[2017] Col Dr. Clifford Buckley, Retired USAF, Vietnam (169-17) 20 OCT 17

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VIETNAM VETERAN
A FOUNDING FATHER OF US AIR FORCE PARA-RESCUE

The family of Col (Retired), Doctor Clifford Buckley, a US Air Force Vietnam Veteran, requests the attendance and participation of the San Antonio Patriot Guard Riders at the graveside services and rendering of military honors of their loved one. Services will be held on 19 Oct in Temple,Texas. Family will transport Cremains to Lowe's at 1045 hours.

In attendance will be Veterans of various grades Active Duty and Retired starting with a LTG (0-9) on down, Dr. Buckley was a very special person to the Air Force Special Operations Para-Rescue Community.

"I don't know where is the best place to post this. Col Clifford Buckley (USAF) died this morning in Sarasota, Florida. He had a fatal fall last week in his home, sustaining a cervical spine injury. Cliff is a true legend, bigger than life. He was the only Flight Surgeon for the Air Rescue Service in Viet Nam from '65-68 and his commander (Air Rescue) was my father in law, Col Mel Nibe. They were the movers in the creation and development of the Air Force Para Rescue teams ... the Special Ops of the Air Force. Cliff was part of that group, having over 100 rescue jumps. He then did a surgery Residency at Wilford Hall and a Vascular fellowship at Mass General. He was Chief of Surgery and Vascular Surgery at Wilford Hall, and later at Baylor Scott and White. He was my "chief" and mentor. He trained hundreds of surgeons, including three General Officers ... (one who was the Air Force Surgeon General). Cliff retired in February, 2017. One son, C.J , is the Assist Chief of the Emergency Medicine Residency at Baylor Scott and White. The Combat Rescue Service (of which he helped create) had over 3700 saves in Viet Nam, including 2,000 airmen. Seven became POWs, and dozens died. So you can see why heroes to me are not on any athletic field, but in the uniforms of our military and first responders. This was a giant of a man, and one of my heroes. His funeral will be in Temple next week. Request prayers for his wife, Shirley, his family, and his many friends who are feeling his loss. Thanks.

Tom Turlington,
Brig Gen USAF (RET)"

REQUESTOR: BG (Retired) Tom Turlington, Family SPOX

STAGING: 1015 Hours, Friday, October 20, 2017
Lowe's Home Improvement
1470 Austin Hwy
San Antonio, TX 78209
https://goo.gl/maps/ERgNaKivkcN2

BRIEFING: 1030 Hours

MEETING: 1045 Hours

KSU: 1100 Hours (Semper Gumby)

INTERMENT: 1115 Hours (Shelter 2)
Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery
1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd
San Antonio, TX 78209
https://goo.gl/maps/Q9DUsYSBUS92

RC: Mike "K9" Judge

FC: Martin "SoJo" Sojourner

WEATHER: Hi 82 / Lo 64, 10% chance of rain, 84% Humidity

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 respect for this patriot and their family. NO TALKING, SMOKING, CHEWING OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS, OR CELL PHONE USE IN THE FLAG LINE! NO LITTERING, INCLUDES CIGARETTE BUTTS!!

4. Cemeteries are hallowed ground. Please keep radios off and engine noise to a minimum. Observe the 15 MPH speed limit. Show our respect to ALL who are there, not just the one we are honoring.

5. If riding/driving a motorcycle on Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, which is located within a Military Installation, you will need to wear closed toe shoes, long sleeve shirt, gloves, DOT approved helmet, eye protection, long pants, and boots/shoes that cover the ankle.

Respectfully,

Mr. Jean "Dae Wi" Clark
Deputy State Captain
Patriot Guard, San Antonio, TX
Dignity, Honor, Respect
Cell: 210-452-2745

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