SSG Orlando Gonzalez, United States Army, Ret.

Orlando Gonzalez was born April 7, 1958 at Brooklyn, New York and passed away, at the age of 54, at his residence, which was his wish,  in Killeen, Texas on June 30, 2012.

Orlando proudly served his country in the United States Army, including service in Vietnam, and retired from active service, after twenty years, with the rank of Staff Sergeant.

On July 10, the Patriot Guard Riders assembled at the Heritage Funeral Home in Harker Heights, Texas, and led the funeral procession to the Central Texas Veterans Cemetery at Killeen.  The family was welcomed at the columbarium of the cemetery by other Patriot Guard Riders, standing around the committal shelter with American flags.

A minister spoke of Orlando's life, read from the Bible and led the family in final prayers.

Military honors were then rendered by the United States Army Honor Guard.  A detail of  five rifles, standing on the hillside above the columbarium fired three volleys of fire, representing Duty, Honor and Country.  The Army bugler played taps.

The American flag that had rested against the urn containing the cremains, was carefully unfolded, and refolded into the traditional triangle, and passed to a Non-Commissioned Officer.  He presented the flag to Lilian, Orlando's dear wife of 31 years, on behalf of a grateful nation and the United States Army as a token of appreciation for his honorable and faithful service.

Lilian carried the urn to the columbarium wall, where she placed it into a niche to be sealed for all of eternity.




Left to cherish Orlando's memory are his wife, three daughters, three grandchildren and many other dear family and friends.


With thanks to the Killeen Daily Herald for biographical information.

AD1 Gerald Brown, United States Navy, Ret.

Gerald Brown was born May 28, 1976 at Killeen, Texas and passed away, at the age of 36, on August 22, 2012 from injuries suffered in a motorcycle accident.

Gerald graduated from Killeen High School in 1996 and entered the United States Navy.  He proudly served for fourteen years, until he was medically retired with the rank of Petty Officer First Class.

Among his many military wards and decorations were three awards of the Good Conduct Medal, three awards of the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and the Humanitarian Service Medal.

Gerald fell in love and married Regan Sara Lavery on July 22, 2002.  He was a member of Westside Baptist church.  He enjoyed bowling, fishing, cooking and his two dogs.  He was a member of the Speed Virus Motorcycle Club.

Funeral services were held on August 30 at the Westside Baptist 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, which included scores of motorcycles, to the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Killeen.  There the family was greeted by fifty American flags lining the roadway at the committal shelter.

After the pall bearers, members of the Speed Virus Motorcycle Club wearing matching brown shirts, moved the flag draped casket into the shelter, the Riders formed a line of American flags around the shelter.

The service began with the playing of Taps by the Navy bugler, as all present stood at attention.  The flag that covered the casket was carefully folded into a triangle, passed to a Navy Petty Officer, and family friend, who presented it to Regan, on behalf of the President of the United States and the Chief of Naval Operations, as a symbol of appreciation for Gerald's service to the Country and to a grateful Navy.

Paster Hallie Tolbert then recited the rite of committal and led the congregants in The Lord's Prayer.

The dozens of motorcycle riders from multiple Central Texas clubs returned to their bikes, parked three abreast on the road fronting the shelter, and revved the engines of their motorcycles in honor of their fallen member.

Petty Officer Gerald Brown was then laid to rest on the wind swept hill side, as the American flag flew in his honor at the top of the hill.

Family Tribute

God saw the road was getting rough

And the hills were hard to climb.

He gently closed those loving eyes.

And whispered - Peace be thine.

The weary hours and the days of pain,

The sleepless nights are passed.

The ever patient, worn-out frame,

Has found sweet rest at last.

God saw that you were getting weary;

So He did what He knew best.

He came and stood beside you,

And whispered - come and rest.

You bid no one a last farewell,

Not even a goodbye.

And only God knows why!

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, one son, one daughter, his parents, a sister and a brother, and many other dear aunts, uncles and dear friends. 

 

SSG Ronald Lindsey, United States Army Veteran

Ronald Ray Lindsey was born March 19, 1944 at Kermit, Texas and passed away at Temple, Texas on August 20, 2012, at the age of 68.

Ronald proudly served his country in the United States Army in Vietnam, and left the military with the rank of Staff Sergeant.

At the time of his death, he was employed by Honeywell, a defense contractor at Fort Hood, Texas.

Interment services with military honors were held on August 24 at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Killeen, Texas

In attendance were the Patriot Guard Riders who formed a line of American flags along the front of the committal shelter during the service.

Six pall bearers, wearing white shirts with black suspenders, carried the flag draped casket into the committal shelter.  Many of them were Ronald's co-workers and wore the suspenders as it was his habit to wear suspenders.

The service began with the Army bugler playing taps.  The Army Honor Guard then folded the flag that covered the casket into a tight triangle, and presented it to Ronald's dear wife, Maria, on behalf of a grateful nation and the United States Army as a token of appreciation for Ronald's honorable and faithful service.

The minister read the ten commandments from First Thessalonians Chapter Four and led the gathered family and friends in final prayers.

Ronald Lindsey was then laid to rest on the grassy 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 and numerous other dear family, friends and co-workers.

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 

A2C Langston Hawkins, United States Air Force Veteran

Langston Hawkins was born May 21, 1930 in Hernando, MS and passed away July 19, 2012, at the age of 82, at Park Bend Health Center in Austin, Texas.


Langston proudly served his country in the United States Air Force as an Airman Second Class.

After his military service, he was a landscaping artist in Angleton, Texas.

"He was a member of the South Vegetarian Society, and enjoyed their delicious food festivals and feasts.  He loved tasty  vegan foods!  On the weekends, specifically on Sunday mornings, he was a popular social and political commentator on the 'Sunday Morning Live' radio show at a local Houston radio station.

Upon his retirement from landscaping, he engaged himself into translating the book of Genesis of the Old Testament into popular day English.  His studies at the Jewish Community Center in Houston as well as his own personal research on the Old Testament enabled him tremendously towards this goal until he began to submit to the blindness that came upon him.  However, he still pursued his quest for knowledge by studying Braille and listening to audio tapes of the Old Testament and other various related publications.

 Lankston loved all kinds of music - from African American spirituals of old, the blues, jazz, country-western, rhythm & blues as well as the popular social/political hip-hop artists of the day such as Lauren Hill, Jill Scott and his beloved 'Sweet Honey in the Rock" vocal group.

Lankston moved to Austin, TX in 2011 to Park Bend Health Center.  While there he participated in various activities including Bible studies and the Senior Olympics at the University of Texas where he won a medal."










A Memorial Repast Service was held on August 17 at the Paraclete Ministries in Pflugerville, Texas, where Lankston's daughter, Anitra, and her husband are the Pastors.  After the service, the funeral procession was led by the Patriot Guard Riders of the Austin area to the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Killeen, Texas.







At the cemetery, the family was welcomed by fifty American flags blowing in the wind, and more Patriot Guard Riders.


The Riders were honored to act as the pall bearers and carefully moved the flag draped casket from the hearse to the committal shelter.  They then formed a line of American flags along the front of the shelter.

Lankston's daughter read the Ten Commandments from Exodus 20, recited the rite of commital and led the family in final prayers.

The United States Air Force Honor Guard rendered military honors. The bugler played taps.  The American flag that covered the casket was carefully folded into the traditional triangle and presented to Lankston's family 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 Lankston to his country.




Lankston Hawkins, a veteran of the United State Air Force, was then laid to rest, as the American flag flew at half-staff, in his honor, at the top of the hill.

Left to cherish his memory are three daughters, two sons, twelve grandchildren and a host of other dear family and friends.



With thanks to All Faiths Funeral Service of Austin, Texas for biographical information and photograph.

James Baggett, Sr., United States Army Veteran

James Baggett was born May 6, 1949 in Temple, Texas and passed away August 5, 2012 in Houston at the age of 63.

James graduated from Dunbar High School and Temple Junior College, both in Temple.  He proudly served his country in the United States Army.  He was a multi-skilled worker.  He worked for Santa Fe Railroad, C&H Diecast, Safety Kleen and retired as a cemetery plot salesman.





Interment with military honors was on August 13 at the Central Texas States Veterans Cemetery at Killeen, Texas.  In attendance were the Patriot Guard Riders who served as the Pall Bearers and formed a line of American flags along the front of the committal shelter.




During the service, the minister read from Psalm 23 and recited the rite of
committal.  He led the gathering in a final prayer.



The Army bugler played taps, and the American flag that covered the casket was folded into a tight triangle.  A Non-Commissioned Officer of the United States Army presented the flag to James' dear wife of 31 years on behalf of a grateful nation and the United States Army as a token of appreciation for his honorable and faithful service.



James Baggett, Sr. was then laid to rest on the grassy plain of the cemetery while the American flag flew at half-staff, in his honor, at the top of the hill.




Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Hattie Mae, two sons, two daughters, four sisters, 16 grandchildren and numerous other dear family and friends.

With thanks to Temple Daily Telegram for biographical information.

SSG Kevin Hartbarger, United States Army, Ret.

Kevin Hartbarger was born  November 24, 1965 in Albuquerque, New Mexico and passed away August 2, 2012, at the age of 46.

Kevin proudly served his country in the United States Army and served in the Gulf War.  He was medically retired in 2008 and received numerous medals and awards during his 17 year career.

After his retirement, he was a member of the American Legion and served as
 Post Commander of Post 573.

An inurnment service was held on August 7 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.






A Catholic Priest performed the rite of committal and led the family in the Lord's Prayer.  The United States Army Honor Guard rendered full military honors.  The detail of seven rifles fired three volleys of fire.  The Army bugler, standing in the shade of the live oak trees, played taps.

The American flag that had rested next to the urn, was carefully unfolded and refolded into the traditional triangle, passed to a Non-Commissioned, and then presented to Kevin's dear wife, Barbra, on behalf of a grateful nation and the United States Army as a token of appreciation for Kevin's honorable and faithful service.





The urn containing the cremains of SSG Kevin Hartbarger was placed, by Barbra, into a niche of the columbarium wall and sealed for all of time.  The American flag at the top of the hill above was flying at half-staff in his honor.





Left to cherish his memory are his wife, two daughters, his mother, a sister, two brothers and numerous other dear family and friends.

The family has suggested that memorials be made to the Wounded Warrier Project.





With thanks to Killeen Daily Herald for biographical information.

Col. Sidney Baker, United States Army, Ret.

Sidney Baker, affectionately known as "Skip" to his family and friends, was born April 5, 1945 and passed away at his residence on August 2, 2012 at the age of 67.

Skip graduated from Odessa High School in 1963 and attended Odessa College.  He proudly served his country in the United States Army for more than 32 years.  His service took him from the jungles of Vietnam, where he was a Captain, to Korea, Operation Desert Storm, the United States Air Force Academy and, finally, to Fort Hood Texas where he served as the G-3 for III Corps.

Skip retired as a Colonel.  His many military decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, with V for valor, four Meritorious Service Medals and the Combat Infantryman's Badge.  He was known as a "soldier's soldier".

Funeral services were held on August 7 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  nearby Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery, where the family was greeted by fifty American flags blowing in the southerly Texas wind.

The flag draped coffin was carried from the hearse to the committal shelter by the United States Army Honor Guard, and the Riders formed a line flags along the front of the shelter.

The minister read from scripture, said the rite of committal and led the family in final prayers.  He concluded his remarks by reading the text of a letter written 150 years ago by Union Army Major Sullivan Ballou to his wife Sarah.  He and 93 of his men were mortally wounded at the Battle of Bull Run.

The Army Honor Guard then 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 covered the coffin was carefully folded into a triangle and passed to Army Major Belew.

The flag was presented to Skip's dear wife on behalf of a grateful nation and the United States Army as a token of appreciation for his many years of honorable and faithful service.

The service concluded with the playing of the ever mournful "Amazing Grace" by a piper as he walked off into the distance.

Col. Sidney Baker was laid to rest on the wind swept, grassy 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, three daughters and numerous other dear family, friends and fellow soldiers.

With thanks to Crawford-Bowers for photograph.

 



 







 



 














Sullivan Ballou's letter to his wife Sarah written July 14, 1861 in Washington D.C.

My very dear Sarah:

The indications are very strong that we shall move in a few days -- perhaps tomorrow. Lest I should not be able to write you again, I feel impelled to write lines that may fall under your eye when I shall be no more.

Our movement may be one of a few days duration and full of pleasure -- and it may be one of severe conflict and death to me. Not my will, but thine O God, be done.

If it is necessary that I should fall on the battlefield for my country, I am ready. I have no misgivings about, or lack of confidence in, the cause in which I am engaged, and my courage does not halt or falter.

I know how strongly American Civilization now leans upon the triumph of the Government, and how great a debt we owe to those who went before us through the blood and suffering of the Revolution. And I am willing -- perfectly willing -- to lay down all my joys in this life, to help maintain this Government, and to pay that debt.

But, my dear wife, when I know that with my own joys I lay down nearly all of yours, and replace them in this life with cares and sorrows -- when, after having eaten for long years the bitter fruit of orphanage myself, I must offer it as their only sustenance to my dear little children -- is it weak or dishonorable, while the banner of my purpose floats calmly and proudly in the breeze, that my unbounded love for you, my darling wife and children, should struggle in fierce, though useless, contest with my love of country?

I cannot describe to you my feelings on this calm summer night, when two thousand men are sleeping around me, many of them enjoying the last, perhaps, before that of death -- and I, suspicious that Death is creeping behind me with his fatal dart, am communing with God, my country, and thee.

I have sought most closely and diligently, and often in my breast, for a wrong motive in thus hazarding the happiness of those I loved and I could not find one. A pure love of my country and of the principles I have often advocated before the people and "the name of honor that I love more than I fear death" have called upon me, and I have obeyed.

Sarah, my love for you is deathless, it seems to bind me to you with mighty cables that nothing but Omnipotence could break; and yet my love of Country comes over me like a strong wind and bears me irresistibly on with all these chains to the battlefield.

The memories of the blissful moments I have spent with you come creeping over me, and I feel most gratified to God and to you that I have enjoyed them so long. And hard it is for me to give them up and burn to ashes the hopes of future years, when God willing, we might still have lived and loved together, and seen our sons grow up to honorable manhood around us.

I have, I know, but few and small claims upon Divine Providence, but something whispers to me -- perhaps it is the wafted prayer of my little Edgar -- that I shall return to my loved ones unharmed. If I do not, my dear Sarah, never forget how much I love you, and when my last breath escapes me on the battlefield, it will whisper your name.

Forgive my many faults, and the many pains I have caused you. How thoughtless and foolish I have oftentimes been!

How gladly would I wash out with my tears every little spot upon your happiness, and struggle with all the misfortune of this world, to shield you and my children from harm. But I cannot. I must watch you from the spirit land and hover near you, while you buffet the storms with your precious little freight, and wait with sad patience till we meet to part no more.

But, O Sarah! If the dead can come back to this earth and flit unseen around those they loved, I shall always be near you; in the garish day and in the darkest night -- amidst your happiest scenes and gloomiest hours -- always, always; and if there be a soft breeze upon your cheek, it shall be my breath; or the cool air fans your throbbing temple, it shall be my spirit passing by.

Sarah, do not mourn me dead; think I am gone and wait for thee, for we shall meet again.

As for my little boys, they will grow as I have done, and never know a father's love and care. Little Willie is too young to remember me long, and my blue-eyed Edgar will keep my frolics with him among the dimmest memories of his childhood.

Sarah, I have unlimited confidence in your maternal care and your development of their characters.

Tell my two mothers his and hers I call God's blessing upon them.

O Sarah, I wait for you there! Come to me, and lead thither my children.

Sullivan