James Gilbert Thompson, Jr., Master Sgt. USAF(Ret)

James Gilbert Thompson, Jr., USAF(Ret)

James Thompson, Jr. was born on May 3, 1925 in Hannibal, Missouri, and passed away July 1, 2010 at Georgetown, Texas.

James proudly served his country in the United States Air Force for 30 years.  His service began at age 18 when he enlisted in the Air Force.  During World War II he served in Guam as an aerial gunner in the 20th Air Force (315th Bomber Wing).  He also participated in the battles  Air Offensive Japan and the Eastern Mandates.  Upon completion of his tour he was discharged and he joined the Reserves.

After the war, he attended college in Missouri.  Later he re-entered the Air Force and served as an aircrew member during the Korean Conflict and flew numerous missions during the Cold War with the 55th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing.  His military decorations include the Air Force Air Medal and the Air Force Commendation Medal.  He retired as a Master Sergeant.

While stationed at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida in 1950, he met and married Francis Harris.  They had one son, James, an Ensign in the United States Navy, who has predeceased his parents and is buried in a National Cemetery at Fort McPherson in Nebraska.

Like Mark Twain, James loved the river and the surrounding bluffs of Hannibal, Missouri.  He was proud of his southern heritage, his family having moved from Kentucky in 1820 to Pike County Missouri.  He was a direct descendant of an American Revolutionary soldier.

James was also a retired Teamster, having been a line driver for Consolidated Freightways.  He was a fifty-year member of St. John’s #28 of Hannibal, Missouri, a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason and a life member of the Veterans of Foreign War.

James was a life long motorcycle rider, having bought his first Harley Davidson in 1948.

A Service of Witness to the Resurrection, a celebration of the life of James Thompson, was held on July 21, 2010 at San Gabriel Presbyterian Church in Georgetown, Texas.  The service commenced with the playing of “Amazing Grace”, James’ favorite hymn, on the bagpipes by the Pipe Major of the Georgetown Fire Department Pipes and Drums.

Present to honor this member of the “greatest generation” were Patriot Guard Riders from all over central Texas.  They formed a line of American flags around the entrances to the church to welcome the arriving family and friends.

After the service at the church, the Riders escorted James’ wife, who carried his ashes in an urn, to the Central Texas State Veteran Cemetery at Killeen, Texas, for the rendering of military honors and interment.

Waiting at the cemetery, were other Riders who formed a line of American flags around the committal shelter, while the final honors were rendered by an Air Force Honor Guard.

Taps was played by the Air Force Bugler.  The rifle detail fired three volleys of fire, representing Duty, Honor and Country.  An American flag was followed into the traditional triangle and presented to James’ dear wife of 60 years on behalf of the President of the United States, the Department of the Air Force, and a grateful nation for James‘ faithful and dedicated service.

The family and friends then gathered round as the urn was placed into a niche of the columbarium, James’ final resting place, as the American flag flew at half-staff on the hill above in his honor.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, a brother, four nephews, one niece and many dear friends.

Amazing Grace

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.
T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear
The hour I first believed.
Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come;
'Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far
and Grace will lead me home.
The Lord has promised good to me.
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.
Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.
When we've been here ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Than when we've first begun.
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.

SGM Darius G. Cecil, US Army (Ret)

SGM  Darius G. Cecil, US Army (Ret)

Darius Cecil was born March 4, 1938 in Ohio and passed away July 10, 2010, in a Killeen, Texas hospital, at the age of 72.

Darius proudly served his country for over 33 years in the United States Army, retiring with the rank of Sergeant Major. His service included tours of duty in Korea and Vietnam.  His many military decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Commendation Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters and ten awards of the Good Conduct Medal.

Darius  was a lifetime member of the VFW, American Legion and the Moose Club.  In his retirement he worked as a civilian at Fort Hood for Mantech.

His wife, Chung-za, passed away on August 20, 2004.

Funeral services were held July 16 at Crawford-Bowers Funeral Chapel in Copperas Cove, Texas.  On hand were Patriot Guard Riders who formed a line of American flags at the entrance to welcome the arriving family and friends.

Thirty-some motorcycles, including the Patriot Guard Riders and American Legion Riders, lead the funeral procession to the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Killeen.  As the precession arrived, it was greeted by fifty American flags blowing in the hot Texas summer wind. 

The flag draped casket was moved from the hearse into the committal shelter by the United States Army Honor Guard, and the Patriot Guard Riders formed a line of American flags along two sides of the shelter as final prayers were said.

Full military honors were then rendered by the Honor Guard.   A rifle detail fired three volleys of fire, representing Duty, Honor and Country.   The Army bugler played taps, the flag covering the casket was folded into the traditional triangle, and then presented to the family on behalf of the United States Army and a grateful nation.

Darius Cecil was then laid to rest on the gently slope of the cemetery overlooking the Texas hill country, as the American flag flew at half-staff at the top of the hill.

Left to cherish his memory are his daughter and son-in-law, a grandson, a sister and numerous nieces, nephews and other dear family and friends.

He has asked that memorials in his memory be made to the Lou Gehrig’s Research Center.  www.lougehrig.com/about/als_donations.htm.

My Uncle, I loved you so much!
You were not like anyone I’ve ever known
You had a personality and style that was
Unique.  I thank God for those special times
We had thru the years and for our special time
We spent together not so very long ago.
Knowing you was a privilege, being your
Niece was the best!!  May you Rest In Peace
Uncle Darius!!!!

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

Command Sgt. Major C.W. "Buck" Buchanan, US Army, Ret.

Command Sgt. Major C.W. “Buck” Buchanan, US Army, Ret.

Buck Buchanan was born July 24, 1921 in Duke Center, Pa. and died July 1, 2010 in Temple, Texas at the age of 88.

Buck proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps and in the United States Army in World War II, Korea and Vietnam.  He retired after 27 years of active service with the rank of Command Sergeant Major, the highest enlisted rank in the Army.  His many decorations include the Air Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, the Army Commendation Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, the Purple Heart with two Oak Leaf Clusters and the Bronze Star with two Oak Leaf Clusters.

After retirement he served as Mayor of Nolanville, Texas for several years and was active in the community, including membership in the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, American Legion, Purple Heart Association, Elk Lodge, Moose Lodge, Masonic Lodge and the Karem Temple Shriners.

Funeral services were held on July 5, 2010 at Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home in Killeen, Texas.  Present 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.

The Riders then led the funeral procession to the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Killeen, for interment with full military honors.  Lining the street at the committal shelter were fifty American flags blowing in the bright summer sun.

The Riders formed a line of flags around the committal shelter as final prayers were said and military honors were rendered by the Army Honor Guard.  A rifle detail fired three rounds of fire representing  Duty, Honor and Country.  The Army bugler played taps, and the flag which had draped the casket was folded into a tight triangle and presented to Buck’s wife, Peggy, on behalf of a grateful country and the United States Army.

Command Sgt. Major Buchanan was then laid to rest on the gentle slope of the cemetery overlooking the beautiful Texas hill country as the American flag flew at half-staff on the hill above.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, two daughters, three sons, five grandchildren, two great-grandsons and numerous other dearly beloved family and friends.

Buck lived life like it ought to be lived, and he touched many hearts.


With thanks to the Killeen Daily Herald for biographical information.

Charles Lockett, United States Army Veteran

Charles Lockett, US Army Veteran

Charles Lockett passed away June 28, 2010, at the age of 85, at his residence in Killeen, Texas.

Charles proudly served his country in the United States Army during World War II.  He was injured during training, and was medically discharged.  He worked for forty years in the automobile business.  Upon his retirement he was given a 1972 Chevrolet Cheyenne, big block V-8 pickup, in thanks for his many years of dedicated service.

His wife of 65 years, Juanita,  passed away on October 7, 2009.  His son also predeceased him.

On Friday, July 2, 2010, Charles made his final trip in his beloved pickup.  His casket was carried in the bed of his truck from Heritage Funeral Home in Harker, Heights, Texas to the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Killeen, for interment with military honors.  Leading the way were Patriot Guard Riders.

Upon arrival at the cemetery, the Riders formed a line of American flags around the committal shelter in honor of a veteran from the greatest generation.  The casket was moved from the pickup to the shelter by his grandsons and great-grandsons.

An Army honor guard provided military honors, including  the playing of taps and the folding of the American flag which covered the casket, and then presented to the family on behalf of a grateful nation and the United States Army.

Charles Lockett was then laid to rest on the upper plain of the cemetery, as the American flag flew at half-staff on the hill above.

Left to cherish his memory are two grandsons, eight great-grandchildren and many other dear friends and relatives.

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

Sgt. Bobby Ray Newman, US Army, Veteran

Sgt. Bobby Ray Newman, US Army, Veteran

Bobby Ray Newman was born June 27, 1952 at Warrensburg, Missouri and passed away on June 15, 2010, at the age of 57, after a valiant battle with cancer.

Bobby proudly served his country in the United States Army as a MP in Panama during the Vietnam war.

Memorial services with military honors were held on June 25, 2010 at the hour of 9:00 a.m. at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Killeen, Texas.  On hand to honor this veteran and to welcome the arriving family and friends were the Patriot Guard Riders.  The Riders formed a line of American flags around the committal shelter.

An Army honor guard provided the military honors, which included the playing of taps by an Army bugler.  An American flag was folded into the traditional triangle by the honor guard and presented to the family on behalf of the United States Army and a grateful nation.

Bobby Ray’s cremains were then laid to rest by his family and friends as the American flag flew at half-staff on the hill above.

Left to cherish his memory are two daughters, two brothers, two sisters, five grandchildren and many other dear family and friends.

Thank you for walking the empty places with me
and turning on the lights as we go.

By Daughter Mandy

With thanks to The Gabriels Funeral Chapel for biographical information.

Sergeant Major Edmond V. Iwanicki, US Army, Retired

Edmond Iwanicki, of Killeen, Texas,  passed away on June 14, 2010 at the age of 63.

Edmond had proudly served his country in the United States Army and retired at the rank of Sergeant Major.  Among his assignments was duty in the G4 office of III Corps.

Funeral services were held on June 20, 2010 at Heritage Funeral Home in Harker Heights, Texas.

On June 21, 2010 interment service with full military honors was conducted at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Killeen.  Present were Patriot Guard Riders who formed a line of American flags around the committal shelter to honor this veteran and to welcome the arriving family and friends.

An Army bugler played taps.  An Army rifle detail fired three volleys of fire, representing Duty, Honor and Country.  The Army honor guard then folded an American flag into a tight triangle and presented it to Edmond’s beloved wife, Jolanda, on behalf of the United States Army and a grateful nation.

The urn containing Edmond’s cremains was  placed into a niche in the columbarium wall by his family as the American flag at the top of the hill flew at half-staff in his honor.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, one daughter, a grandson and many other dear family and friends.

With thanks to the Killeen Daily Herald for biographical information.

1st Lt. Kurt Michael Wilbrecht, USMCR, KIA 7 June 1970

1st Lt. Kurt Michael Wilbrecht, USMCR, KIA in Vietnam 7 June 1970

Kurt Michael Wilbrecht was born 14 February 1944 and died on 7 June 1970, at the age of 26,  when he was killed in action in Quang Nam Province, South Vietnam.  His remains were not recovered.

Kurt was flying a close air support mission when he failed to pull out of a low angle, low level bombing run.  It is believed that his aircraft was struck by enemy ground fire rendering him incapacitated.

His RIO, 1st Lt. William T. Pepper ejected just as the aircraft struck the tree tops and was safely recovered.  He reported that he felt two “thuds” before he ejected, and that Kurt said nothing after that.

Kurt was the second of my assigned pilots and the second of my roommates to be killed in Vietnam.


Kurt had been my roommate briefly when he first joined the squadron.  He became my assigned pilot after my then pilot and roommate, 1st Lt. Michael Breeding, was killed on 12 February 1970.  Kurt was my pilot on my 100th mission on 18 February 1970.

At the time of Kurt's death I was on assignment as a Forward Air Controller with 1st Battlion, 7th Marine Regiment.


Link to Memorial Wall entry for Kurt.

http://thewall-usa.com/info.asp?recid=55992

Photos top to bottom

1. Ramsey High School, Class of 1962
2. Kurt Wilbrecht.
3. Me and Kurt celebrating my 100th combat mission.
4. Kurt and William Pepper, upper right corner, in the ready room of the hot pad at Chu Lai air base.
5. DC-08 - The aircraft that Kurt was flying at the time of his death.  I had flew 17 missions in that very plane.

6. 1st Lt. Michael Breeding

7. William Pepper with his wife and child after we returned to "the world".  I understand he has since passed away.


“But thy eternal summer shall not fade
So long as men can breathe, or eyes can see,
So long lives this, and this gives life to thee.”

William Shakespeare, Sonnet 18