[2019] James Vercher, Veteran US Air Force, WWII, Korea, Vietnam (34-19) 5 MAR 19

[sgtmack]

US AIR FORCE VETERAN, WWII, Korea, Vietman
The family of Mr. James Clarence Vercher, a US Air Force Veteran, requests the presence and participation of the San Antonio Patriot Guard Riders at the graveside rendering of military honors of their loved one.

James Clarence Vercher, 96, of Dale, Texas passed from this life on the 24th, February 2019 at his home. James was born June 11, 1922 in Chopin, Louisiana to the late Clarence Vercher and Mary (Johnson) Vercher. James valiantly served his country from 1942-1974, retiring as a Senior Master Sergeant after serving as a Navy Combat Seabee during WWII, and the Air Force in Korea and Vietnam. He was with the Army Air Corp before it became the Air Force. During WWII, his Seabee unit was part of the landing force that went ashore with the Marines in the Battle of Guadalcanal. He was also with the Forces that landed on Guam during WWII, where he fought hand and hand with the Marines while they secured the island. When hostiles broke in Korea, he was one of the first units that were deployed. While in that capacity he was sent as a liaison to Twain, formally known as Formosa. During Vietnam he provided support for the Air Force. His many decorations include the Air Force Commendation Medal with clusters, Navy Good Conduct Medal, Air Force Good Conduct with clusters, WWII Service Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Medal with Stars, United Nations Service Medal and the Korean Service Medal. James was also a member of the Civilian Conservation Corp. that planted parts of the Kisatchie Forest and parts of the forest around Lake Tahoe. After his Military retirement James moved to Dale, Texas and worked for the State of Texas until his second retirement. James is survived by his loving wife of 72 years, Callie Mae (Bynog) Vercher; sons, James Harvey Vercher with his wife Eileen of Shreveport, LA, and Clarence Randell Vercher with his wife Lisa of Austin, TX. He is also survived by three grandchildren; Brandi Todaro with her husband Mike of Mandeville, LA, Jamie Blankenship and her husband Adam of Shreveport, LA and Sydney Hanley and her husband Christopher of Forney, TX; two great-grandchildren; Andrew Todaro and Cassandra Blankenship. Surviving him as well are two sisters, Numalea Ackle and Audrey (Sis) Lofton.

WEATHER: Hi 50 / Lo 36, 0% chance of rain, 43% Humidity

REQUESTOR: Rachel L Amaya, Family SPOX

STAGING: 1245 Hours, Tuesday, March 5, 2019
Lowe’s Home Improvement
1470 Austin Hwy
San Antonio, TX 78209
https://goo.gl/maps/ERgNaKivkcN2

BREIFING: 1300 Hours

KSU: 1315 Hours (Semper Gumby)

INTERMENT: 1345 Hours – Shelter #5
Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery
1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd
San Antonio, TX 78209
https://goo.gl/maps/Q9DUsYSBUS92

RC: Jim “Red” Hefner
aaahefner@aol.com

FC: Martin “SoJo” Sojourner
martinsojourner1943@gmail.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!

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.

***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
Deputy State Captain
San Antonio Patriot Guard
Honor, Dignity, Respect
Cell: (562) 413-2223
bobtxpgr@gmail.com