Command Sergeant Major Patrick Roger Sirois, United States Army (Ret.)

Flags at funeral home

Police escort to the cemetery

Committal shelter at cemetery

Police Bugler

Police officers at the interment

Apache helicopter hovering overhead

Flag line at the cemetery

Flag line at the convention center

Rifle detail

Flag line at convention center

Officers at the interment

Flag line at the interment

Patrick Sirois was born June 8, 1960 in Hartford, Connecticut and passed away on November 23, 2010, at the age of 50, at Eufala, Oklahoma.

Because of Patrick’s short stature, he was not able to go into law enforcement as a young man, so he joined the United States Army in 1979.  He served his country for twenty three years, retiring in 2002 as a Command Sergeant Major.  His many military decorations and awards include the Bronze Star, the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal,  and numerous other service medals and ribbons.

After retirement he achieved his childhood dream, by joining the Department of Defense as a Police Officer on Fort Hood, Texas and was also a reserve officer with the Nolanville, Texas Police Department.  He was named Officer of the Year by the Nolanville Police Department in 2009, the first such honor for a reserve officer.

He was known as Pat to his family and friends and was loved for his humor and compassion.  It was his willingness to help others that took his life.

On November 23, he was traveling to Oklahoma with his fiancée, Karen, to spend Thanksgiving with family.  Near Eufala, Oklahoma he came upon an accident.  He stopped, put on his reflective vest and began to assist one of the drivers.   As he spoke to the man on the shoulder, he saw that another car was about to collide with the stalled vehicle.  He pushed the driver from harm’s way just as the vehicle was struck, pinning him between it and the guard rail.  He was transported to a Eufala hospital, where he passed away from his injuries.  Pat’s last act was to give his life to save another.

On Wednesday, November 24, officers from both Fort Hood and Nolanville traveled to Oklahoma and returned Pat to Texas.  As they neared Killeen, officers from the Army, Killeen, Harker Heights and Nolanville Police Departments joined the escort.  When they arrived at the funeral home, they were welcomed by citizens holding American flags.

On Tuesday, November 29, the United States Honor Flag was flown to Killeen to be displayed at the funeral and interment services.  The Honor Flag is an American flag that was flown over ground zero after the 9/11 attacks.  The Patriot Guard Riders were present at the Killeen-Ft. Hood Regional Airport when the flag and its escort arrived.  The Riders then escorted the flag to the Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home in Killeen. 

Funeral services were held on December 1, 2010 at the Killeen, Texas Convention Center, a forum chosen to hold the 1200 attendees.  Hundreds of police officers from all over Central Texas were present.

In attendance were the Patriot Guard Riders.  They formed a line of American flags at the entrance of the center to welcome the arriving family and friends.

At the conclusion of the service, the Patriot Guard Riders rode in  the funeral procession with the hearse, family car, hundreds of  police cars, police motorcycles, fire trucks and private vehicles to the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Killeen.


As the procession arrived at the cemetery, an Army Apache Helicopter hovered above the entrance to the cemetery.

Waiting at the cemetery were other Riders, Honor Guards of the Fort Hood Police Department and of the United States Army,  and fifty American flags lining the roadway at the committal shelter, blowing briskly in the Texas wind.

The interment service began with a prayer, followed by the “End of Watch” Ceremony for  Badge 822 and Badge 1821,  performed by the Police Honor Guard.

The Army Honor Guard then rendered full military honors.  A detail of seven rifles fired three volleys of fire, representing Duty, Honor and Country.  A Police bugler played taps.  The American flag that covered the silver casket was then folded into a tight triangle and presented to Pat’s fiancée on behalf of the President States of America, the United States Army and a grateful country, in thanks for his faithful service.

A second folded American flag was presented to Pat’s son, Patrick, Jr.

The service concluded with the playing of Amazing Grace by a bagpiper. 

Patrick Roger Sirois was then laid to rest on the gentle slope of the cemetery, overlooking the Texas Hill Country.  The American flag flew at half-staff at the top of the hill, above, in his honor.

Left to cherish his memory are his fiancée, his son, a daughter, his mother, two sisters, a brother and too many other family and friends, fellow soldiers and police officers to list.

Amazing grace
How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.

‘twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed!

With thanks to the Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home, the Killeen Daily Herald, KCEN-TV and News Channel 25 for biographical information, and to Amanda McCurdy Carter and the Killeen Daily Herald for additional photographs.

Links to television news reports

http://www.kxxv.com/Global/story.asp?S=13599437


http://www.centraltexasnow.com/Global/story.asp?S=13591111

Link to United States Honor Flag

http://www.ushonorflag.org/story.html

Link to funeral home for photos

http://www.obits.dignitymemorial.com/dignity-memorial/obituary.aspx?n=Patrick-Sirois&lc=1795&pid=146827678&mid=4451878&view=photo&photoid=13990787

Gustof Otto Fajerson, United States Army Veteran

Gustof Fajerson passed away on November 5, 2010 at the Central Texas Veteran’s hospital in Temple, Texas, at the age of 65.

Gustof, known as “Smoky” by his family and friends, proudly served his country as a Sergeant First Class in the United States Army.  He was a Vietnam Veteran.

Gustof was a “biker”, as are his family members.

On November 18, 2010 his family rode their motorcycles from Italy, Texas to the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Killeen, Texas for interment service with military honors.

Waiting at the Columbarium of the cemetery were Patriot Guard Riders holding American Flags around three sides of the committal shelter.

The United States Army Honor Guard rendered the military honors.  The bugler played taps, and an American flag was folded into the traditional triangle and presented to Gustof’s family on behalf of the President of the United States, the United States Army and a grateful nation, as thanks for his dedicated service.

Gustof’s cremains were then sealed into a niche of the Columbarium wall as his family gathered around and the Patriot Guard Riders piper played Amazing Grace on the bagpipes.

At the top of the hill, the American flag flew at half-staff in his honor.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Jorene, two sons and their wives, eight grandchildren and many other dear family and friends.

With thanks to the Herald Democrat for biographical information.

Command Sgt. Major John "Jack" F. Moss, Jr.

 CSM John “Jack” F. Moss, Jr.

Jack Moss, Jr. was born August 10, 1937 in Minneapolis, MN and passed away on November 3, 2010 at the age of 73.

Jack proudly served his country in the United States Army for 27 years.  He spent time in the 82nd Airborne, assigned to the Special Forces Group and served as a Military Policeman in the Far East during the Vietnam Era.

After retiring from the Army, Jack joined the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Institutional Division and worked as a Correctional Officer for 17 years.  He retired as a Correctional Officer from the Gatesville Crain Unit in August 1999.

After retiring, Jack enjoyed traveling in his RV with his wife, Christine, and their dogs.  He enjoyed fishing, camping and barbequing ribs for his family, and friends in the neighborhood.

A celebration of Jack’s life was held on November 9, 2010 at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Killeen, Texas.  Present were Patriot Guard Riders who formed a line of American flags around the committal shelter.

The celebration began with the playing of recordings of The Old Rugged Cross and The Ballad of the Green Berets.

Full military honors were rendered by a United States Army Honor Guard.  The bugler played taps followed by the firing of three volleys of fire by the rifle detail, representing Duty, Honor and Country.  The Honor Guard then folded an American Flag into the traditional triangle and presented it to Christine on behalf of the President of the United States, the United States Army and a grateful nation, in thanks for Jack’s dedicated service to his country.

Jack’s step-son, Jamie, then read passages from Psalm 23 and told of his memories of Jack.  Two of his step-daughters shared their memories.  One of them told the gathered family and friends that when she would get sick, Jack would make her split pea soup and a grilled cheese sandwich.

The celebration concluded with Jamie and a female companion singing  Amazing Grace.

A Patriot Guard Rider then played Amazing Grace on the bag pipes.

Command Sgt. Major John Moss, Jr. was then laid to rest in an area at the base of the hill set aside for the burial of cremains, and the American flag flew at half-staff, in his honor, at the top of the hill.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, four step-children, their spouses, six grandchildren, two sisters and many other dear family and friends.

“A Soldier’s Poem”

“Our lives are built upon a framework
The framework of privilege and freedom
Purchased through the blood, sweat and tears
Of our soldiers, these brave men and women.

A soldier’s heart has known courage
For they’ve placed liberty before their own life
And in solemn decision committed
To preserving the rights due mankind.

Leaving the comfort and safety of loved ones
Entrusted with a high and noble purpose…”

“For a soldier’s honor doesn’t end with their death…
HONOR becomes their eternal legacy

An inheritance left to this earth and mankind
Of the blessings of freedom and peace”

Ronnie Hawkins, Sr., United States Air Force Veteran

Ronnie Hawkins, Sr. United States Air Force Veteran

Ronnie Hawkins was born March 9, 1948 in Fort Sill, Oklahoma and passed away on October 29, 2010, at the age of 62, at his home in Harker Heights, Texas.

Ronnie was a graduate of Harris High School in Belton, Texas and of the Los Angeles Community College with a degree in criminal justice.

Ronnie proudly served his country in the United States Air Force as an Airman First Class.

Ronnie was a long-time Gospel singer and performed with various doo-wop gospel groups.   He sang with the Del Vikings, The Ink Spots and The Drifters.  After three years with The Drifters, he moved to the Blue Notes.

After his mother passed away, Ronnie began to write his own songs and formed his own group to perform them.  His group was the HB&F, standing for Hawkins, Brother and Friends.  His brother, Elmo, was part of the group as well as his wife, Sandra.

Ronnie was the winner of the 2010 Essence Gospel Music Award, and had been honored for his musical achievement by the USA Gospel Magazine.

At the time of his death, Ronnie and his wife owned Jesus Christ First Records in Killeen, Texas.

Funeral services were held on November 6 at Branford/Dawson Funeral Home in Temple, Texas.

On Monday, November 8, a funeral procession and coach carried Ronnie’s flag draped coffin to the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Killeen for interment services with military honors.

At the committal shelter, the roadway was lined with fifty American flags, blowing briskly in the Texas wind.  As the coach passed through the lines of flags, Patriot Guard Riders stood at attention and saluted, in honor of another fallen veteran.  The Riders then formed a line of American flags around the committal shelter.

After the coffin was transferred to the shelter, the gathering of family and friends was led in final prayers by the minister.  The United States Air Force Honor Guard then rendered the military honors.  The bugler played taps, and the flag that draped the coffin was folded into the traditional triangle and presented to Sandra on behalf of the President of the United States, the United States Air Force and a grateful country in thanks for Ronnie’s faithful service.

The service concluded with the singing of Amazing Grace by an Army sergeant, as the family and friends filed past the coffin and placed on it red roses.

Ronnie Hawkins, Sr. was laid to rest on the gentle slope of the cemetery and the American flag flew at half-staff on the hill above in his honor.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, four sons, a daughter, four brothers, four sisters, nine grandchildren and many other dear family and friends.

Amazing grace
How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.

‘twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed!

With thanks to the Temple Daily News and the Killeen Daily Herald for biographical information.

Edward Randall Stout, United States Air Force Veteran

Edward Randall Stout, United States Air Force Veteran

Edward Stout was born December 4, 1942 and died October 26,2010 at the age of 67.  Edward was murdered at his home in a rural area east of Austin, Texas.

Edward proudly served his country in the United States Air Force and was a Vietnam Veteran.  He achieved the rank of Sergeant during his service. 

At the time of his death, Edward was actively involved in the Texas Association of Vietnam Veterans.  Every Thanksgiving and Christmas he fried turkeys for residents of the Veteran Hospitals at Kerrville and Temple.  He was known by all as a man of honor, courage and heart.

During the 1980’s Edward was an Air Traffic Controller at the Jefferson Airport.  He was instrumental in the start up of the Hill Country Flyer in Austin.

A Service of Celebration of the Life of Edward Stout was held on November 4, 2010 at the Memorial United Methodist Church in Austin, Texas, which included full military honors by an Air Force Honor Guard.

Edward’s flag draped coffin was delivered to the Church in a funeral coach.  The coffin was removed from the coach and transferred to a rolling funeral bier by six fellow veterans.  On hand to honor this veteran were the Patriot Guard Riders who formed a line of American flags as the coffin was moved into the church.   They then formed a line of flags at the entrances to the church to welcome the arriving family and friends.

Left to cherish Edward’s memory are his former wife, Kay, two daughters, five grandsons, two sisters and many other dear family, friends and fellow veterans.

Amazing Grace
How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.

‘twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed!

Lt. Col. Rondle Lee Nelson, United States Army (Ret.)

1/30/2010

1/30/2010

Lt. Col. Rondle Lee Nelson, United States Army (Ret.)

Ron Nelson was born July 25, 1943 in Evansville, Indiana and passed away at his home in Georgetown, Texas on October 28, 2010, at the age of 67.

Ron grew up in Evansville, then attended the University of Kentucky where he received his Bachelors Degree.  He went on to achieve his Masters Degree from South Illinois University.

Ron joined the United States Army in 1966 and served for over 22 years, retiring with the rank of Lt. Colonel.

He married Sandra Ann Walsh in 1968 and they traveled the world during his Army career.  After retiring from the Army, they settled in Southern California for 17 years while Ron worked as a Program Manager for Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

Ron and Sandra moved to Georgetown, Texas, in his second retirement, in 2006.  Ron was an avid model train collector, enjoyed golfing with friends and fishing with his son and grandsons.  He loved his Harley Davidson and was a proud and dedicated member of the Patriot Guard Riders for the past three years.

On November 1, Patriot Guard Riders from the Austin and CENTEX Regions  gathered in Georgetown at The Gabriels Funeral Chapel, for Ron’s last ride.  The Riders were briefed on this mission for their comrade.  A contingent of the Riders proceeded to the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Cornhill, Texas.  There they formed a line of American flags at the entrance to welcome family and friends as they arrived for the Memorial Mass.

The remainder of the Riders escorted the couch,  carrying Ron on his last mission, from the Chapel to the Church.  At the Church, six of the Riders removed Ron’s flag draped coffin from the couch and transferred it to a rolling bier.  As the coffin was moved into the Church, the Riders stood at attention and saluted  Ron for the last time.

Interment services with full military honors are to be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

Left to cherish Ron’s memory are his wife of over 40 years, two daughters, one son, one sister, four grandchildren and a host of other family and friends, and his fellow Patriot Guard Riders in Texas.

My Soldier's Prayer

 

O Lord My God I praise your power,

I praise your commands from above.

You gave me a servant's heart when

I chose to protect those I love.

I gave my heart,

I gave my soul,

To toil, to fight,

To make peace my goal.

I fought for justice, fought for truth,

I defended those more helpless than I

The toll it took no one would know,

For you called me home in the wink of an eye.

Your orders were to give my life for the love of my

fellow man so I hope dear Lord I've done my job

I've done the best that I can.

You'll always be my Commander-in-Chief

My Leader, My Ultimate Guide

Please take me now to your Heaven of peace where

I may rest and abide.

Amen

With thanks to The Gabriels Funeral Chapel for biographical information.