Capt. Roger D. Zehr, United States Army, Ret.

Roger Zehr was born February 3, 1929 at Alva, Oklahoma and passed away January 2, 2012 in Temple, Texas at the age of 82.

On January 1, 1950 he married the love of his life, Alice, who passed away on March 22, 2008

Roger proudly served his country in the United States Army and retired in 1968. His service included duty with the 114th Aviation Company (The White Knights) in Vietnam as a helicopter pilot. His numerous military awards and decorations include 31 awards of the Air Medal, and the Purple Heart Medal. He was a lifetime member of the Purple Heart Association. Roger was also a member of VFW Post 8577 in Copperas Cove, Texas, American Legion Post 0345 and the 114th White Knight Association.

Roger was a member of Grace United Methodist Church in Copperas Cove and the United Methodist Men.

A funeral service was held on January 9 at the Grace United Methodist Church. 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, Texas.

There, the flag draped casket was moved from the hearse to the committal shelter. The Riders formed a line of American flags around the shelter as final prayers and military honors were rendered.

The Rev. John Nader read Revelation 21:1-7. The Rev. Stephen Schmidt said the final prayer and led the gathering in the Lord's Prayer.

The United States Army 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 that covered the casket into a tight triangle and passed it to Army Lt. Garcia. She presented the flag to Roger's son, Michael, on behalf of a grateful nation and the United States Army as a token of appreciation for Roger's honorable and faithful service.

Capt. Roger Zehr was then laid to rest on the sloping plain of the cemetery, as a cold, light rain fell. The American flag at the top of the hill was at half-staff in his honor.

Left to cherish his memory are his two sons and their wives, a daughter, two brothers, twelve grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.

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



The following was written by Roger on the eve of his birthday in 2010.

Here I sit on the eve of my birthday reminiscing. When you are young it is, "When is Christmas getting here?" When you are older it is, "Oh my gosh, Christmas is here already!" That holds true for birthdays, too.

God gave me a good life. There were ups and downs but it was my fault, not God's. When I strayed, life went down. But when I came back and asked for forgiveness He forgave me (like He always does) and life was better. God is good.

He gave me fifty eight years with a wonderful woman named Alice. She was my wife, friend and soul-mate. She was wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother and her life revolved around her family.

It has been almost two years since she was taken to live with Him. I know she is happy in heaven, but we sure miss her here on earth. I have a wonderful family that shows sincere love for me and each other. I have an amazing church family that helps me with my spiritual life.

God has granted me with eighty two years of life on this earth and with his grace I will have many more.

I love you all. Goodnight.

SP4 Kevin Hardin, United States Army, Ret.

Kevin Hardin was born February 24, 1986 and passed away on January 24, 2012, at the age of 25.

Kevin proudly served his country in the United States Army from 2007-2009. Kevin suffered severe injuries in Iraq on September 30, 2007 while serving as a Combat Medic. Over the next year plus, he underwent numerous surgeries for those injuries, and was medically retired from the Army in 2009

Kevin's numerous military decorations include the Purple Heart, the Combat Medic Badge, and the Army Achievement Medal.

Kevin's untimely passing is attributed to complications of his injuries and he is another casualty of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

A funeral service was held on January 27, 2012 at Heritage Funeral Home in Harker Heights, 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.

After the service, the Riders led the funeral procession to the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Killeen, Texas.

Awaiting at the cemetery were more Patriot Guard Riders and fifty American flags blowing briskly in the southerly wind.

After Kevin's flag draped casket was moved from the hearse to the committal shelter, the Riders formed a line of flags around the cemetery during the service.

United States Army Chaplain Hoos said the final prayers and led the gathering in the Lord's Prayer.

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

The flag that covered the casket was carefully folded into the traditional triangle, passed ceremoniously to an Army Non-Commissioned Officer, and presented to Kevin's dear wife on behalf of a grateful nation and the United States Army as a token of appreciation for Kevin's honorable and faithful service. A second folded flag was presented to Kevin's mother.

Representatives of Gold Star Mothers presented a Gold Star Service Flag to Kevin's mother, in recognition of his death as the result of his military service.

SP4 Kevin Hardin was then laid to rest on the sloping 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 wife, his parents, and numerous other dear family and friends. He also left behind his pride and joy - his Red, Shelby Mustang GT.
















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SSG Marcus Vea, United States Army, Ret.

Marcus Vea was born June 22, 1954 in Watsonville, California and passed away November 27, 2011, at the age of 57, at Fort Hood, Texas.

Marcus proudly served his country in the United States Army for more then twenty years and retired in May 1994. At the time of his death he worked for Northrup Grumman.

A memorial service was held December 5, 2011 at the Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home in Temple, 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.

After the service the Riders led the funeral procession to the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Killeen.

At the cemetery, the Riders formed a line of American flags around the committal shelter as the United States Army Catholic Chaplain performed the rite of committal.

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. The Army bugler played taps.

The Honor Guard carefully unfolded the American flag that had rested against the urn, and refolded it into the traditional triangle. The folded flag was passed to a Non-Commissioned Officer who presented it to Marcus' family on behalf of a grateful nation and the United States Army as a token of appreciation for his honorable and faithful service.

The urn containing the cremains of SSG Marcus Vea was then sealed into a niche of the columbarium wall, as his family and friends gathered 'round.

The American flag at the top of the hill above was flying at half-staff in his honor.

Left to cherish his memory are a son, his mother, six sisters, two grand-children and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.









With thanks to the Killeen Daily Herald for biographical information.

CSM Paul David East, United States Army, Ret.

Paul David East was born May 2, 1948 and passed away November 17, 2011, at the age of 63, at Scott and White Continuing Care.

Paul proudly served his country in the United States Army for over 26 years, during the Vietnam War and Desert Storm. He retired with the rank of Command Sergeant Major. Among his many awards and decorations were the Bronze Star Medal, the Kuwait Liberation Medal and the Meritorious Unit Commendation.

Funeral services were held on November 22, 2011 at the Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home in Killeen. In attendance were the Patriot Guard Riders who formed a line of American flags at the entrance of the funeral home to welcome the arriving family and friends.

After the service, the Riders led the funeral procession to the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery, just south of Killeen. At the cemetery, the procession was welcomed by fifty American flags flying briskly in the cold northerly wind.

On hand was the United States Army Honor Guard, who moved the flag draped casket from the hearse to the committal shelter. The Riders formed a line of flags around the shelter as final prayers were said.

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 casket was folded into a tight triangle and ceremoniously passed to an Army Non-Commissioned Officer. He presented the flag to Paul's dearly beloved wife, Catarina, on behalf of a grateful nation and the United States Army as a token of appreciation for Paul's honorable and faithful service.

Command Sergeant Major Paul David East was then laid to rest as the American flag flew at half-staff on the hill above.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, a son, two step-daughters, a step-son, two sisters and a host of other dear family and friends.




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

Sgt. Major LeRoy Julius Arnold, United States Army, Ret.

LeRoy Julius Arnold was born September 13, 1932 in Lake Crystal, Minnesota and passed away October 12, 2011 at the age of 79, in Copperas Cove, Texas.

Sgt. Major Arnold proudly served his country in the United States Army from the age of 15, having convinced his uncle to sign for him, when he volunteered during the Korean War. His service spanned 25 years and included guarding freedom and fighting in every conflict his country was involved in during his enlistment. He is lovingly remembered as a patriot, husband, father and committed follower of Jesus Christ. He lived his life by Homer's creed, "His sword the brave man draws and ask no omen but his country's cause."

After retiring from the Army, he moved to Rockford, Illinois, in 1976, and joined the Rockford School District to teach Jr. R.O.T.C.

Sgt. Major Arnold was most proud of his service with the 1st Infantry Division in Vietnam, 1965-1966, where he earned the Combat Infantry Badge and the Army Commendation Medal. He was also awarded the Army Commendation Medal for his service with the 2nd Infantry Division in Korea.

Sgt. Major Arnold became a Christian at the age of 49. He and his wife, Clara, were members of Elim Baptist Church in Rockford. He was known by his friends as a "Packer Backer". He led Promise Keepers meetings in Columbus, Wisconsin and was a Gideon for 28 years.

On October 17, 2011, interment services were held at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Killeen, Texas. In attendance were the Patriot Guard Riders who formed a line of American flags around the committal shelter during the service.

The minister read from the scripture and said the 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. The bugler played taps.

The American flag that had draped the coffin was folded into the traditional triangle and presented to Clara on behalf of a grateful nation and the United States Army as a token of appreciation for the honorable and faithful service of Sgt. Major Arnold.

The service concluded with the playing of Amazing Grace by the bag piper.

Sgt. Major LeRoy Julius Arnold was laid to rest on the sloping hillside, as the American flag flew at half-staff in his honor above. Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 61 years, two daughters, two sons, a brother and a sister, nine grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and a host of other dear family and friends.




With thanks to the Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home for biographical information.

Betty Reinhard, Veteran, US Women's Army Corps

Betty Reinhard was born in Chattanooga, TN on July 7, 1940 and passed away October 26, 2011 in Temple, Texas.

Betty proudly served her country in the United States Women's Army Corps as a specialist from 1961 to 1963. She worked for the Killeen Independent School District, and retired after 26 years. Betty also worked for the Bell County Sheriff's Office prior to her death.

Funeral services were held on November 1, 2011 at the Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home 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.

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

After the flag draped casket was moved from the hearse to the committal shelter, final prayers were said by the Reverend Terry Whitley, as the Patriot Guard Riders formed a lone of flags around the shelter.

Military Honors were rendered by the United States Army Honor Guard. The bugler played taps. The flag that draped the casket was folded into a tight triangle and presented to Betty's grandson on behalf of a grateful nation and the United States Army as a token of appreciation for her honorable and faithful service.

Betty Reinhard, a WAC, was then laid to rest on the wind swept plain, as the American flag flew at half staff in her honor at the top of the hill.

Left to cherish her memory are her three children, four grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and one on the way, her sister and many other dear family and friends.




With thanks to the Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home for biographical information.