HONOR MISSION
SSgt Benjamin "Ben" Wetzel, 86, US Navy & Army, Retired, Korean War Veteran, Purple Heart Recipient, OF Harker Heights, TX
The family of Staff Sergeant Benjamin Wetzel has requested the presence and participation of the Patriot Guard Riders at the Funeral and Committal Services of their Loved One.
Ben lived a full and remarkable life. He entered the Navy at age 17 and served from 1947 to 1950 on the USS Greenwood (DE-679). The USS Greenwood being a destroyer escort for the Battle Ship USS Missouri (#63). He transferred to the Army in August of 1950, where he received many medals to include the Purple Heart for being wounded in action during the Korean War. He retired from the military in 1968 at Ft Hood, TX. After military retirement, he was a member of the Harker Heights Volunteer Fire Department in the mid 1960's for many years. From 1968 to 1983 he was Manager of Sigmor Shamrock #55, which was the only two pump full service gas station that Sigmor Shamrock owned. He was then self-employed with his wife as a landlord as well as owner of Wetzel's Used Cars. He was a Harker Heights Police Commissioner for many years. He was a current member of the DAV, the Purple Heart Association, and the Edsel Owner's Club. Ben's full obituary may be found here: http://obits.dignitymemorial.com/dignity-memorial/obituary.aspx?n=Benjamin-Wetzel&lc=1795&pid=184690774&mid=7342198
Date: Fri, 31 Mar 17
FUNERAL SERVICE
Staging Time: 0835
Staging Location: Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home, 1615 South Fort Hood St, KILLEEN, TX 76542 (http://tinyurl.com/ykp5q6o)
Briefing: 0845
Flagline Establishment: 0855 +/- 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, 11463 SH 195, Killeen, Texas 76542 (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: Sunny, with a high near 86. South wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
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 US Navy Veteran & Retired US Army Korean War Veteran and Purple Heart Recipient for his selfless service to our Great Nation, our Veterans, and his Communities.
