HONOR MISSION
SGM John Robert Winch, 80, US Marine Corps/US Army, Retired, Vietnam Veteran, Bronze Star/Legion of Merit Recipient, of Harker Heights, TX
The family of Sergeant Major John Robert Winch has requested the presence and participation of the Patriot Guard Riders at the Funeral and Committal Services of their Loved One.
John joined the United States Marine Corps at seventeen years of age in 1960 when he drove across the country on a motorcycle to San Diego, CA for his first duty station. He served a tour in Okinawa, Japan as a Marine. He joined the United States Army in April 1965, where he served as a Petroleum Supply Specialist. During his time in the Army, he served tours in Vietnam, Korea, and Honduras. He retired as a Sergeant Major in July of 1990 at Ft Hood, Texas.
During his time in the Army, he was awarded the following: Legion of Merit; Bronze Star with Valor; Meritorious Service Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster; Army Commendation Medal; Army Achievement Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster; Good Conduct Medal (9th Award); Good Conduct Medal (USMC); National Defense Service Medal; Vietnam Service Medal with 1 Silver and 2 Bronze Service Stars; NCO Professional Development Ribbon (Numeral 3); Army Service Ribbon; Overseas Service Ribbon (Numeral 5); Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal; Air Assault Badge; Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation Badge with Palm (3rd Award), and the Expert Badge Rifle (M16); He also obtained the Meritorious Unit Citation; Vietnam Civil Actions Unit Citation, and the Combat Infantry Badge. His entire obituary may be found here: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/killeen-tx/john-winch-11213733
Date: Fri, 7 Apr 23
FUNERAL SERVICE
Staging Time: 0805
Staging Location: Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home, 1615 South Fort Hood St, KILLEEN, TX 76542 (http://tinyurl.com/ykp5q6o)
Briefing: 0815
Flagline Establishment: 0825 +/- Once the Funeral Service begins; we will strike the flagline and depart quietly.
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: Showers likely, mainly before 1300. Cloudy, with a high near 62. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
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 Marine Corp, Retired US Army Vietnam Veteran, Bronze Star and Legion of Merit Recipient for his selfless service to our Great Nation.
We don’t care what you ride or if you ride, what your political views are, or whether you’re a hawk or a dove. It is not a requirement that you be a veteran. It doesn’t matter where you’re from or what your income is; you don’t even have to ride. The only prerequisite is Respect.
