SHORT NOTICE PGR Event - 100th Birthday Parade
LTC William "Bill" Jones, US Army, Retired, WWII/Korea/Vietnam Veteran, (2x) Bronze Star/Legion of Merit Recipient, of Temple, TX
The family and friends of Lieutenant Colonel William "Bill" Jones has requested the presence and participation of the Patriot Guard Riders at the Birthday Parade of their Loved One.
Bill was commissioned a 2LT in the artillery and was trained as an aerial observer and a pilot of a Piper Cub airplane. During WWII, Bill was the pilot and aerial observer for an artillery unit in the Philippines and the landings in New Guinea.
During the Korean War, Bill transferred to aviation and, for 14 months, commanded the first provisional helicopter company that focused on the first use of aircraft as ambulances and rescue injured soldiers.
During Vietnam, Bill was assigned to the Department of the Army Inspector Generals office for investigation of non-combat flying accidents in Viet Nam.
Bill retired from active duty in 1968 but did not retire completely. He remained in the Washington DC area for 12 more years continuing to work in the Pentagon advising on helicopter organization and operations. Bill was awarded many awards and decorations for his 30 years of service. Those awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, 2 Bronze Stars, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Air Medal (5 awards), Master Aviator Wings (with star and wreath), and many others.
KSU: 0950 +/- at the discretion of the Ride Captain, we will depart to the staging area for the parade.
WX: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before noon, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms after noon. Cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 70. South wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Notes:
1. Be at staging ON TIME and TOPPED OFF.
2. Hydrate well prior, bring water for yourself and a buddy and dress with consideration of the weather conditions.
3. A mask or face covering will be mandatory, due to the mandate from the State of Texas.
