Sergeant Major Eileen Berg, USA, Ret.

Eileen Berg was born July 22, 1948 at Uppertract, West Virginia and passed away on February 9, 2011 in Georgetown, Texas at the age of 62.

Eileen served her country for more than 21 years in the United States Army and retired with the rank of Sergeant Major.

Funeral services were held on February 14 at the Crawford-Bowers Funeral Chapel in Killeen, Texas. In attendance were the Patriot Guard Riders who formed a line of American flags at the entrance to welcome the arriving family and friends.

The Riders then led the funeral procession to the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery where the family and friends were welcomed by fifty American flags blowing briskly in the Texas wind.

The United States Army Honor Guard moved the flag-draped casket from the hearse to the committal shelter. Captain Hulshinzer of the United States Army Chaplain Corps led the congregated family and friends in prayer, as the Patriot Guard Riders formed a line of American flags around the shelter.

The Honor Guard then rendered full military honors. The five rifle detail fired three volleys of fire, representing Honor, Duty and Country. The Army bugler played taps. The American flag that covered the metallic pink coffin was folded into the traditional triangle and presented to Eileen’s family on behalf of the President of the United States, the United States Army and a grateful nation in thanks for her many years of service.

Eileen Berg was then laid to rest on the gentle slope of the cemetery as the American flag flew at half-staff on the hill above.

Left to cherish her memory are her eight sisters, numerous nieces and nephews, and many other dear family and friends.

God Bless America

While the storm clouds gather far across the sea,
Let us swear allegiance to a land that’s free.
Let us all be grateful for a land so fair,
As we raise our voices in a solemn prayer.

God Bless America,
Land that I love
Stand beside her, and guide her
Thru the night with a light from above,
From the mountains to the prairies,
To the oceans white with foam.
God bless America,
My home sweet home.

Irving Berlin

With thanks to Killeen Daily Herald for biographical information