PGRNY Completed Missions

Honor Mission

William H. Smith, Sr.

US Air Force
Korean War Veteran

Multi-City, NY - 05/11/2024

Mission applies to the following Region(s):

Region 4, Region 5

About the Mission:

The family of William H. Smith, Sr. has requested Patriot Guard Riders participation in his military honors funeral services. William, 93, died peacefully Monday, May 6, 2024.

Born in Green Island, Bill attended Troy High School, but left before graduating to take a job as a mechanic. On December 13, 1950, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and was sent to Kelley Air Force Base, Texas, for basic training. He also received training as an Apprentice Heating Specialist (AFSC 56530), and was then assigned to overseas duty for the next two years and four months. On December 12, 1954, he was honorably discharged at the rank of Airman 2nd Class, and was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal and United Nations Service Medal.

Bill was a member of the United Auto Workers Union and was employed for over 23 years at the Ford Green Island Plant. More recently, he worked as a private security officer at the Hedley Park Place building in Troy before retiring for good.

A full obituary is available for viewing online by clicking here

Primary Staging Date and Staging Time:

05/11/2024 at 10:15am

Staging Location:

Howard B. Tate & Sons Funeral Home
2237 New York Route 7
Raymertown, NY 12180

Lead Ride Captain and Contact Info:

Shirley Gawlak
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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 funeral home during the funeral service. Members will form a flag line for the dignified transfer, followed by escort to Eagle Mills Cemetery for interment with military honors.  Anticipated KSU between 11:00 - 11:15 am.

Is there a Second Stage to this Mission?

no

Submitted by:

Ray Sestak

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