Honor Mission
Lt. Col. John S. Piwnica, Jr.
US Air Force - USAFR (Ret.)
Multi-City, NY - 03/04/2024
Mission applies to the following Region(s):
Region 4, Region 5
About the Mission:
The family of Lt. Col. (Ret.) John S. Piwnica, Jr. has requested Patriot Guard Riders participation in his military honors funeral services. Colonel Piwnica, 84, passed away suddenly Friday, February 23, 2024, at his residence.
Born in Cohoes, John graduated from Cohoes High School in 1957 and received his bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Siena College in 1961. He began his career in the US Air Force in 1962 as a 2nd Lt. and was assigned to 27th Fighter Interceptor Squadron F-106 Delta Dart at Loring AFB, ME. He was then assigned to the 7236th Air Munitions Squadron in Germany from 1965-1968, attaining the rank of Captain.
In 1971, John was assigned to Grissom AFB, IN where he remained as an AF Reserve Officer until 1987. He was promoted to Lt. Colonel in 1978, serving as Squadron Commander. He was then assigned to the Air Logistics Center at Tinker AFB, OK as a research chemist and retired with 28 years of service. Among his awards were the National Defense Service Medal and Air Force Longevity Award w/1 Oak Leaf Cluster.
John also worked in the private sector as a chemist for Oak Industries in Hoosick Falls, NY, Uniroyal Inc. in Mishawaka, IN, Columbia Cement in Freeport, NY and retired from ITW TACC in 2003.
Portions of the above narrative are contained in Colonel Piwnica's obituary which is available for viewing online by clicking here
Primary Staging Date and Staging Time:
03/04/2024 at 10:00am
Staging Location:
St. Michael's Church
20 Page Ave.
Cohoes, NY 12047
Click here for map
Lead Ride Captain and Contact Info:
Ray Sestak
518-669-3358
Special Covid-19 Mission Guidelines:
Updated 8 March 2022
Based on the most current COVID-19 Prevention Guidelines: Protect Yourself and Your Family from COVID-19, and CDC Guidelines of 3 March 2022, going forward, the Lead Ride Captain for any mission will be responsible for determining whether PGR members will have to mask up or not. Please ensure that you have a mask with you, should the need arise, and respect the LRC’s decision in these matters.
Special Information:
Staging at the church with a flag line for the dignified transfer. Funeral services scheduled for 10:30 am, followed by escort to Saratoga National Cemetery for interment with full military honors.
Is there a Second Stage to this Mission?
yes
Second Staging Date and Staging Time:
03/04/2024 at 12:00pm
Second Location:
Saratoga National Cemetery
200 Duell Road
Schuylerville, NY 12871
Second Lead Ride Captain and Contact Info:
Ray Sestak
518-669-3358
Second Stage - Special Information:
Interment with full military honors scheduled for 12:30 pm. Please stage quietly and in accordance with current guidelines.
Is there a Third Stage to this Mission?
no
Submitted by:
Ray Sestak
rs 02/29; MER
