caissons.
Rev. Cummins thanked Carvalho Cubas before delivering the benediction.
Lauren Delorio of the Community Foundation Ocala/Marion County was also recognized at the event.