HONOR MISSION
MSG George Stevens, 67, US Army, Retired, Vietnam/Operation Desert Shield Veteran, Purple Heart and Distinguished Flying Cross Recipient, Retired Killeen Police Officer, of Killeen, TX
The family of Master Sergeant George Stevens has requested the presence and participation of the Patriot Guard Riders at the Funeral and Committal Services of their Loved One.
George enlisted into the United States Army on January 16, 1970. He served as a Combat Medic with the 25th Infantry Division and later as a Dustoff Flight Medic with the 101st Airborne Division. During his service in Vietnam, George was wounded by gunfire while performing a rescue of wounded American Soldiers. He did not let this traumatic injury stop his service to others, and after six months of recuperation at a hospital in Okinawa, Japan, George volunteered to serve an additional 18 months in the same Okinawan Hospital helping other wounded personnel. Some of George's other duty stations include: Fort Sam Houston, Texas, where he served as a medical instructor for eight years, Fort Jackson, South Carolina, two tours in Korea, two tours at Fort Hood, Texas, and service in Saudi Arabia during Operation Desert Shield. After a highly successful military career, George retired from the United States Army as a Master Sergeant on August 30, 1991. For his selfless service to our country, George received numerous commendations and awards such as the Distinguished Flying Cross, Purple Heart, Air Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation Badge with Palm, National Defense Service Medal with One Service Star, Southwest Asia Service Medal with One Bronze Service Star, among others.
After his military retirement, George applied and was hired with the Killeen Police Department on October 4, 1991. George started as a Patrol Officer, and worked tirelessly to move up to the rank of Sergeant and finally Lieutenant until his retirement on March 9, 2014. He was also formally recognized by the Killeen Police Department many times, specifically when he saved the life of a two year old child who drowned on January 17, 2004, and on December 22, 1996, when he and other officers were able to apprehend an individual without incident who had cut his wrists and was still armed with razor blades in each hand. Additionally, George was instrumental in being the police department supervisor for the Region 6, Killeen Haz-Mat Team. His entire obituary may be found here: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/killeen-tx/george-stevens-9035811
Date: Thu, 20 Feb 20
FUNERAL SERVICE
Staging Time: 1105
Staging Location: Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home, 1615 South Fort Hood St, KILLEEN, TX 76542 (http://tinyurl.com/ykp5q6o)
Briefing: 1115
Flagline Establishment: 1125 +/- Once the Funeral Service begins; we will strike the flagline and prepare to participate in the procession.
Note: Be at staging TOPPED OFF.
Ride Captain: George Winchester
COMMITTAL SERVICE
Staging Time: 1305
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.
Ride Captain: George Winchester
WX: Rain. High near 47. North northeast wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.
Notes:
1. Be at stagingS ON TIME.
2. 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, Operation Desert Shield, Purple Heart and Distinguished Flying Cross Recipient, and Retired Police Officer for his selfless service to our Great Nation.