SFC Lawrence Michael Kirkman

SFC Lawrence Michael Kirkman was born on August 23, 1936 in Milwaukie, Wisconsin. He passed away on September 23, 2009 at his residence in Copperas Cove, Texas.

As a Native American, SFC Kirkman was a member of The Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin and was known as “Chief” by his friends.

SFC Kirkman served his country as a United States Marine from 1956 to 1959. He then served in the United States Army from 1961 to 1980, retiring with the rank of sergeant first class, and was a Vietnam Veteran. After his retirement, he worked in civil service at Fort Hood, Texas from 1983 to 2005. He was an avid motorcycle rider and was a member of the Killeen Harley Riders Club.

On September 30, visitation was held in the morning at Gethsemane Prayer Chapel. Patriot Guard Riders were present to form a line of American flags to welcome the arriving family and friends. Funeral services were at 1:00 p.m., and, again, Patriot Guard Riders formed a flag at the Chapel.

After the services, the Patriot Guard Riders rode in the funeral procession to the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery and formed a flag line around the interment shelter at the Columbarium.

Final interment services included a recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance and 23rd Psalms. Full military honors were rendered, taps played, and an American flag was folded by the honor guard and presented to Mrs. Kirkman.

Traditional Indian prayers were offered by members of the Tribe.

Family members placed the urn containing the “Chief’s” remains into a niche of the columbarium which is nestled into the side of the hill of the cemetery. The American flag at the top of the hill was at half staff, in honor of this American hero.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 29 years, two daughters and numerous brothers, sisters, grand-children and great-children.

SFC (Ret.) Gervie L. Allred

Sergeant First Class Gervie L. Allred was born on July 21, 1929 in Union County, Mississippi. He passed away on September 20, 2009 at Temple, Texas.

SFC Allred service his country in the United States Army from 1951 until May 31, 1973. He served in Germany, France, Vietnam and Korea. His military decorations include two Bronze Stars, Vietnam Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. He enjoyed working with wood, the outdoors, spending time in the garden and smoking a cigarette.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Ema, one brother and his parents.

On the morning of September 26, more than thirty Patriot Guard Riders gathered at the American Legion Post in Copperas Cove, Texas for breakfast and for the mission briefing.

Riders then rode their motorcycles to the Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home, and formed a line of American flags at the entrance, to welcome family and friends arriving for the funeral services for SFC Allred.

At the conclusion of the services, the Riders rode in the funeral procession to the nearby cemetery. The Copperas Cove Police Department provided an escort for the procession.

At the cemetery, the Riders formed a flag line around the committal shelter. Full military honors were rendered to this American hero, including the playing of Taps. An Army honor guard folded the American flag, which had draped the coffin, and presented it to the family.

SFC Gervie L. Allred was laid to rest at 1220 hours, on the gentle, grassy slope of the Copperas Cove City Cemetery.

Left to cherish his memory are his three daughters, a brother, a sister and numerous other family, including seven great-grandchildren.

(with thanks to the Killeen Daily Herald for historical information)

First Sergeant Paul T. Lyczak, US Army, Retired

First Sergeant Paul T. Lyczak was born in 1934 at Martins Ferry, Ohio. He passed away on September 20, 2009 in Temple, Texas.

First Sergeant Lyczak served his country in the U. S. Army. His assignments included tours in Vietnam in 1968 and 1971, Germany, ROTC instructor at Dallas schools and Fort Hood, Texas. He retired as a First Sergeant.

In retirement, he and his family moved to Dallas where he worked for the Knights of Columbus Ins. Company. He was active with the Knights and was a lifetime fourth degree member of the Father Ryan Assembly in Dallas. He and his wife moved back to the Fort Hood area in 2005

His numerous military awards and decorations included two Bronze Stars, with V for valor, Combat Infantryman Badge, Army Commendation Medal and Vietnam Campaign Medal.

Funeral services for held for First Sergeant Lyczak on September 25 at the Harper-Talasek Funeral home in Killeen, Texas.

Eighteen Patriot Guard Riders rode their motorcycles to the funeral home and formed a line of American Flags at the entrance, to honor this veteran for his service. After the funeral, the Riders rode in the procession to the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Killeen.

At the cemetery, the Riders formed a line of American Flags around the committal shelter as full military honors were rendered by an Army Honor Guard.

First Sergeant Lyczak was laid to rest on the sunny plain of the cemetery. The cemetery American flag flew at half staff in his honor.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, and two daughters and other family members and many friends.

MSG John Sockel

MSG John Sockel was born January 8, 1928, in Springfield, Illinois. He died on September 1, 2009, at his residence in Kempner, Texas.

MSG Sockel served his country in the United States Army, retiring July 31, 1973, having achieved the rank of Master Sergeant. His military decorations included the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Korea). He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, the Knights of Columbus and the Moose Lodge.

Funeral services were held for MSG Sockel on Friday, September 18, at the Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home in Copperas Cove, Texas. Patriot Guard Riders rode their motorcycles to the funeral home and stood in a line with American flags to honor this veteran.

After the funeral, the Riders lead the funeral procession to the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery, Killeen, Texas.

At the cemetery, the Riders formed a line around the committal shelter to envelope the family and friends in American flags. Full military honors were rendered, taps was played and the honor guard folded the American flag and presented it to Mrs. Sockel.

The family placed the urn containing MSG Sockel’s remains into a niche of the columbarium, on the wind-swept hill of the cemetery.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, son, brother and numerous other family and friends.

2nd. Lt. Darryn Deen Andrews

2nd Lt. Darryn Deen Andrews was born at Hill Air Force Base, Ogden, Utah, on July 3, 1975. He died in Afghanistan on September 4, 2009, killed by a rifle propelled grenade, in the service of his country.

Lt. Andrews’ remains were returned to his home town, Cameron, Texas, on Friday, September 11, 2009. A chartered airplane delivered his casket to the Easterwood Airport, College Station, Texas. Over 30 Patriot Guard Riders were present to form a line of American flags as the casket was transferred from the aircraft to the waiting hearse. The Riders then road in the procession to the funeral home at Cameron, Texas


When the procession reached Cameron, it detoured and drove past the high school where Lt. Andrews graduated. Both sides of the street were lined with students. The town was out in full-force. People, police, firemen, EMTs, and their vehicles were out to honor a hero.

Funeral services were held for Lt. Andrews at the First Baptist Church, Cameron, on Saturday, September 12. Hundreds of people packed the church to say goodbye.

Over 25 Patriot Guard Riders stood along the entrance to the church holding American flags to honor this hero. At the conclusion of the service, the casket was taken from the church, placed in a hearse, and returned to the funeral home. The Riders stood in a flag line across the street during the transfer. Six Riders rode with the hearse back to the funeral home.

The Angels wept through out the services.

On September 14, 2009, Lt. Andrews’ remains were moved from Cameron to the Fort Sam Houston cemetery in San Antonio, Texas. Patriot Guard Riders rode in the procession. Upon arrival at the cemetery, Patriot Guard Riders from Central Texas, Austin and San Antonio formed flag lines at the interment shelter. They were joined by veterans of other veteran groups.

Lt. Andrews was laid to rest, with full military honors.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife and expectant daughter, two year old son, parents, brother, grandmother and many other relatives and friends

News links.

http://ww2.kwtx.com/global/video/flash/popupplayer.asp?ClipID1=4123774&h1=Fallen%20Soldier%20Remembered%20In%20Hometown%20Of%20Cameron&vt1=v&at1=undefined&d1=131833&LaunchPageAdTag=News&undefined&activePane=info&rnd=13781498

http://www.cameronherald.com/articles/2009/09/12/news/news01.txt

http://www.wacotrib.com/search/search/search/UnifiedSearch?query=darryn+andrews

SFC Ronald W. Sawyer

SFC Ronald Sawyer was killed on August 25, 2009, in Afghanistan, at the age of 38. [see post dated September 2 for details] He was laid to rest on the wind swept grassy plain of the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery on September 5, 2009, at 1:50 PM.

Earlier that morning, a funeral was held for SFC Sawyer at Heights Assembly of God Church in Austin, Texas.

Over 60 Patriot Guard Riders, from all over central Texas, rode their motorcycles to the funeral home, and formed a line of American flags, to honor this hero.

After the funeral, the Riders rode in the funeral procession, as a group, for the 75 mile drive to the cemetery at Killeen, Texas. Another 40 individuals were staged at the cemetery with American flags.

The last leg of the trip, on State Highway 195, took the procession past the entrance to Sun City, Texas and through the town of Florence. At the entrance to Sun City, residents of that retirement community lined both sides of the highway. They were dressed in red and white, and held American flags and signs that said “thank you’.

As the procession passed through Florence, American flags lined the highway and it seemed that every resident of the town lined the highway. The Chief of Police and his son, a soldier, stood in the main intersection. As the procession arrived at the cemetery, Patriot Guard Riders, American Legion Riders, spouses and children, formed a line of American flags on both sides of the roadway, through which the hearse passed.

As the committal service began, an enveloping flag line was formed around the Commitment Shelter.

Full military honors were rendered for SFC Sawyer; the playing of taps, three volleys of fire by seven rifles and the folding of the flag that covered the casket.

A Brigadier General of the United States Army presented flags to SFC Sawyer’s wife, son, mother and father.

SFC Sawyer was transported to his final resting place, leaving wife, son, parents, and numerous relatives and friends to cherish his memory.


Patriot Guard Riders Mission Statement

“The Patriot Guard Riders is a diverse amalgamation of riders from across the nation. We have one thing in common besides motorcycles. We have an unwavering respect for those who risk their very lives for America’s freedom and security. If you share this respect, please join us.

We don’t care what you ride or if you ride, what your political views are, or whether you’re a hawk or a dove. It is not a requirement that you be a veteran. If doesn’t matter where you’re from or what your income is; you don’t even have to ride. The only prerequisite is Respect.

Our main mission is to attend the funeral services of fallen American heroes as invited guests of the family. Each mission we undertake has two basic objectives.

1. Show our sincere respect for our fallen heroes, their families, and their communities.
2. Shield the mourning family and their friends from interruptions created by any protester or group of protesters.

We accomplish the latter through strictly legal and non-violent means.

To those of you who are currently serving and fighting for the freedoms of others, at home and abroad, please know that we are backing you. We honor and support you with every mission we carry out, and we are praying for a safe return home for all.”

Please learn more by visiting our web site. www.patriotguard.org/

SFC Ronald W. Sawyer

On August 25, 2009, four soldiers were killed in southern Afghanistan, while on patrol, when enemy forces attacked their vehicle with an improvised explosive device. They were assigned to the 5th Stryker Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division.

Killed were:

Capt. John L. Hallett III, 30, of California

Capt. Cory J. Jenkins, 30, of Arizona

Sgt. 1st Class Ronald W. Sawyer, 38, of Missouri

Spc. Dennis M. Williams, 24, of Washington


SFC Sawyer is survived by his wife, and 2 year old son, who live in Austin, Texas. He had been in the Army for 17 years and was a medic. He was on his first tour of duty in Afghanistan, beginning July 15.

The remains of SFC Sawyer were returned to Austin on a charter aircraft, on September 2, 2009. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 5, with internment to follow at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery, Killeen, Texas.

Approximately 35 Patriot Guard Riders, 20 peace officers, numerous airport personnel, firefighters and a United States Army Honor Guard were present to honor this hero. Two fire trucks were positioned to spray the aircraft with water as it arrived. The Riders formed a line of American flags near the aircraft, as the casket was removed from the aircraft, by six soldiers, and carried to the awaiting hearse.

The Riders and the peace officers then escorted the hearse, and the casket, to a funeral home in south Austin. The peace officers blocked traffic so that the hearse could move unimpeded.

At the funeral home, the Riders stood at attention, and rendered salutes, as the casket was removed from the hearse and moved into the funeral home.

Patriot Guard Riders Mission Statement

“The Patriot Guard Riders is a diverse amalgamation of riders from across the nation. We have one thing in common besides motorcycles. We have an unwavering respect for those who risk their very lives for America’s freedom and security. If you share this respect, please join us.

We don’t care what you ride or if you ride, what your political views are, or whether you’re a hawk or a dove. It is not a requirement that you be a veteran. If doesn’t matter where you’re from or what your income is; you don’t even have to ride. The only prerequisite is Respect.

Our main mission is to attend the funeral services of fallen American heroes as invited guests of the family. Each mission we undertake has two basic objectives.

1. Show our sincere respect for our fallen heroes, their families, and their communities.
2. Shield the mourning family and their friends from interruptions created by any protester or group of protesters.

We accomplish the latter through strictly legal and non-violent means.

To those of you who are currently serving and fighting for the freedoms of others, at home and abroad, please know that we are backing you. We honor and support you with every mission we carry out, and we are praying for a safe return home for all.”

Please learn more by visiting our web site. www.patriotguard.org/

SMSgt Bennie Mills, Jr.

Bennie Mills, Jr. passed from this life on August 24, 2009, at the age of 82 in Lockhart, Texas.

Mr. Mills served in the navy in WWII, and then served his country in the United States Air Force. He served multiple tours of duty in Vietnam. He retired as a Senior Master Sergeant. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, two daughters and a son.

Graveside services were held on September 2, 2009 at the Lockhart City Cemetery.

Approximately 35 Patriot Guard Riders attended the services, and formed a line of American flags around the grave site.

Patriot Guard Riders Mission Statement

“The Patriot Guard Riders is a diverse amalgamation of riders from across the nation. We have one thing in common besides motorcycles. We have an unwavering respect for those who risk their very lives for America’s freedom and security. If you share this respect, please join us.

We don’t care what you ride or if you ride, what your political views are, or whether you’re a hawk or a dove. It is not a requirement that you be a veteran. If doesn’t matter where you’re from or what your income is; you don’t even have to ride. The only prerequisite is Respect.

Our main mission is to attend the funeral services of fallen American heroes as invited guests of the family. Each mission we undertake has two basic objectives.

1. Show our sincere respect for our fallen heroes, their families, and their communities.
2. Shield the mourning family and their friends from interruptions created by any protester or group of protesters.

We accomplish the latter through strictly legal and non-violent means.

To those of you who are currently serving and fighting for the freedoms of others, at home and abroad, please know that we are backing you. We honor and support you with every mission we carry out, and we are praying for a safe return home for all.”

Please learn more by visiting our web site. www.patriotguard.org/