SPC E. J. Johnston, United States Army National Guard

E. J. Johnston was born November 10, 1991 at Round Rock, Texas and passed away on March 25, 2010 at Austin, Texas.

E. J. attended Liberty Hill, Texas High School and was scheduled to graduate in May, 2010.  He enlisted in the U. S. Army National Guard at age 17 and dreamed of one day becoming a combat medic and a doctor.  He had completed his basic training and was awaiting assignment to Advanced Individual Training.  In the mean while, he was training at Camp Mabry in Austin, Texas.

While a senior in high school, he was a member of the Honor Society, ran on the Cross-Country Track Team, was on the Tennis Team and participated in Track and Field.  He was active in a variety of academic activities and had received many awards and honors for excellence.

His mother took him to her native Philippines as a boy and he looked forward to returning there, someday, to help the needy.

On March 13, E. J. had spent the day in training at Camp Mabry and was headed home, to Liberty Hill, when he was involved in a horrific traffic collision which left him comatose with a severe head injury.  He was in the intensive care unit at Breckenridge Hospital in Austin until he passed away on March 25 with his family at bedside.

E.J. was an organ donor and his heart has provided life to another.

Funeral Mass was held on March 31 at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, in Cedar Park, Texas, which he had attended regularly, at 10:30 AM.  Present to honor this fallen soldier were Patriot Guard Riders from all over central Texas.  They formed lines of American flags to welcome the continual flow of arriving family, classmates and fellow soldiers.  At ten minutes prior to the commencement of Mass, the silver casket, draped with an American flag, was removed from the hearse and carried into the church by an Army Honor Guard of six soldiers.  The Patriot Guard Riders formed a pathway of American flags through which the casket was carried.

At the appointed time for Mass, the church bell heralded the commencement of the service.

At the conclusion of the one hour Mass, the casket was returned to the hearse by the Honor Guard, while the Riders stood at attention and saluted.

The Riders then lead the procession of scores of vehicles to the Liberty Hill Cemetery, just a few miles west of where E. J. attended high school.

The many grieving family, friends and soldiers huddled around the tent covered grave site as final prayers were said.  The priest led the gathering in the Lord’s Prayer. 

The citation awarding E. J. the Army Commendation Medal was read aloud.

Full military honors were rendered by the Army Honor Guard.  A rifle detail fired three volleys of fire representing Honor, Duty and Country.  The Army bugler played taps, as the family wept.  The flag which had covered the casket was folded into a tight triangle by two white gloved soldiers and presented  to E. J.’s mother by LTC Greg Chaney of the Texas Army National Guard.

To conclude the graveside services, there was a ceremonial release of White Doves.  A single white dove was held in the hands of the family and  released into the clear blue sky.  This dove represented E. J.'s spirit.  It was followed by the release of three additional doves from a white chapel, representing The Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

As the doves circled the sky, they were joined by the spirit dove and began their spiritual flight home.

SPC E. J. Johnston was then laid to rest under a live oak tree in the Texas Hill Country.

Left to cherish his memory are his mother and father, a brother, his maternal grandmother, his girlfriend, with whom he had made plans for the future,  and many other loving family and friends.  He is survived by a large and loving family in the United States and the Philippines. 






With thanks to the Austin American-Statesman, and Radio Free Liberty Hill for biographical information.


http://www.radiofreelibertyhill.com/

http://www.lonestardoves.com/events.htm

Ronald Clayton Cate, United States Air Force Veteran

Ronald Cate was born on November 15, 1948 at Portland, Oregon and passed away on March 13, 2010 at Oahu, Hawaii, at the age of 61.

Ronald proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, including two tours of duty in Vietnam.  He worked on the aircraft of Operation Ranch Hand, keeping them flying.

Ronald and his loving wife, Sally, traveled the world, having been posted to Geneva, Budapest, Prague and Australia.

Final interment services, with full military honors, were held on March 26 at the Willamette National Cemetery.  Leading the services was Mr. Cliff Cox.  In attendance were Patriot Guard Riders and the McCord Air Force Honor Guard.

The Riders formed a line of American flags along the roadway to the committal shelter to welcome the arriving family and friends.  Members of the Riders assisted in the transfer of the flag draped, oak casket from the hearse to the shelter.

Family members said their last farewells, Mr. Cox read Ronald’s life story and a soloist sang, A Capella, “What a Wonderful World” as a light rain fell, and the angels wept.

The Air Force Honor Guard folded the flag that had covered the casket into a tight triangle.  The Air Force bugler played taps, and the flag was then presented to Sally, 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 Ronald Clayton Cate.

Ronald Cate was then laid to rest in the shade of the towering pines as the American flag flew at half-staff, in his honor, at the top of the hill.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Sally, his children and many other dear family and friends.

What A Wonderful World

I see trees of green…red roses too
I see ‘em bloom…for me and you
And I think to myself…what a wonderful world.

I see skies of blue…clouds of white
Bright blessed days…dark sacred nights
And I think to myself…what a wonderful world.

The colors of a rainbow…so pretty in the sky
Are also on the faces…of people…going by
I see friends shaking hands…sayin’..how do you do
They’re really sayin’…I love you.

I hear babies cry…I watch them grow
They’ll learn much more…than I’ll never know
And I think to myself…what a wonderful world.

Wendlin Kiefel, United States Army Veteran

Wendlin Kiefel was born on December 29, 1921 in Linton, North Dakota and passed away on March 18, 2010 at Portland, Oregon, at the age of 88.

Wendlin proudly served his country in the United States Army during World War II, in the Army Recon Unit and in the Corps of Engineers.  He was an Army Tech. Fifth Grade and served with the 1276th Engineer Battalion, Company A.

He worked as a locksmith and finish carpenter for the Portland Public Schools and was an Elk for over 25 years.

Final interment services, with full military honors, were held on March 26 at the Willamette National Cemetery in Portland.

Present to honor this member of the “greatest generation” were Patriot Guard Riders and an American Legion Honor Guard.  The Riders formed a line of American flags along the roadway leading to the committal shelter and the Legionaires stood at attention as the hearse arrived.

Wendlin’s grandchildren removed the flag covered casket from the hearse and moved it into the shelter.  Final prayers were said and a Catholic Priest led the gathered family and friends in the Lord’s Prayer.  The Patriot Guard Riders enveloped the shelter, during the final prayers, with a line of American flags.

The Legion rifle detail fired three volleys of fire, representing Honor, Duty and Country.  A bugler played taps and the American flag which had draped the silver casket was folded into a tight triangle and presented to his wife, Bernadine, on behalf of a grateful country and the United States Army.

Wendlin Kiefel was then laid to rest in the rolling green hills of the cemetery as the American flag flew at half-mast, in his honor, at the high point of the cemetery.

Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife of 57 years, two daughters, one son, 5 grandchildren and many other dear family and friends.

SPC Erik George-Vega, United States Army

SPC Erik George-Vega was born December 11, 1980, and died on March 14, 2010 at San Antonio, Texas.

Erik joined the Army in May 2004 and served with Alpha Battery, 5th Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division.  He had returned from a deployment to Iraq in June, 2009 and was based at Fort Hood, Texas.

His many military decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.

Funeral services were held March 22 at the Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home in Killeen, Texas.  Present were Patriot Guard Riders from the central Texas region.  They formed a line of American flags at the entrance of the funeral home to welcome the arriving family and friends.

After the services, the Riders led the funeral procession a short distance to the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery where final interment services were held and military honors rendered.

The Patriot Guard Riders formed a line of American flags along the front of the committal shelter.  Also present were the officers and men of his unit, to pay honor to their fallen comrade.

An Army chaplain led the mourners in the Lord’s Prayer.  An Army rifle detail fired three volleys of fire, representing Honor, Duty and Country.  Taps was played by the Army bugler.

The honor guard folded the American flag, that had covered the silver casket, into a tight triangle and presented it to Erik’s family on behalf of a grateful nation and the United States Army.

A mariachi band lead the family and friends in the singing of traditional Mexican funeral songs, as hugs were shared and many tears were shed.

As the services concluded, the band played as members of the family approached the casket and said their final goodbyes.

SPC Erik George-Vega was then laid to rest on the gentle slope of the cemetery, overlooking the Texas hill country.  The American flag flew at half-staff, in his honor, on the hill above.

Left to cherish his memory are many family, dear friends and his fellow comrades in arms.
With thanks to Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home  and the Fort Hood Sentinel for biographical information.

 Link to memorial page, including slide show of  photos of Erik though-out his life.

http://www.legacy.com/dignity-memorial/obituary.aspx?n=Erik-George-Vega&lc=1795&mid=4173224

1stSGT Richard "Dick" Dean Gallagher

Dick Gallagher was born August 16, 1933 in Bellingham, Washington and passed away March 11, 2010 at his residence in Harker Heights, Texas at the age of 76.

1stSGT Gallagher served his country in the United States Army from March 24, 1959 until March 31, 1984.  He then worked at Texas Department of Justice in Gatesville, Texas as a correctional officer until his retirement in 1995.

Funeral services were held at the Heritage Funeral Home in Harker Heights on March 17, 2010.  Present were Patriot Guard Riders from the CENTEX region to honor this fallen veteran.  They formed a line of American flags at the entrance to welcome the arriving family and friends.

After the services, the Riders lead the funeral procession to the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Killeen for the rendering of full military honors and interment.

Present at the cemetery were other Riders and a United States Army  Honor Guard, including a rifle detail and a bugler.

The Patriot Guard Riders formed a line of American flags around the committal shelter as final prayers were said and a military chaplain led the congregated family and friends in the singing of Amazing Grace.

Three volleys of fire were fired by the rifle detail, representing Honor, Duty and Country.  The bugler played taps, and the American flag was folded into a tight triangle and presented to the family by an Army Non-Commissioned Officer, on behalf of a grateful nation and the United States Army.

1stSGT Gallagher’s remains, contained in an urn, were then placed into a niche of the columbarium wall by his family.  The niche was then sealed, as his family shed tears and shared hugs.

Throughout the final services, a song bird sat in a tree, high above, and warbled its cheerful song, and the American flag was flying at half-mast on the hill above.

Left to cherish his memory are one son, three daughters, two brothers and four grandchildren, for whom he was a loving father and grandpa, and in whose hearts he will live forever.

With thanks to the Killeen Dailey Herald for biographical information.

SFC James Payne, United States Army (Ret.)

James Payne was born on September 5, 1930 in Adona, Arkansas and passed away on March 10, 2010, at the age of 79, at Georgetown, Texas.

James proudly served his country in the United States Army, serving in Korea and Vietnam, retiring with the rank of Sergeant First Class.  His military decorations include the Army Commendation Medal, two awards of the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.

In retirement he obtained an Associates Degree from Austin Community College and attended St. Edward’s University.  He was a Christian in faith and practice.  He enjoyed bowling in league bowling.  The last days of his life were under the care and support of Hospice Austin, for which his family is thankful.

On March 15, 2010, Patriot Guard Riders from the Austin and Centex regions assembled at the Ramsey Funeral Home in Georgetown to honor yet another fallen veteran.  Funeral services were held at high noon.  The Riders formed lines of American Flags at the entrances to the funeral home to welcome the many arriving family and dear friends.

After the services, the Riders rode in the funeral procession to the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Killeen for final prayers and the rendering of full military honors.

At the cemetery the family and friends were, again, welcomed by lines of American flags.  As the final services were held, the Riders formed a line of flags around two sides of the committal shelter.

Full military honors were rendered by an Army Honor Guard.  A rifle detail fired three volleys of fire, representing Honor, Duty and Country.  Taps was played by an Army bugler.  The flag that had covered the casket was folded into a tight triangle by the honor guard and presented to his  wife, Alta, on  behalf of a grateful nation and the United States Army.

SFC James Payne was then laid to rest, in his Army uniform, on the grassy upper plain of the cemetery.  The American flag flew at half-staff, in his honor, on the hill above.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, a daughter, three sons, 9 grandchildren, 4 brothers, 2 sisters 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 Ramsey Funeral Home for biographical information.

Petty Officer First Class Charles Gilbert Maxey, USN (Ret.)

Charles Gilbert Maxey was born April 9, 1939 and passed away on March 5, 2010, at the age of 70, at his home in Jarrell, Texas.

Charles Maxey served his country proudly in the United States Navy for 20 years, retiring as a Petty Officer First Class.  After his retirement, he served Williamson County, Texas as a Deputy Sheriff.   He took great pride in impacting the lives of those he encountered as he served in that capacity.  He was a faithful member of St. Peter Lutheran Church in Walburg, Texas.

On March 11, Patriot Guard Riders from the Austin and Centex regions gathered at the St. Peter Lutheran Church in Walburg to honor this fallen veteran.  The Riders formed a line of American flags at the entrance of the church to welcome family and friends as they arrived for the funeral services.  Also present were Deputies of the Williamson County Sheriff’s Department and officers of the Austin Police Department to provide traffic control for the ensuing funeral procession.

At the conclusion of the services, the Riders stood at attention and saluted as the casket was moved from the church to the waiting funeral hearse.  The Riders then escorted the hearse to the nearby cemetery for final prayers and military honors.

At the cemetery, the Riders enveloped the gathering with a line of American flags as the Lord’s Prayer was recited by the family and many friends.

A United States Army rifle detail fired three volleys of fire, representing Honor, Duty and Country.  A bugler played taps.  The flag that had draped the casket was folded into a tight triangle by two Navy Petty Officers and presented to the family on behalf of the President of the United States, a grateful nation, and a proud Navy.

Petty Officer First Class Charles Gilbert Maxey was then laid to rest on a warm, sunny spring day, on the gentle slope of the St. Peter Lutheran Cemetery.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Nora, five daughters, one son, numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and many other family and dear friends.


With thanks to the Gabriels Funeral Chapel for biographical information.