SFC Donald Ament, United States Army, Ret.

Donald Ament was born on March 9, 1929 in Johnstown, PA and passed away in Temple, Texas on September 12, 2012, at the age of 83.

Don proudly served his country in the United States Army, enlisting at the age of 15.  He served for more than twenty years, and retired with the rank of Sergeant First Class.  His service included World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam.  He was not one to talk of his medals.  When asked, he would say, "oh I had numerous medals, awards and yada, yada, yada."

Don was the past Post Commander of VFW 3892 Harker Heights and Past District 14 Commander of the Texas Veterans  of Foreign Wars. He was a member of the Disabled American Veterans Chapter S W Labombard 29.

Don was an avid fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Don and his dearly beloved wife,  Mary Francis Ruth,  raised four children together.  She passed away November 22, 2009 at the age of 81.  She is buried at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery.

A funeral service was held on September 17 at the Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home in Killeen, Texas.  Present were the Patriot Guard Riders who formed a line of American flags at the entrance of the funeral home.

After the service, the Riders led the funeral procession to nearby Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery.  After the flag draped casket was moved from the hearse to the committal shelter, the Riders formed a line of American flags around the shelter during the final prayers and military honors.

As the cemetery bell tower rang twelve bells, for 12 noon, the Chaplain of the VFW addressed the gathered family and friends and told them of having worked with Don at the VFW.  He read from the bible, James Chapter 2, verses 14-16.  He led the family in The Lord's Prayer and read the VFW committal prayer.

Full military honors were rendered by the Army Honor Guard.  A detail of five rifles fired three volleys of fire, representing Duty, Honor and Country.  The Army bugler played taps.

The flag that covered the casket was folded into a tight triangle, three expended cartridges tucked into its folds, and presented to Don's son on behalf of a grateful nation and the United States Army as a token of appreciation for Don's honorable and faithful service.

SFC Donald Ament was laid to rest, next to his loving wife, on the sloping hillside of the cemetery, as the American flag flew at half-staff in his honor at the top of the hill.

Left to cherish his memory are his son, three daughters, nine grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and numerous 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 Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home for biographical information and photograph.

Anna E. Mills, Women's Army Corps, WWII Veteran

Anna (Majewski) Mills  was born December 24, 1918 at South River, New Jersey and passed away September 7, 2012 at Killeen, Texas at the age of 93.

Anna, the eldest of 12 children, was raised and educated in South River.  Upon graduation she attended The Girl's Vocational School of South River, majoring in cooking, sewing and home nursing.  She later worked as a Parachute Flare Assembler and as a Cigar Making Machine Operator.


In 1943 she joined the Women's Army Corps of the United States Army.  She served honorably during WWII as an Airplane Electrical Mechanic.

Anna married Clyde Mills on December 27, 1948.  Upon his retirement from the United States Army they settled with their family in Killeen.  Clyde passed away on October 23, 1966.

On September 14, an inurnment service was held at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery, just south of Killeen.  In attendance were the Patriot Guard Riders who formed a line of American flags around the gathered family and friends during the service.

As a light rain fell, the Minister told of Anna's love of laughter and of cooking.  He told of her Polish heritage and of how she enjoyed making cabbage rolls with her daughter-in-law.


 He read from the book of John, chapter 14.

1.  Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.

2.  In my Father's house are many mansions:  if it were not so, I would have told you.  I go to prepare a place for you. 

3.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.  

4.  And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.

He then led the family in final prayers.

The Army Honor Guard rendered military honors.  The bugler played taps, as all stood at attention.  The American flag that had rested next to the urn was unfolded and carefully refolded into the traditional triangle, and presented to Anna's daughter, on behalf of a grateful nation and the United States Army as a token of appreciation for her honorable and faithful service.

The daughter carried the urn to the columbarium wall, where she placed it into a niche of the wall, and it was sealed for all of time.

Left to cherish Anna's memory are her daughter, two sons, four grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.

The family has graciously requested that in lieu of flowers, monetary donations be made to The Patriot Guard Riders of Texas in memory of Anna Mills, to be delivered to Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home, 1615 South Fort Hood Road, Killeen, Texas 76542.

When I Must Leave You

When I must leave you

For a little while-

Please do not grieve

And shed wild tears

And hug your sorrow to you

Through the years,

But start out bravely

With a gallant smile;

Feed not your loneliness

On empty days,

But fill each waking hour

In useful ways,

Reach out your hand

In comfort and in cheer

And I in turn will comfort you

And hold you near;

And never, never

Be afraid to die,

For I am waiting for you in the sky!

Helen Steiner Rice

With thanks to Crawford-Bowers for biographical information and photograph.

SGM Felix Rubert-Negron, United States Army, Ret.

Felix Rubert-Negron was born on September 30, 1934, in Morovis, Puerto Rico and passed away at the age of 77 on August 31, 2012 at his home.

Felix enlisted into the United States Army at the age of 17 and proudly served for 23.5 years, including service in Vietnam.  In 1967 Felix was posted to Fort Bliss, Texas where he retired in 1976.

After leaving the Army, Felix fulfilled a life-long goal of obtaining a college degree, a Bachelor's Degree in Education from the University of Texas at El Paso.

Felix then began a career with Circle K grocery, first as a zone manager, then a franchise owner in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico.

In 1987 he left Circle K and ran his own businesses with his three sons.  In 1995 he retired, again, and moved to Killeen, Texas.  He continued to enjoy employment, and worked as a teacher's aide for the Killeen ISD.

On September 7, a Mass of Christian Burial was held at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Killeen.  In attendance were the Patriot Guard Riders who formed a line of American flags at the entrance to welcome the arriving family and friends.

After the service, the Riders led the funeral procession to the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Killeen.  After the United States Army Honor Guard moved the flag draped casket from the hearse to the committal shelter, the Riders formed a line of flags around the shelter.

The Catholic Priest recited the rite of committal and led the family in The Lord's Prayer.   The Army Honor Guard rendered full military honors.  The detail of six rifles fired three volleys of fire, representing Duty, Honor and Country.  The Army bugler then played taps.

The American flag that covered the casket, was carefully folded into a tight triangle and presented to Felix's dear wife of 53 years, on behalf of a grateful nation and the United States Army as a token of appreciation for his honorable and faithful service.

SGM Felix Rubert-Negron was then laid to rest, as the American flag flew at half-staff at the top of the hill in his honor.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Maria, a sister, two daughters, three sons, seven grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and numerous other dear family and friends.

With thanks to Dignity Memorial for biographical information and photograph.

Glenn Willard Reynolds, Pearl Harbor Survivor

Glenn Reynolds was born February 21, 1921 and grew up on a farm in rural Alabama, one of eleven children to a poor farmer.  He passed peacefully from this life on May
7, 2012.

Glenn proudly served his country in the United States Navy.  He enlisted in 1939 at the age of 18.  He was aboard the USS Maryland at Pearl Harbor when it was bombed by the Japanese.   He went on to serve in North Africa and, eventually, London, where he met his beautiful wife, Catherine McGale.

Glenn later served in the war in Korea, for two and a half years.  After Korea, Glenn and Catherine traveled the world and eventually settled in El Paso, Texas with their three children.

They moved to Alabama for a period of time, and then to Kyle, Texas in 2003, in order to be near their first born granddaughter, Ireland.

Glenn enjoyed reading, fishing, working on car engines, coin collecting, gardening and watching baseball games.

Glenn was known to all as a true Southern Gentleman and he enjoyed telling folks many great war stories.

Glenn was pleased, and honored, to attend the reunion of Pearl Harbor Survivors last year in Washington.

A Memorial Service was held at St. Anthony Marie de Claret Catholic Church in Kyle, Texas on May 14, 2012.

On August 31st, members of the Austin Area Patriot Guard Riders were honored to lead an informal family procession from Kyle to the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Killeen, Texas.  There the Reynolds family was welcomed by Centex Area Patriot Guard Riders who had formed a line of American flags around the committal shelter.

An Army Chaplain, a Catholic Priest, led the family in The Lord's Prayer, performed the rite of committal and sprinkled holy water on the urn containing Glenn's cremains.

Glenn's dear wife of 68 years carried the urn to the columbarium wall, where her daughter placed the urn into a niche of the wall, to be sealed for all time, whereby "the heroic legend of the Reynolds family has turned the next page of his existence, one fulfilled life leading to another!"

Left to cherish Glenn's memory are his wife, their three children, two sons and one daughter, nine grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and many other dear family and friends.

"Thank you Dad for instilling the strong beliefs and strength in all of us that we have built our lives upon.  We will miss you and love you for all the wonderful things that you taught us and did for us."

With thanks to Pennington Funeral Home for biographical information and photograph.

USS Maryland in foreground, capsized USS Oklahoma in background

http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/sh-usn/usnsh-m/bb46.htm

Paul Gordillo, Vietnam Veteran

Paulino Frank Gordillo, lovingly known as 'Paul", was born December 14, 1940 in Decatur, Illinois and passed away September 2, 2012, at the age of 71, with his family at his side.

Paul proudly served his country in both the United States Navy and the United States Air Force, including service in the Vietnam War.

Paul met his wife, Jeannette in 1972, and they married on September 16, 1972 in Salt Lake City.  The family moved to Texas in 1978 and Paul went to work for the Austin Independent School District as a computer programmer.  He retired in 2001, after 23 years of service.  He and Jeannette moved to Georgetown, Texas in 2001, where Paul enjoyed hunting, fishing and numerous sports.  His passion was his family and he loved spending time with them.

On September 5 a service celebrating Paul's life was held at The Gabriels Funeral Chapel in Georgetown.  In attendance were the Patriot Guard Riders who formed a line of American flags at the entrance to welcome the arriving family and friends.

After that service, the Riders led the funeral procession to the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Killeen, Texas where the family was welcomed by fifty American flags blowing briskly in the southerly Texas wind.

After the pall bearers moved the flag draped casket into the shelter, the Riders formed a line of American flags around the shelter.

The United States Air Force bugler played taps, and the Air Force Honor Guard folded the American flag that covered the casket into a traditional triangle.  The flag was presented to Jeannette on behalf of the President of the United States, the Department of the Air Force, and a grateful nation for the faithful and dedicated service of Paul to his country.

Paul Gordillo was then laid to rest on the plain of the cemetery as the American flag flew at half-staff in his honor at the top of the hill.




Left to cherish his memory are his dear wife, his children, three sisters, two brothers, two grandchildren and many other dear family and friends.

Memorial contributions in Paul's memory are recommended to the American Cancer Society.

With thanks to The Gabriels Funeral Chapel for biographical information and photo.

Sgt. William Travis Barker, USA, KIA in Korea

William Travis Barker was born June 2, 1929  and passed away February 18, 1951 at Puktong Prisoner of War Camp, North Korea.

William enlisted in the United States Army in Rockwall County, Texas and

 "...went on to serve as a medic in the Korean War with the 503rd Field Artillery Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division, an all-black unit, with which  [Congressman] Charles Rangel served and received a Purple Heart and Bronze Star.

On Dec. 1, 1950, Barker was tending to wounded soldiers when he was taken prisoner by North Korea in Kunu-ri, during the Battle of the Ch'ongch'on River,  [according to] Ted Barker of Dallas.  He is not related to the deceased, but serves as an administrator for the Korean War Project.

'They almost destroyed 2nd Infantry Division,' he said of the attack the Chinese made in the narrow valley.  'The majority of the men were killed or taken prisoner.'

In 1953, the men who were imprisoned with him were released and debriefed during operation Big Switch.  They said Sgt. Barker's death occurred Feb. 18 1951.... . "  ( Rose L. Thayer, Fort Hood Herald)

Sgt. Barker's remains were later recovered, but not identified until June 2012 by DNA match to his family.

On August 13, 2012, Sgt. Barker's remains were returned to Texas, arriving by charter aircraft at the Austin Bergstrom International Airport.  On hand to welcome him home, were the Patriot Guard Riders.  After the flag draped casket was moved from the aircraft to the waiting hearse, the Riders rode in the procession, led by motor officers of multiple jurisdictions, to the Harper-Talasek Funeral Home in Killeen, Texas.

At the funeral home, more Riders awaited, standing in a line along the roadway, holding American flags. The Riders, acting as pall bearers, moved the casket from the hearse to the funeral home, while scores of Riders stood at attention and saluted.

On August 15, the Patriot Guard Riders assembled at the funeral home, and led the funeral procession carrying Sgt. Barker to his final resting place, the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery, south of Killeen.

At the Cemetery were fifty American flags blowing in the Texas wind along the roadway fronting the committal shelter.  After the United States Army Honor Guard moved the casket from the hearse to the shelter, the Riders formed a line of American flags around the shelter as final prayers were offered by Army Chaplain, Captain Marta Pena.

The gathering was also addressed by a Korean War Veteran, who spoke on behalf of more than a dozen such veterans present to, finally, welcome home their fallen brother.

The Army Honor Guard rendered full military honors.  The detail of seven rifles fired three volleys of fire, representing Duty, Honor and Country, followed by the playing of Taps by the bugler.

The flag that covered the casket was carefully folded into a tight triangle and presented to William's sister on behalf of a grateful nation and the United States Army as a token of appreciation for his honorable and faithful service.

Sgt. William Travis Barker was laid to rest on the cemetery hillside, as the American flag flew at half-staff in his honor at the top of the hill.

Left to cherish his memory are four siblings and numerous other dear family and friends.

TAPS

There will be a great encampment

In the land of clouds today.

A mingling and a merging

Of our boys who've gone away.

Though on earth they are disbanding.

They are very close and near,

For these brave and honored heroes

Show no sorrow, shed no tear.

They have lived a life of glory,

History pins their medals high,

Listen to the thunder rolling,

They are marching in the sky!

Arta Nottingham Chappius