HONOR MISSION
SFC Paul A Howard, 97, US Army, Retired, WWII/Korea/Vietnam Veteran, Purple Heart Recipient, OF Harker Heights, TX
The family of Sergeant First Class Paul A Howard has requested the presence and participation of the Patriot Guard Riders at the Funeral and Committal Services of their Loved One.
In 1942, he joined the U.S. Army and proudly served his country for three years during World War II. He was at Normandy in June 1944 and received a Purple Heart for wounds received in France in July 1944. He also served in the Korean and Vietnam wars during a U.S. Army career that spanned 30 years until his retirement in 1972. He loved his country. His full obituary may be found here: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/killeen-tx/paul-howard-7966214
Date: Fri, 31 Aug 18
FUNERAL SERVICE
Staging Time: 1135
Staging Location: Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home, 1615 South Fort Hood St, KILLEEN, TX 76542 (http://tinyurl.com/ykp5q6o)
Briefing: 1145
Flagline Establishment: 1155 +/- Once the Funeral Service begins; we will strike the flagline and prepare to participate in the procession.
Note: Be at staging TOPPED OFF.
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, TX 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 and hot, with a high near 100. South southeast wind 5 to 10 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 Retired US Army WWII/Korean War/Vietnam Veteran and Purple Heart Recipient for his selfless service to our Great Nation.
On behalf of the family of my father in law, SFC Paul Albert Howard, I would like to personally thank the Patriot Guard for honoring him by standing for him and escorting him to his final resting place at the Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen on August 31, 2018.
These individuals stood at attention outside the funeral home for thirty minutes prior to and during the hour long service in very hot and humid weather. When my wife Tina saw them before the service she began to cry. She cried not because she was mourning for her father but rather that these individuals, who did not even know Paul, would do this in honor of him and his service. Paul was 97 years old. A U.S. Army veteran of 30 years, he served three years in WWII and was at Normandy in June 1944 and received a Purple Heart for wounds received in France in July 1944. He served during the Korean War and in Vietnam. He, like so many other veterans, did this because he loved this country.
Although I personally shook the hand and thanked each member of the Patriot Guard at the cemetery, it just seemed to be inadequate to me. I do not know their names but they know who they are as you probably do as well. Please extend the sincere thanks and profound gratitude of our family for honoring Paul and for their commitment to honoring all our veterans.