James Anderson, United States Marine Corps Veteran

James Dean Anderson was born May 12, 1940 and passed away in Central Texas at the age of 70.  James proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps and achieved the rank of Corporal.

James was a valuable member of the Methodist Church and was a secret benefactor to many of its members.  He was a poet and a patriot.

An inurnment service was held on May 11, 2012 at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Killeen, Texas.  In attendance were James' friends and the Patriot Guard Riders, who formed a line of American flags around the committal shelter.

The Pastor of the church that James attended said the final prayers and performed the rite of committal.

The Marine Corps Honor Guard rendered military honors.  The Marine bugler played taps.  The American flag which had rested against James' cremains was carefully unfolded and refolded into the traditional triangle.  A Senior Non- Commissioned Officer presented the flag to a family friend, as James' next of kin, a sister was unable to attend, on behalf of the President of the United States, the Commandant of the Marine Corps, and a grateful nation as a symbol of our appreciation for James' service to Country and Corps.

The cremains of James Dean Anderson, always a Marine, were buried nearby as the American flag flew at half-staff in his honor at the top of the hill.

Forasmuch as it hath pleased Almighty God of his great mercy to take unto himself the soul of our dear brother here departed, we therefore commit his body to the ground;  earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust;  in sure and certain hope of the Resurrection to eternal life, through our Lord Jesus Christ;  who shall change our vile body, that it may be like unto his glorious body, according to the mighty working, whereby he is able to subdue all thins to himself.

Col. John Griffith, USAF, Ret.

John Griffith was born August 11, 1931 in Port Arthur, Texas.  He passed away on May 8, 2012 in Austin, Texas at the age of 80.  John was walking, with his daughter, on a section of the hike and bike trail in Austin that is adjacent to a heavily traveled down-town street, when a speeding vehicle left the roadway and struck John, killing him at the scene.  The vehicle also struck a University of Texas Professor, who suffered serious injuries.  The City of Austin as now place barriers at that location to prevent such occurrences.

John graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in Port Arthur in 1949 and from Texas A&M University with a BS in Meteorology in 1959.  He loved his Aggies!  He also attended Lamar State University in Beaumont where he studied Electrical Engineering and St. Edwards University where he made progress towards an MBA.

Col. Griffith joined the United States Air Force in 1951 and proudly served his country that he loved so much.  His many assignments included Tactical Instructor at Lackland AFB, Squadron Commander of a Combat Flying Squadron (the Antique Airlines) in Vietnam, Pilot, Instructor Pilot, and Flight Examiner of Single and Multi-engine Conventional and Jet Aircraft.  He amassed 7000 hours as a pilot in T-28, T-37, T-38, C-7, C-47, C-124, C-141 and C-5A aircraft.  His many military decorations include the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Bronze Star Medal.

After his retirement in 1975, John worked as a pioneer in the evolving computer industry in Austin.  He enjoyed post-military careers at Texas Instruments and CompuAdd Corp.

John was a tall man, with striking military bearing in his uniform which he continued to don after his retirement.  He was a true gentleman, a beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend to all who knew him.

He was an active member of Bethany United Methodist Church.  His greatest passion in his last years was cheering his many grandchildren on in their various athletic activities.  John, himself, was an accomplished athlete, taking his high school basketball team to the State Play-Offs in Austin in 1947.  He also played catcher on both his high school and college teams.

A Service of Celebration in remembrance for John's life was held on May 11 at the Bethany United Methodist Church in Austin.  In attendance were the Patriot Guard Riders who formed a line of American Flags at the entrance to welcome the family and friends.

The Celebration included the singing of the hymn "Old Rugged Cross" and the recitation of The Lord's Prayer.

After the Service, the Riders led the funeral procession to the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Killeen, Texas.  There awaited the Patriot Guard Riders of the CENTEX Region and fifty American Flags lining the roadway to the committal shelter.

Also in attendance was the United States Air Force Honor Guard.  After the Honor Guard moved the flag draped casket from the hearse to the shelter, the Riders formed a line of flags along the front of the shelter, as full military honors were rendered.

The Air Force Honor Guard carefully and precisely folded the flag that draped the casket into a tight triangle, and passed it to a Non-Commissioned Officer.  The Detail of three rifles fired three volleys of fire, representing Duty, Honor and Country.  The Air Force bugler played the always mournful Taps.

The folded flag was then presented to John's daughter  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 Col. John Griffith.  Three of the expended rifle cartridges were tucked into the fold of the flag.

A Pastor of the Methodist Church  performed the rite of committal and  led the gathered family and friends in the recitation of the Lord's Prayer.

Col. John Griffith was then laid to rest next to his dear wife, Mary, who passed away September 16, 2008, as the American Flag flew at half-staff on the hill above in his honor.

Left to cherish his memory are his three daughters, two sons, ten grandchildren, one brother and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

High Flight

"Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of earth,

And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;

Sunward I've climbed and joined the

tumbling mirth of sun-split clouds -

and done a hundred things

You have not dreamed of -

wheeled and soared and swung high

in the sunlit silence.

Hovering there I've chased the shouting wind along

and flung my eager craft through footless halls of air.

I've topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace,

where never lark, or even eagle, flew;

and, while with silent, lifting mind I've trod

the high untrespassed sanctity of space,

put out my hand and touched the face of God."

(A sonnet written by John Gillespie Magee, an American pilot with the Royal Canadian Air Force in the Second World War.  He came to Britain, flew in a Spitfire squadron, and was killed at the age of nineteen on 11 December 1941 during a training flight from the airfield near Scopwick.) 

With thanks to Cook-Walden Chapel of the Hills Funeral Home for biographical information and additional photos, and to various Austin news sources for the details of the event that took his life.

SFC David Hale, United States Army, Ret.

David Hale was born November 21, 1921 in Burnsville, Mississippi and passed away May 16, 2012 at a Temple, Texas hospital, at the age of 90.

David proudly served his country during World War II in the Pacific Theater, including combat in the Philippines. He was retired for medical reasons after fourteen years of service, at the rank of Sergeant First Class.

Interment services were held on May 18 at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Killeen, Texas.  In attendance were the Patriot Guard Riders and fifty American Flags lining the roadway at the committal shelter.

The United States Army Honor Guard carried the flag draped coffin from the hearse to the shelter, and the Riders formed a line of American flags along the front of the shelter during the service and the military honors.

Hospice Chaplain Judy Hoelscher conducted the service.  She spoke of David's life, military service and his family.  She sung "I"ll Fly Away" and "How Great Thou Art" and led the gathered family and friends in The Lord's Prayer. She read from  scripture,  John 14 verse 2, and said the final prayer.

The Army Honor Guard rendered full military honors.  The detail of five rifles fired three volleys of fire, representing Duty, Honor and Country.  The Army bugler played taps.  The flag that draped the coffin was folded into a tight triangle and passed to  an Army Non-Commissioned Officer.  He presented the flag to Jewell, David's dear wife of 64 years, on behalf of a grateful nation and the United States Army as a token of appreciation for his years of honorable and faithful service.

SSGT David Hale was then laid to rest on the gentle plain of the cemetery 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, three daughters, three sons and a host of other dear family and friends.

With thanks to the Killeen Daily Herald for biographical information.

SSG Terrence Mack, United States Army, Ret.

Terrence "Terre" Allen Mack was born March 9, 1964 in Los Angeles, and passed away May 1, 2012 in Nolanville, Texas at the age of 48.

Terrence proudly served his country in the United States Army, enlisting in 1983 after graduating from Sierra High School.  His duty stations included Germany, Fort Steward, Georgia and Fort Hood, Texas.

Terrence married the love of his life, Isabel Garcia, on October 4, 2005 in Killeen, Texas,where they lived until his passing.

In February 2011 Terrence retired from the Army, having served for 24 years as a Cavalry Scout and a Human Resources Specialist.

After retirement, he took up his passionate hobby in cycling.  He enjoyed going on rides with fellow cyclists, friends and brothers.

On May 1, at 6:50 p.m.,  Terrence was cycling with a group of friends on the access road of Highway 190 in Nolanville when he was struck by a F-150 pickup truck, suffering serious injuries.  He was pronounced dead at the scene.

A funeral service was held for Terrence on May 7 at the St. Paul Chong Hasang Catholic Church in Harker Heights, Texas.  In attendance were the Patriot Guard Riders who formed a line of American flags at the entrance of the church.

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

Also present at the cemetery were dozens of cyclists clad in their brightly colored cycling jerseys.  A group of six cyclists slowly pedaled around the cemetery, with a riderless white bicycle.  When the hearse entered the cemetery, that group took a position in front of the hearse as it made its way to the committal shelter.

At the committal shelter, the flag draped casket was moved from the hearse to the shelter by the Army Honor Guard.  The Patriot Guard Riders then formed a line of American flags around the shelter during the service and the military honors.

The Catholic Priest performed the Rite of Committal and led the gathering in The Lord's Prayer.  The Army Honor Guard rendered full military honors. The detail of five rifles fired three volleys of fire, representing Duty, Honor and Country.  The Army bugler played taps.  The Honor Guard folded the flag draping the casket into the traditional triangle and passed it to an Army Staff Sergeant.  He presented the flag to Isabel on behalf of a grateful nation and the United States Army as a token of appreciation for Terrence's honorable and faithful service.

Terrence's cycling jersey was placed into the casket, and SSG Terrance Mack was laid to rest on the sloping hill side, overlooking the Texas Hill Country, as the American flag flew at half-staff at the top of the hill in his honor.

Left to cherish his memory are his dear wife, one daughter, his father, his siblings and a host of close friends.

With thanks to Hewitt-Arney Funeral Home for biographical information and photo, and to Amanda Carter for additional photo.

Senior Master Sergeant Stacy Mills, United States Air Force, Ret.

Stacy Mills was born on February 23, 1928 in Pineville, KY and passed away on April 14, 2012 at the age of 84.

"Stacy's early life was difficult, growing up in a small rural Kentucky mountain town.  He began working at the age of seven, chipping bricks used to build a local theater where he eventually worked.  Returning home late every night he always provided his earnings to his family to help with living expenses.  He later worked at the local theater until he joined the Army and later the Air Force.  While in the Air Force he supported his family back in Kentucky.  Always generous with his time, money  and possessions, Stacy never felt like he had or owned anything that could not help someone else.  Throughout his working career he always approached his duties with honor and integrity.  He instilled the value of hard work, persistence, diligence and the importance of education to his children, family and friends.  An intensely private person, Stacy leaves his family with an enduring indelible legacy of love for family, above all else, the importance of selfless generosity, education and compassion for others.  For that we are blessed to have known him as our beloved husband, father and grandfather." 

                   Teri Doluisio, Stacy's daughter

Stacy proudly served his country in the Army and the Air Force for over 22 years, retiring with the rank of Senior Master Sergeant.  At the time of his death, he was a resident of Leander, Texas.

On April 18 an interment service was held at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery.  When the family and arrived there, they were welcomed by fifty American Flags blowing briskly in the easterly wind, and by the Patriot Guard Riders.

After the flag draped casket was moved from the hearse to the committal shelter, the Riders formed a line of flags along the front of the shelter as full military honors were rendered by the United States Air Force Honor Guard.

The flag that draped the casket was carefully folded into the traditional triangle  and passed to a Senior Non-Commissioned Officer.  The detail of three rifles fired three volleys of fire, representing Duty, Honor and Country.  The Air Force bugler played taps.

The folded flag was then presented to Stacy's dearly beloved wife, Nancy, 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 Stacy to his country.



 

The service concluded with the mournful song, Amazing Grace, played by a bagpiper as he marched off to the horizon.

Senior Master Sergeant Stacy Mills was then laid to rest.  Left to cherish his memory are his wife, their children, Shane, Greg, and Teri, their spouses, six grandchildren and numerous other dear family and friends.

With thanks to Wrench Funeral Home for additional biographical information and photo.

SGM Joseph Galiana, Jr., United States Army, Ret.

Joseph Galiana, Jr. was born January 11, 1931 in New Britton, Conn. and passed away April 4, 2012 in Austin, Texas at the age of 81.

Joseph proudly served his country in the United States Army, retiring in 1986 as a Sergeant Major.  His service included duty in Vietnam.  His many military decorations and awards include the Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service Medal and the Army Commendation Medal.

At the time of his death, Joseph was a member of St. Paul Chong Hasang Catholic Church in Harker Heights, Texas.

Joseph's first wife, Ok-Jae Lee Galiana, passed away on June 2, 1980.  He has been married to his current wife, Muncha, for thirty years.

On April 10 a funeral service was held for Joseph at the Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home in Copperas Cove, Texas.  In attendance were the Patriot Guard Riders who formed a line of American flags at the entrance.

After the service the Riders led the procession to the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Killeen, Texas where the family and friends were welcomed by the fifty American flags lining the roadway at the committal shelter.

After the flag draped casket was moved from the hearse to the shelter, by the Army Honor Guard, the Riders formed a line of flags around the shelter.

Capt. Souza, an Army Chaplain, read  Psalm 121, performed the rite of committal and led the gathering in final prayers.

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

The American flag that covered the casket was folded into the traditional triangle.  An Army Non-commissioned Officer presented the flag to Muncha on behalf of a grateful nation and the United States Army as a token of appreciation for Joseph's honorable and faithful service.

SGM Joseph Galiana, Jr. was laid to rest on the sunny slope of the cemetery hill, 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, four sons, one daughter, two siblings, fourteen grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.

With thanks to Crawford-Bower Funeral Home for biographical information and photo.