TAPS: Captain (Ret) Roland Saenz Passes Away at Age 83

Source: Obituary at https://everloved.com/life-of/roland-saenz/

Captain Roland Ashley Saenz, beloved husband, father, grandfather, veteran, and proud American, passed away peacefully on May 23, 2025, in Potomac, Maryland, at the age of 83. He died from complications related to metastatic melanoma, with his family at his side.

Born on January 7, 1942, in San Antonio, Texas, Roland was the son of Colonel (Ret.) Ralph and Helen Saenz. He grew up in a home where discipline, faith, and service to others were foundational values—principles he carried with him throughout a life defined by leadership, patriotism, and devotion to family.

A standout student and athlete at Augusta Richmond County High School (Class of 1960), Roland was Co-President of the Student Body, Co-Chairman of the Sabre Club, and an All-State football player. He earned a football scholarship to the University of Georgia, where he captained the freshman team. After injuries cut short his athletic career, Roland transferred to the University of Missouri, earning a degree in zoology with pre-medical intent. But his life’s direction would shift when he joined the Naval Reserves just prior to graduation—a decision that launched a storied 27-year military career.

Commissioned in 1965, Roland began training as a pilot before pivoting to Naval Intelligence—a field in which he would rise to the highest echelons. His service spanned the globe, including deployments during the Vietnam War, surveillance missions against Soviet submarines, and critical roles in early national satellite intelligence programs. He briefed senior leaders in the White House, the Pentagon, and the Joint Chiefs, and held command positions aboard aircraft carriers and within the Navy's most sensitive human intelligence collection units.

He graduated from the Defense Intelligence College, the Naval War College, and the National War College—a trifecta rarely achieved in the military community. Roland retired with the rank of Captain in 1991, highly decorated with honors such as the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medals, Vietnam Service Medals, and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross, among many others.

Following his Navy retirement, Roland continued serving the national interest through a 21-year career with Booz Allen Hamilton. There, he managed major programs for the National Reconnaissance Office and played a key role in exposing a high-profile espionage case—later dubbed "The Spy Who Couldn't Spell."

Despite his professional gravitas, Roland’s heart beat loudest for home. He adored his wife Nancy, a Vietnam combat nurse and the love of his life, and together they built a family that was his pride and joy. He was never shy in saying how proud he was of his four children and ten grandchildren—each of whom knew him as a steady, fiercely loyal presence.

He also had a mischievous streak and a gift for memorable quips, including favorites like:

“Buy ‘em books and buy ‘em books and all they wanna do is eat the covers,” and the classic, “One ‘awe sh*t’ will screw up a thousand ‘atta boys.’”

Roland had a passion for cooking and grilling, a deep love for his Harley Davidson Road King, and an unmatched bond with his dog “Jake from State Farm,” a rescue who quickly became part of the family. He found joy hunting, helping others with handyman services, and was proud to volunteer at HART Animal Rescue.

In the Saenz household, you were likely to hear a prayer before dinner that included thanks not only for the meal, but also for the men and women in uniform and for the country Roland deeply loved. He reminded his family often that being born an American was a blessing, not a given.

Captain Roland Saenz is survived by his devoted wife, Nancy; his children: Marnie Saenz Litz (Daniel, and children Jacob and Tucker), Dena Saenz (Paul Wilcoxson, and son Lake), Robin Saenz Ling (Christopher, and children Alexander, Sebastian, Xavier, and Jasper), and Tyler Saenz (Elizabeth, and children Hunter, Harper, and Josephine). He is also survived by his elder brother, Norman Saenz Sr., and younger sister, Eleanor Ivory.

He is preceded in death by his parents, U.S. Army Colonel (Ret.) Ralph and Helen Saenz; and his younger sisters, Carolyn Saenz and Margery Ivory—each of whom played a meaningful role in shaping the man he became.

Roland will eventually be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery, details to come.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Tunnels to Towers Foundation or the Wounded Warrior Project.

Captain Roland Saenz lived with honor, served with distinction, and loved without limits. He will be remembered with pride, laughter, and deep gratitude by all who knew him.