HONOR MISSION
LTC Gilbert Hickenbottom, 92, US Army, Retired, Vietnam Veteran, Bronze Star/Legion of Merit Recipient, of Troy, TX
The family of Lieutenant Colonel Gilbert Hickenbottom has requested the presence of the Patriot Guard Riders at the Committal Service of their Loved One.
After completing his education, Gilbert answered the call to serve his country and joined the United States Army. Rising through the ranks to Lieutenant Colonel, Gil became a decorated combat veteran with an outstanding military career that spanned the Korean War and the Vietnam War. During his time in the military, Gil exhibited incredible bravery as a fixed and rotary wing pilot. His exceptional skill and strength of character earned him numerous accolades, including the Bronze Star and the Legion of Merit. Despite facing life-threatening challenges throughout his service, he miraculously survived three crash landings, one of which involved landing his plane upside down on the unforgiving Alaskan Tundra. His entire obituary may be found here: https://belton.harpertalasek.com/obituaries/gilbert-hickenbottom
Date: Mon, 18 Dec 23
Staging Time: 1405
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, with a high near 61. North northeast wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph
Notes:
1. The family has requested for Patriot Guard Rider Volunteers to act as pallbearers in Belton. If you're interested, contact Holler for more details.
2. Be at staging ON TIME.
3. 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 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.
If you would like to be pallbearers in Belton for the family, chime in on this thread so I can see who can do it, and how many people we have. You will join the family in procession (if you wish) and meet with the rest of the Guard in Killeen.
Holly "Holler" Melendez
CenTex Deputy State Captain
Patriot Guard Rider
