Honor Mission
William J. Atchinson III
US Marine Corps
Vietnam Veteran
Multi-City, NY - 07/31/2023
Mission applies to the following Region(s):
Region 4, Region 5
About the Mission:
The family of US Marine Corps Vietnam Veteran William J. Atchinson III has requested Patriot Guard Riders participation in his military honors funeral services. Bill, 76, of Cohoes passed away at St. Peter’s Hospice, Albany on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, with his family by his side.
Bill grew up in Albany and Colonie, graduating from Shaker High School in 1964, then attending Hudson Valley Community College. He joined the United States Marine Corps in March of 1966 and proceeded to electronics school at MCRD, where he excelled. Upon graduating, he was retained there as an electronics instructor. In September of 1967, 3 days short of being in the Marines for a year and a half, and on his 21st birthday, he was promoted to E-5. He received his orders for Vietnam in December 1967. He completed a tour of duty there, where he earned a Commendation Medal with "V" device for Combat Valor for his service as a Radio Relay Chief.
After his military service, Bill had a successful career with Xerox Corporation as a Customer Service Engineer. He retired in 2008 after 40 years of service. He is a member of American Legion Post 1450, Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association, Marine Corps League (Distinguished Service & Vice Commander), and has held numerous positions within the Veterans of Lansingburgh where he is a life member. He was currently serving as the Vice President and is a long serving member of the Color Guard. In 2018 Bill received the Veteran of the Year award from the Friends of 112th Street. He has also been the Vice President of the Cohoes Men’s Association for 35 years.
A full obituary is available for viewing online by clicking here
Primary Staging Date and Staging Time:
07/31/2023 at 09:45am
Staging Location:
Dufresne Funeral Home
216 Columbia Street
Cohoes, NY 12047
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 funeral home with flag line for dignified transfer. PGR and CVMA riders will provide escort to St. Ambrose Church, 347 Old Loudon Rd, Latham, NY 12110, for a 10:30 am Mass of Christian Burial. Following church services, members will escort to Saratoga National Cemetery for interment with military honors, scheduled for 12:30 pm.
Is there a Second Stage to this Mission?
yes
Second Staging Date and Staging Time:
07/31/2023 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 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 07/28; MER
