HONOR MISSION
CSM Austin Lee Pickett, 79, US Army, Retired, Vietnam Veteran and Bronze Star Recipient, Killeen, TX
The family of Command Sergeant Major Austin Pickett has requested the presence and participation of the Patriot Guard Riders at the Funeral and Committal Services of their Loved One.
He joined the Army at the age of 17 in May of 1954 at Fort Chaffee, Arkansas. He was a combat engineer who served tours in Japan, Vietnam, Korea and Germany, and later taught at the Sergeants Major Academy in Fort Bliss, Texas. In August 1989 CSM Pickett was appointed as the Honorary Command Sergeant Major of the 62nd Engineer Battalion at Fort Hood, Texas. During his service he acquired decorations and awards to include: the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal Austin's full obituary may be found here: http://obits.dignitymemorial.com/dignity-memorial/obituary.aspx?n=Austin-Pickett&lc=1795&pid=181368526&mid=7083790
Flagline Establishment: 0925 +/- Once the Funeral Service begins; we will strike the flagline and prepare to participate in the procession to the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery.
Staging Location: The cul-de-sac between the Walk of Heroes and the Memorial Shelter at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery located off TX 195 just south of Killeen, TX (http://tinyurl.com/CenTexVetsCeme)
Setup & Briefing: Upon clearance and at the direction of the Ride Captain, we will move to the shelter, set up the flags, be briefed and await arrival of the procession.
WX: A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 91. Calm wind becoming east southeast around 5 mph in the afternoon.
Notes:
1. Be at stagingS ON TIME.
2. Hydrate well prior, bring water for yourself and a buddy and dress with consideration of the weather conditions.
Please join us in honoring this Retired Army Vietnam Veteran and Bronze Star Recipient for his selfless service to our Great Nation.
