[2018] COL. Donald C. Belken, retired US Army Veteran (52-18) 4 & 17 Apr 18

[sgtmack]

PART 1 CONFIRMED

KOREAN WAR VETERAN

The family of COL. Donald C. Belken, a retired US Army Veteran of the Korean War and Army Reserve has requested the attendance and participation of the San Antonio Patriot Guard at the Services, LEO supported procession, and graveside rendering of military honors of their loved one.

Colonel Belken, a native of Aransas Pass, Texas began his military career in January 1951 in the United States Army. He served stateside with the 82nd Airborne Division and 508th Airborne Regimental Longhorn. It was the largest air-ground maneuvers ever conducted in the history of U.S. Armed Forces. There were more than 115,000 U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force personnel participating in the exercise. It covered more than 1,800 sq miles of some of the roughest, most barren, ranch land anywhere in the U.S. Also, while with the 508th, he was selected to attend the Light and Heavy Weapons Infantry Leadership Course which was located at Fort Benning.
Upon completion of the course, he had been in the Army for almost 2 years, and had only 12 more months to serve. He had joined the Army to go to Korea. So in late 1952, he volunteered for duty in Korea. He arrived in Korea on Christmas Day 1952 and while there, he served with 25th Infantry Division, 'Charlie Company'. He served as Platoon Sergeant, 3rd Platoon. He later attained the rank of Sergeant First Class. He led his Platoon through 'The Last Great Battle' for outposts VEGAS, CARSON, and ELKO. After the Armistice was signed and the firing ceased, and after his tour was over, he decided to return to the States. He returned to Aransas Pass, Texas, on Christmas Day, 1953. In 2013, he published his book with his memories of the Korean War, 'The Korean War- As I Remember It'.
After his active tour of duty, he joined the United States Army Reserves and received a direct commission as 2nd Lieutenant, Armor. During his reserve years, he served with the 90th Infantry Division, 49th Armor Division, 377th Support Brigade, 75th Maneuver Area Command, and the 90th US Army Reserve Command. While with the 90th ARCOM, he served as Deputy Chief of Staff for Operation and Intelligence. When his tenure was up, he was assigned as Special Assistant to Major General Robert Ownby, CO of the 90th. He was also assigned as Executive Officer of an active Army Brigade stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado. His last reserve duty assignment was as Commandant of the 4162nd U.S. Army Reserve School, Austin, Texas. Colonel Belken retired from the United States Army Reserve in 1984 after 32 years of service. During his retirement ceremony at Camp Mabry, Austin, Texas, Colonel Belken was awarded the Legion of Merit by Major General Elvin Schofield.
In retirement, Colonel Belken lived in Bulverde, Texas, just North of San Antonio with his wife Susan. In his civilian life, he was in the Property and Casualty Insurance business for over 60 years, retiring in 2005. He served as President of Belken Insurance Services, Inc. which he owned along with his wife Susan. They still own the business, with his wife now serving as President. They have 4 boys, 5 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren. Over his 83 years, he enjoyed riding, skiing, ranching, jogging, clearing his land, and just sitting with his dogs, Labs Sunny and Sadie.

WEATHER: Hi 77 / Lo 49, 0% chance of rain, 43% Humidity

REQUESTOR: Donald F. Belken, Son, SA PGR
210-323-8332

2 PART MISSION

PART 1

STAGING: 1300 Hours, Wednesday, April 4, 2018
University United Methodist Church
5084 De Zavala Rd
San Antonio, TX 78249
https://goo.gl/maps/kQn6nNbhkfk

BRIEFING: 1315 Hours

SERVICES: 1400 Hours (Honor/Flag Line, 1345-1415)

RC: Bob "Pizza Man" Johnson

whataboutsracing@verizon.net



FC: Martin "SoJo" Sojourner
silveradochevyss@yahoo.com


PART 2 CONFIRMED

KOREAN WAR VETERAN

The family of COL. Donald C. Belken, a retired US Army Veteran of the Korean War and Army Reserve, has requested the attendance and participation of the San Antonio Patriot Guard at the Services, LEO supported procession, and graveside rendering of military honors of their loved one.

Colonel Belken, a native of Aransas Pass, Texas began his military career in January 1951 in the United States Army. He served stateside with the 82nd Airborne Division and 508th Airborne Regimental Longhorn. It was the largest air-ground maneuvers ever conducted in the history of U.S. Armed Forces. There were more than 115,000 U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force personnel participating in the exercise. It covered more than 1,800 sq miles of some of the roughest, most barren, ranch land anywhere in the U.S. Also, while with the 508th, he was selected to attend the Light and Heavy Weapons Infantry Leadership Course which was located at Fort Benning.

Upon completion of the course, he had been in the Army for almost 2 years, and had only 12 more months to serve. He had joined the Army to go to Korea. So in late 1952, he volunteered for duty in Korea. He arrived in Korea on Christmas Day 1952 and while there, he served with 25th Infantry Division, 'Charlie Company'. He served as Platoon Sergeant, 3rd Platoon. He later attained the rank of Sergeant First Class. He led his Platoon through 'The Last Great Battle' for outposts VEGAS, CARSON, and ELKO. After the Armistice was signed and the firing ceased, and after his tour was over, he decided to return to the States. He returned to Aransas Pass, Texas, on Christmas Day, 1953. In 2013, he published his book with his memories of the Korean War, 'The Korean War- As I Remember It'.

After his active tour of duty, he joined the United States Army Reserves and received a direct commission as 2nd Lieutenant, Armor. During his reserve years, he served with the 90th Infantry Division, 49th Armor Division, 377th Support Brigade, 75th Maneuver Area Command, and the 90th US Army Reserve Command. While with the 90th ARCOM, he served as Deputy Chief of Staff for Operation and Intelligence. When his tenure was up, he was assigned as Special Assistant to Major General Robert Ownby, CO of the 90th. He was also assigned as Executive Officer of an active Army Brigade stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado. His last reserve duty assignment was as Commandant of the 4162nd U.S. Army Reserve School, Austin, Texas. Colonel Belken retired from the United States Army Reserve in 1984 after 32 years of service. During his retirement ceremony at Camp Mabry, Austin, Texas, Colonel Belken was awarded the Legion of Merit by Major General Elvin Schofield.

In retirement, Colonel Belken lived in Bulverde, Texas, just North of San Antonio with his wife Susan. In his civilian life, he was in the Property and Casualty Insurance business for over 60 years, retiring in 2005. He served as President of Belken Insurance Services, Inc. which he owned along with his wife Susan. They still own the business, with his wife now serving as President. They have 4 boys, 5 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren. Over his 83 years, he enjoyed riding, skiing, ranching, jogging, clearing his land, and just sitting with his dogs, Labs Sunny and Sadie.

WEATHER: Hi 77 / Lo 49, 0% chance of rain, 43% Humidity

REQUESTOR: Donald F. Belken, Son, SA PGR

PART 2

STAGING: 1215 Hours, Tuesday, April 17, 2018 (Dignified Transfer)
Lowe's Home Improvement
1470 Austin Hwy
San Antonio, TX 78209
https://goo.gl/maps/ERgNaKivkcN2

INTERMENT: 1315 Hours
Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery
1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd
San Antonio, TX 78209
https://goo.gl/maps/Q9DUsYSBUS92

RC: Juan "Doc" Sanguino
sanguino5366@gmail.com
FC: NEEDED

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!

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 in attendance.

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