Staff Sgt. Samuel Maldonado Rosario

Staff Sgt. Samuel Maldonado Rosario was born November 3, 1987 in Ponce, Puerto Rico and died October 9, 2009 in Ellsworth, South Dakota.

S. Sgt. Rosario, of Killeen, Texas had lived there since he was 10 years old. He graduated from Harker Heights High School in 2005 and entered the United States Air Force on September 13, 2005 where he served faithfully and honorable until his death.

He was trained as a B-1 crew chief, and then was assigned to the 28th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota where he worked as a B-1 dedicated crew chief. His assignments included a deployment to Al Udied Air Base in 2006 for six months in support of the war on terror.

Funeral services were held on October 19, 2009 at the Mt. Sinai Church in Killeen, Texas followed by interment at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Killeen.

Patriot Guard Riders rode to the funeral home in Killeen and escorted the hearse to the church. A line of American Flags was formed at the entrance of the church to welcome arriving family and friends. After the services, the Riders escorted the hearse to the cemetery and formed a line of American Flags at the entrance to the committal shelter while final services and full military honors were rendered.

An Air Force honor guard from San Antonio, Texas honored this brave man with three volleys of fire, signifying honor, duty and country, the folding of the American Flag and presentation to the family, and the playing of taps.

The services concluded with the rendering of the Puerto Rico National Anthem by a soprano soloist.

S. Sgt. Rosario was then laid to rest on the wind swept plain of the cemetery, as his family looked on and the American Flag flew at half-staff in his honor.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, daughter, father and step-mother, a sister and many other loving family and friends.

The National Anthem of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico

La Borinqueña

The land of Borinquen
Where I have been born
Is a flowery garden
Of magical beauty.

A constantly clear sky
Serves as its canopy
And placid lullabies are sung
By the waves at its [Borinquen’s] feet.

When at her beaches Columbus arrived
Full of awe he exclaimed,
Oh!, oh!, oh!, this is the lovely land
That I seek”

Borinquen is the daughter,
The daughter of the sea and the sun.
Of the sea and the sun,
Of the sea and the sun,
Of the sea and the sun,
Of the sea and the sun.

[with thanks to Freedom Remembered for biographical information.]

http://freedomremembered.com/index.php/staff-sgt-samuel-maldonado-rosario/

SPC Kevin James Graham

SPC Kevin James Graham was born March 30, 1982. He died on September 26, 2009 in Afghanistan, in the service of his country.

SPC Graham joined the United States Army in September of 2007 and was a mortarman. He was serving in Afghanistan with the mortar section of 1st Battalion, 17th Infantry Regiment of the 5th Stryker Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, based at Fort Lewis, Washington. His unit deployed to Afghanistan in July 2009, and he was the 16th member of the Brigade to die in southern Afghanistan.

His unit was serving in the Shah Wali Kot district of Kandahar province. His platoon was tasked with firing mortars and illumination rounds to prevent Taliban fighters from occupying terrain from which they could launch attacks.

SPC Graham spent his last hours on a supply mission that included clearing bombs from culverts to make sure roads were safe for other patrols. A bomb exploded near his vehicle on that mission, killing him.

His numerous military decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart and the Combat Infantry Badge.

SPC Graham had a passion for cars and World War II memorabilia, and adored his wife and stepson.

A memorial service held on October 8 at Fort Lewis was attended by hundreds of people when he was remembered as a soldier who loved his family, cars and working out.

On October 12, a charter flight delivered SPC Graham’s remains to Fort Hood, Texas for a funeral and interment. As the hearse left the fort, it was met by Patriot Guard Riders who escorted it to the funeral home in Copperas Cove, Texas.

When the Riders reached the funeral home, they joined a line of American Flags already in place for the funeral of retired 1SGT Thomas Workman. The Riders stood tall for two American heroes on their final journey and rendered honors to SPC Graham as his casket was moved from the hearse to the funeral home.

Funeral services were held for SPC Graham on October 14 at the Crawford-Bowers Funeral home in Copperas Cove. Patriot Guard Riders formed a line of American Flags at the entrance to the home to greet the arriving family and friends.

After the services, the Riders lead a funeral procession to the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Killeen, Texas for the final interment ceremony. Again, a line of American Flags was formed along the road at the committal shelter. This line then wrapped around the shelter during the rendering of full military honors.

The military honors were rendered by a U. S. Army Honor Guard and included the firing of three volleys of fire, playing of taps and the folding of the American Flag covering the casket. Folded flags were presented to SPC Graham’s wife, son, and his mother and father by Brigadier General William Grimsley, Deputy Commanding General of III Corps and Fort Hood.

SPC Graham was laid to rest, shortly after 1500 hours, on October 14, 2009, on a gentle, grassy hillside, overlooking the Texas Hill Country. Flags of the five military services were flying on a slight hill to the north, while the American Flag was at half-staff at the high point of the cemetery.

His final resting place is within one hundred yards of that of SFC Ronald Sawyer, a soldier in his unit, whom he knew and admired, who died on August 25.

Looking on, and cherishing his memory, were his wife, son, mother and father, brothers and numerous other family and friends.

Day is done,
gone the sun from the lake,
from the hill,
from the sky,
All is well,
safely rest.
God is nigh.

Thanks and praise for our days 'neath the sun,
'neath the stars,
'neath the sky.
As we go,
this we know.
God is nigh.

(with thanks to the Killeen Daily Herald, The Suburban Times, the Kenosha News, and The News Tribune for biographical information)

1SGT Thomas L. Workman Sr.

1SGT Thomas L. Workman was born on July 23, 1937 at Baxter, West Virginia. He passed away on October 6, 2009, at his residence in Copperas Cove, Texas.

1SGT Workman served his country in the United States Army from August 20, 1955 until August 31, 1982 when he retired as a First Sergeant. His many military decorations include the Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Army Service Ribbon and the Meritorious Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster.

He was the All American Commander of VFW Post 8577 from 1990 until 1992. He enjoyed dancing, bowling, traveling, camping and spending time with his family.

Funeral services were held for 1SGT Workman on October 12 at the Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home in Copperas Cove. Patriot Guard Riders rode their motorcycles to the funeral home and formed a line of American Flags at the front entrance to welcome the family and friends of this American hero.

The Riders then rode in the procession to the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Killeen for interment ceremonies. There, a line of American Flags was formed along the roadway at the committal shelter. This line then wrapped around the committal shelter during the rendering of final services and full military honors. The honors included the firing of three volleys of fire, playing of taps and folding of the American Flag and presentation to his wife.

1SGT Workman was laid to rest, under cloudy skies, on the grassy plain of the cemetery as the American Flag flew at half staff, on the hill of the cemetery, in his honor.

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

(with thanks to the Killeen Daily Herald for biographical information.)

SPC Lewis M. Snow

SPC Lewis M. Snow was born on January 27, 1948 in Butler, Pa. He passed away on October 4, 2009 in a Temple, Texas hospital, at the age of 61.

SPC Snow served his country in the United States Army in Vietnam. His many decorations include the Bronze Star.

Interment services were held on October 9, 2009 at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Killeen, Texas.

Patriot Guard Riders gathered at the cemetery on a blustery, gray and cold day to honor this combat hero. A line of American flags was formed to welcome the family and friends. During the ceremony, the flag line enveloped the internment shelter.

The Riders provided the honor guard to render military honors to SPC Snow. One Rider played taps and two other Riders folded the American flag and presented it to the family.

Left to cherish his memory are two sons, a daughter, a sister, his father, eight grandchildren and numerous other family and friends.

(with thanks to the Temple Daily Telegram for biographical information)

MSG Robert H. Baker

MSG Robert H. Baker passed away on September 30, 2009, at a Temple hospital having lived a full 70 years.

MSG Baker had been a resident of Killeen, Texas for more than 20 years. He served his country in the United States Army for 24 years and retired as a Master Sergeant. He served in Vietnam and received the Purple Heart for wounds received in combat. His numerous other military decorations include seven awards of the Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry.

He was a life member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3892, American Legion Post 573 and the Disabled American Veterans of Nolanville.

Funeral services were held at 12:30 PM, October 6 at the Harper-Talasek Funeral Home in Killeen, Texas. Patriot Guard Riders rode their motorcycles to the funeral home and formed a line of American flags at the entrance, in honor of this American hero.

The Riders then rode in the funeral procession to the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery for the committal ceremony.

The Riders formed a line of American flags around the interment shelter as full military honors were rendered by the Army honor guard.

MSG Baker was laid to rest on the gentle slope of the cemetery and the American flag on the hill top was at half staff.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, a son, a daughter 18 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and many dear friends.

(with thanks to the Killeen Daily Record for biographical information)

Alpha Troop

On Saturday, October 3, 2009, a send-off ceremony was held at the Taylor, Texas High School, for Alpha Troop, 1st Squadron, 112th Calvary Regiment of the Texas National Guard. The troop will soon be deploying to Iraq.

Patriot Guard Riders rode their motorcycles to the high school and formed lines of American flags on both sides of the entrance to the high school. The 130 soldiers of Alpha Troop marched through the flags and into the high school auditorium, followed by family and friends.

During the ceremony, the Colors were presented by a ROTC honor guard, the National Anthem was sung, and words of encouragement were offered by various dignitaries.

Among the dignitaries present to recognize these brave soldiers were United States Congressman John Carter, State Senator Steve Ogden, State Representative Diana Maldonado and Williamson County Commission Ron Morrison.

Senator Ogden presented the soldiers with a flag that had flown over the Texas Capitol in honor of their work and sacrifice.

Be safe soldiers, and, OORAH.

(thanks to the Taylor Daily Press)http://taylordailypress.net/articles/2009/10/04/news/news04.txt