Mr Garza was raised in Harlingen, TX graduating from Harlingen High School in 1976. He attended Texas A&M University, where he met his wife Debbie.
He served 27 years in the United States Air Force. After retiring from the Air Force, Mr Garza chose to teach as a second career.
Debbie and he have been married 42 years and have three adult children and a beautiful granddaughter.