CONFIRMED: Alfred J. Finch, Retired, Veteran, US Army, Vietnam (139-26) 12 Aug 26
2117 Harry Wurzbach Rd
San Antonio, TX 78209
USA
US ARMY RETIRED VETERAN – VIETNAM WAR
The family of Mr. Alfred J. Finch, a US Army (Ret.) Veteran, requests the presence and participation of the San Antonio Patriot Guard at the graveside rendering of military honors of their loved one. We are honored to accept this invitation.
Colonel Alfred John Finch was born in Grass Valley, California, on November 13, 1941. His parents were George Alfred Finch of Cornwall, England, and Rose Nell Finch of Durango, Colorado. Al passed away after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease on July 3, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.
A highlight of his youth was a trip to Anacapa Island in 1956 where his brother-in-law was serving in the Coast Guard. Travel became a dominant theme in Al’s life, particularly to islands. He graduated from Los Molinos High School in 1959 and entered the University of California at Davis to study agricultural economics. He was in the Kappa Sigma fraternity and the Reserve Officers Training Corp. Flight training in ROTC committed Al to 3 years in the Army.
After finishing his Masters Al reported to Fort Eustis, Virginia, and Fort Rucker, Alabama. He was soon flying helicopters and served two tours in Vietnam—1966-67 in Pleiku and in 1969-70 Bien Hua. Three years became thirty. Al attended Command and General Staff College in 1974, and served in Germany, Virginia, California and Hawaii. He ended his military career as the acting commander of the Army-Air Force Exchange Service—Pacific Region. That job took him all around checking each month on Exchanges in Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, New Zealand, Australia and American Samoa. He also worked on AAFES operations in Egypt, Italy, England and Iceland. Al retired from the Army as a Colonel in 1992 and settled in Helotes.
Al married Mary Lee Whittington, also from Grass Valley and U C Davis, in 1963. They had two daughters, Karen Crites [John] and Joyanna Bly [Everal]. They have three wonderful grandchildren Christopher Jordan, Kalena Rose and JohnAllen.
Al was active with the Helotes Humane Society and helped foster over 400 kittens from bottle babies to adoption in the last 20 years. He loved to garden, raise poultry, and share a cold one with friends and family.
**THE FAMILY WILL MEET US AT THE STAGING LOCATION
WEATHER: Hi 95 / Lo 78, 0 % Chance of Rain, 91 % Humidity, Wind: 6 mph SSE
REQUESTOR: Mary Lee Finch, Wife
STAGING: 10:00 am, Wednesday, August 12, 2026
Ebb Tide Lounge
2117 Harry Wurzbach Road
San Antonio, Texas 78209
https://goo.gl/maps/4sMDzLt1L3RavAzh7
BRIEFING: 10:15 am
KSU: 10:30 am (Semper Gumby)
INTERMENT: 11:00 am – Assembly Area (Call to Verify)
Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery
1520 Harry Wurzbach Road
San Antonio, Texas 78209
https://goo.gl/maps/Q9DUsYSBUS92
RC: Craig “Last Draftee” Hunter
Harleyman51@verizon.net
FC: Richard “Bean” Sandoval
Richardsandoval196@hotmail.com
ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS
1. Iron horses if you can, cages are always welcome and appreciated and unless under special circumstances not allowed in processions. You do not have to have a motorcycle to participate in honoring our veterans.
2. Safety First: Please remember to properly hydrate (including the night before) before any outdoor activity and to dress appropriately. Do not hesitate to take a break at any time if you feel you need to get in the shade or get indoors and always ask for help at any time. Also please do not forget your sun screen.
3. Please remember that our mission is to stand tall and silent, and with honor and. NO TALKING, SMOKING, CHEWING OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS, OR CELL PHONE USE IN THE FLAG LINE!
***Safety Notice***
Before volunteering and/or attending any San Antonio Patriot Guard Riders missions we encourage you to review all safety information below. Included are some potential safety concerns to be aware of, however this does not include the full scope of all potential hazards. Anyone attending any San Antonio Patriot Guard Riders mission understands that they do so at their own risk. Neither the Patriot Guard Riders Organization nor its representatives are liable for any damages incurred on any PGR mission or event.
Funeral Processions/Escorts
EVERY RIDER IS SOLELY RESPONSIBLE for their own safety at all times while riding in a funeral procession.
At NO TIME are any riders authorized to block any intersection or otherwise block or impede traffic laws in any way. Only Law Enforcement officials are authorized to block and/or impeded the lawful flow of traffic.
If you choose to fly a Flag on your bike you are SOLELY RESPONSIBLE for ensuring it is secured and not a danger to any other rider or traffic.
Warm Regards,
Bob “Pizza Man” Johnson
Asst. State Captain
Deputy State Captain
San Antonio Patriot Guard
Dignity, Honor, Respect
Cell: 562-413-2223
“We can’t all be heroes. Some of us get to stand on the curb and clap as they go by.”
Will Rogers