USCG Vets Crossing the bar

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Admiral Allen has announced plans for a memorial service for the AirSta Sacramento aircrew of CG-1705 on Friday.



To the Men and Women of the United States Coast Guard and Everyone Who Supports Them:

First, my heartfelt thanks and sincere admiration to the literally thousands of people, both seen and unseen, who are helping our fellow Guardians in this time of great need. Tragedies like this reverberate throughout our service, but our mission never stops and we continue to be relied on by the American public to provide for their safety and security. Through the tireless and fearless dedication of Team Coast Guard, and the support of the entire Coast Guard Family, we are demonstrating our resiliency and continue to stand the watch while we embrace and lift up those enduring immense loss.

I was in Texas on Thursday evening when I first learned of the loss of CG-1705 and a Marine helicopter. Friday morning we flew out to Air Station Sacramento where I met with the command cadre, held an all hands, met privately with crew members, and talked to families and friends who had gathered. It was difficult for all of us and I appreciate the dedication and commitment of the crew to their Guardians. I also talked with the relief crew that was sent by Barbers Point to take the watch and ease the burden on the SACTO crew. On Saturday I met with our responders in San Diego and thanked them for their tireless efforts. We were assisted greatly by our DHS partners in CBP with search aircraft and the dispatch of CBP Chaplains to assist our shipmates. The US Navy Third Fleet was also a key player in the response and we thank VADM Rick Hunt and his team. I also thank my sea services partners General Jim Conway and Admiral Gary Roughead for their support as well.

The support community has actively mobilized to provide support in every conceivable way, including: additional counselors and chaplains; critical incident stress management services; and other work-life needs (e.g., special needs, child care). The nature of our service -- small, close-knit, geographically mobile -- makes it a certainty that we have Guardians stationed across the country who have experienced a personal loss. We are sensitive to this and the potential need for emotional support and have asked our work-life staffs nationwide to be especially vigilant and ensure that anyone in need is provided for. Coast Guard personnel and dependents can call the Employee Assistance Program toll free number (1-800-222-0364) to obtain counseling assistance.

Friday morning we were in immediate contact with Marine Corps leadership to express our condolences and determine the appropriate way ahead. I cannot say enough about the professional and cooperative response from our sister service, which is also grieving the loss of two brave Marines. We have agreed that the right approach going forward is to exercise complete cooperation. To that end we will conduct a thorough joint investigation, presided over by RDML Korn as Board President and a dedicated and experienced staff of Coast Guard, Marine Corps and Navy aviation experts.

Plans are still being finalized for a formal memorial service at Air Station Sacramento on Friday. As soon as more details are available for that we will communicate those to maximize the opportunity for Team Coast Guard and the Coast Guard Family to participate. As always, the Coast Guard Foundation is providing outstanding support in our time of need. You can learn more about how the Coast Guard Foundation is helping here.

There is still much to do and many questions to be answered. I caution against speculation until we know the facts associated with what happened. We owe that to our fallen Guardians.

To the men and women of the Coast Guard and all of those who have assisted us, thank you for your concern and support for the families, loved ones, and friends of the crew of CG 1705. We honor their service and devotion to duty.

ADM A

Coast Guard Foundation
i Commandant

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CG-1705 Memorial Service
By rhopkins
November 3, 2009 

A memorial service and reception will be held to honor the seven Guardians and two Marines tragically lost while engaged in search and rescue operations on October 29, 2009. Hosted by Coast Guard Air Station (CGAS) Sacramento, 6037 Price Avenue, McClellan, CA 95652, the event will be held on Friday, November 6, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. (1100) PST.

Any members of the Coast Guard, Marine Corps and our extended families are welcome to attend. Please RSVP no later than Wednesday, November 4, 2009, 6:00 p.m. (1800) PST to D11rsvp@uscg.mil.

Click HERE for more information on the memorial service and RSVP instructions.

Stay tuned for information on how to access the Webcast of the CG-1705 Memorial Service.

Coast Guard Compass

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News Release
Date: November 06, 2009
Contact:  District 11

2000 people attend memorial service
to honor fallen Coast Guardsmen


A Coast Guard Petty Officer above left makes final preparations to the front stage for the memorial ceremony at Air Station Sacramento.  Capt. James J. O'Connor above right, Commanding Officer of Air Station Sacramento, remembers and honors the seven crewmembers of CG 1705 and two marines who were involved in last week's midair collision, during a memorial service at Air Station Sacramento, Nov 6, 2009. USCG photos by Petty Officer 1st Class Bobby Nash.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A gathering of more than 2,000 at U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Sacramento helped honor the legacies of seven Coast Guardsmen and two Marines who are still missing  after a Coast Guard C-130 and Marine Corps AH-1W helicopter collided off the coast of San Clemente Island, Calif., Oct. 30.

The service featured remarks by Air Station Sacramento's commanding officer, Capt. J.J. O'Connor, the commandant of the Coast Guard, Adm. Thad Allen, and the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard, Master Chief Petty Officer Charles "Skip" Bowen.


Capt. James J. O' Connor, Commanding Officer of Air Station Sacramento, accepts the National Ensign from a member of the Ceremonial Honor Guard following a memorial service for the seven crewmembers of CG 1705 and the two marines involved in last week's midair collision.  The Coast Guard Honor Guard Rifle Squad stands by as an MH-65C Dolphin helicopter from Air Station Humboldt Bay flies by the memorial ceremony at Air Station Sacramento Above left USCG photo by PO1 Bobby Nash, above right USCG photo by Lt. j.g. Todd Vorenkamp.

The service also included a memorial meditation and prayer, a rifle salute, the playing of taps, and a flyover by a Coast Guard HH-65 and a Coast Guard C-130.

 The service brought together U.S. Coast Guardsmen from around the country and the families of Lt. Cmdr. Che Barnes, Lt. Adam Bryant, Chief Petty Officer John Seidman, Petty Officer 2nd Class Carl Grigonis, Petty Officer 2nd Class Jason Moletzsky, Petty Officer 2nd Class Monica Beacham and Petty Officer 3rd Class Danny Kreder II.

MORE PHOTOS:

http://cgvi.uscg.mil/media/main.php?g2_itemId=707210

http://cgvi.uscg.mil/media/main.php?g2_itemId=707157

http://cgvi.uscg.mil/media/main.php?g2_itemId=706688

http://cgvi.uscg.mil/media/main.php?g2_itemId=707225

http://cgvi.uscg.mil/media/main.php?g2_itemId=707213

http://cgvi.uscg.mil/media/main.php?g2_itemId=707250

http://cgvi.uscg.mil/media/main.php?g2_itemId=707279

http://cgvi.uscg.mil/media/main.php?g2_itemId=708366

http://cgvi.uscg.mil/media/main.php?g2_itemId=707998

News Release



You stand relieved of your watch shipmates and thank you for your service.  
Fair winds and following seas until we meet on the other side of the bar.
   

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News Release
Date: January 02, 2010
Contact:  District 1

World War II Coast
Guard hero dies at 88


Coast Guard Seaman 2nd Class Seymour Wittek, a World War II veteran, recieves the Coast Guard Commendation Medal from Vice Admiral Robert Papp, Commander, Atlantic Area, at the Intrepid Sea Air and Space Museum Nov. 11, 2008. Wittek and fellow Coastguardsmen volunteered to board the S.S. Elstero in New York Harbor while it was ablaze April 24, 1943. The Elstero was carrying 1,300 tons of explosives , as were surrounding naval vessels. The actions of Whittek and his brave crewmembers not only saved New York Harbor but also ensured needed munitions were delivered to the European Theater. USCG photos by Petty Officer Seth Johnson

New York — Seymour Wittek, 88, of Ossining, N.Y., a World War II veteran who, with fellow shipmates, extinguished a fire aboard a ship laden with explosives that threatened people and property in New York City in 1943, died in the company of his family on Dec. 30, 2009.

Wittek, a Seaman 2nd Class at the time, and Coast Guard comrades voluntarily boarded the burning S.S. El Estero – a freighter destined to re-supply U.S. troops in the European Theater – which was carrying 1,365 tons of high explosive block buster bombs, depth charges and various other explosives, after it caught fire while moored in Bayonne, N.J., April 24, 1943.

Being the day before Easter, many Coast Guardsmen were preparing to go home on leave.  Upon hearing the call that the ship was on fire, 60 members scrambled from barracks rooms to the burning ship.  As fire fighting boats approached, the men fed hoses onto the deck of the ship for Coast Guardsmen to fight the smoldering black fires, which heated the munitions aboard with every second that passed.

It was too late to scuttle the ship, as the valves were located in the engine room where the fire had started – the fire had to be fought.

The decision was made to tow the boat to Robbins Reef and maintain a 20-man fire party aboard during its journey, as the fire fighting continued into the evening.  The ship was safely brought to the reef where it sank, due to the selfless actions of 60 Coast Guardsmen.

The damage that could have taken place would have been nothing short of catastrophic.  The explosion of the Mont Blanc, a French munitions ship, in Halifax Harbor in 1917, which was laden with an almost equal amount of explosives, killed nearly 2,000 people and injured 9,000.  Apart from the shock waves created, it also caused tidal waves.  Given the size of the bombs aboard the El Estero, and the fact that nearby train cars also carried an estimated 5,000 tons of explosives and ships that were moored nearby were also loaded with munitions, the effects could have devastated Lower Manhattan, Governors Island, parts of Brooklyn, Staten Island and New Jersey.

Wittek was awarded the Coast Guard Commendation Medal, Nov. 11, 2008, by Coast Guard Vice Admiral Robert Papp, at the U.S.S. Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum, for his bravery and selfless dedication to save civilians, property, sailors and supplies that directly impacted U.S. forces’ progress in the European Theater, and for epitomizing what many would consider the ethics of a hero and a Coast Guardsman.

 

In the photo above left Petty Officer 2nd Class Joseph Devito folds the American Flag before it is presented to the family of Seymour Wittek at Montefiore Cemetery.  In the middle photo above the folded American flag that had draped over Seymour Wittek's casket during military honors is passed to Coast Guard Captain Daniel Croce for presentation to Wittek's family at Montefiore Cemetery, Dec. 31, 2009. 

In the photo above right Coast Guard Captain Daniel Croce presents the American flag to Jacqueline Goldstein during military honors at Wittek's burial in Montefiore Cemetery, Queens, N.Y., Dec. 31, 20009. Wittek, a Coast Guard World War II veteran involved in extinguishing a fire aboard a munitions ship in New York Harbor on April 24, 1943, died at the age of 88 Dec. 30, 2009. Wittek was awarded the Coast Guard Commendation Medal last year for volunteering to board the S.S. El Estero, which was carrying 1,360 tons of high explosive bombs and munitions. The actions of Wittek and his Coast Guard shipmates averted what would have been a massive explosion causing immense damage to New York and New Jersey. (U.S. Coast Guard Photos/Petty Officer 3rd Class Seth Johnson)

Press Release
Photo Release

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News Release
Date: March 16, 2010
Contact:  CGHQ Washington

U.S. Coast Guard legend,
Lt. Herbert Collins, dies at 89



U.S. Coast Guard legend, Lt. Herbert Collins, dies at 89
The last remaining survivor of the historic all-African American Pea Island life saving station died Sunday after waging a battle with cancer.

Born in Manteo, N.C., Jan. 1 1921, Collins enlisted in the Coast Guard in 1939 at Elizabeth City, N.C. Shortly after boot camp he was assigned to the Coast Guard Cutter Tallapoosa where he served as a mess attendant. He continued to serve as a mess attendant in subsequent assignments until he was assigned to the all-African American Pea Island life saving station where he served as a surfman for the duration of World War II.

During his assignment at Pea Island, Collins participated in a number of daring search and rescue missions including the response to a distressed ship that had been hit by a torpedo between the Pea Island and Chicamacomico Coast Guard stations.

This historic chapter in his career closed as Collins locked the doors of the Pea Island Station in 1947 as part of the last Coast Guard crew to staff this historic unit.

After closing Pea Island, Collins served in numerous capacities ashore and afloat, including tours aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Tamaroa in St. George, N.Y., Coast Guard Cutter Ironwood in Honolulu, the Coast Guard Yard in Baltimore, Md., District Five Headquarters in Portsmouth, Va., and Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington, D.C.

Collins became a Boatswain’s Mate while at Pea Island and rose steadily through the ranks during his distinguished career. He earned his Warrant Officer appointment in 1959 and becoming a Chief Warrant Officer 4 in 1968. In 1969 he received a commission and was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant while stationed at Coast Guard Headquarters. He went on to assignments at Long Beach, Calif. and Portsmouth Va., before retiring in Aug. 1973.

Collins’ assignments prior to Pea Island include stations from Florida to Virginia, including the Coast Guard Cutter Mendota in Norfolk Va., where he served alongside another Coast Guard legend including renowned author and Coast Guardsman Alex Haley.

"I had the extraordinary personal honor to spend time with Herb Collins and his family not long ago and his love for our service was deep and enduring. Lieutenant Collins service to the Coast Guard and our nation is significant, especially in light of the challenges that African Americans faced as the service was integrated,” said Adm. Thad Allen, Coast Guard Commandant. "Today we mourn the loss of a legendary shipmate and at the same time celebrate his legacy of excellence and tenacity.”

For additional information on Collins’ career click HERE.

Press Release

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Guardians pay their respects to LT Herbert Collins
By clagan
March 26, 2010



Silver Spring, Md. — Earlier today Coast Guard leaders paid their respects to a Coast Guard hero.

Vice Admiral Robert J. Papp above right, President Obama’s nominee to be the next Commandant of the Coast Guard, Rear Admiral Manson K. Brown, commander of the Coast Guard’s 14th District, and retired Rear Admiral Stephen Rochon below left, attended a memorial service held in honor of Lieutenant Herbert Collins, the last surviving crew member of the all-black Pea Island Lifesaving Station, who succumbed to cancer last weekend.



Rochon, the Director of the Executive Residence and Chief Usher at the White House, delivered the eulogy and Brown above right, presented Collins’ wife of 62 years, Gertrude, with the ceremonial American flag in recognition of the lieutenant’s honorable service to our nation.

Original Article

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FROM:  Senior Chief Jack Hawkins (CGRDCS)
This announcement from BMCM McKenney was posted in the Chief's Mess this morning ........



RICHARD "PAT" PATTERSON 78, BMC (Ret.)

"From: BMCM Mark D. "Mac" McKenney USCG Ret. To: All Interested
Subject: Passing of BMC Richard H. Patterson USCG Ret.

In reference to the inquiries received concerning Chief Patterson, I am submitting the following for dissemination as necessary.
.
On 5 April I received a call from Joan Patterson that he was being discharged from Gainsville VA Hospital with Hospice and not long to live. He was stricken with an incurable type of cancer labeled MDS. Fortunately I was close enough and able to be with him for a couple of days before he died.

Beneath his Bronze Star and Purple Heart exist one of the most humble and charitable man I ever knew. For the past 17 years he and his wife Joan provided Thanksgiving meals and Christmas meals to the poor. Additionally they provided Christmas gifts to all the children in the surrounding area.

Chief Pat was born on 6 Nov. 1931 in Berea, Ohio (just outside Cleveland), and was raised by his mother in Miami FL. Besides Viet Nam he served at several units in Maryland, Virginia, Georgia and Florida. He is survived by his wife Joan, 2 daughters, 2 sons, several grandchildren and great grandchildren.

His wishes were to be cremated and scattered at sea. Joan and I discussed this and agreed that the Chatham Bar off Cape Cod would be appropriate. BMCS Dave Jonason (OINC Sta. Chatham) and I have provided for and scheduled a memorial service on Cape Cod as follows:Wed. 16 June 2010 @ 1030, location CG - Viet Nam - Iraq Memorial at 44 Smith Street, West Harwich, MA and at 1200 USCG Sta. Chatham for a short service, transportation and scattering of cremains followed by a collation.

On behalf of the Patterson Family contributions or donations directly to Joan Patterson @ PO Box 768 Old Town, FL 32680 would be most helpful in assisting them and very much appreciated.

Had it not been for the heroic and masterful actions by Chief Patterson on 11 Aug. 1966 I would more than likely have not been here today along with the rest of the crew.

As I left him , I thanked him for the many additional years he gave us. "God has seen what you did for us, have no fear, it is time for your reward."
 
BRONZE STAR with combat V Award

PT. WELCOME friendly fire incident:

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He should have gotten more then a Bronze Star for his actions that day.  I suppose it would have been politically incorrect to give him something different since his heroic performance was to save the boat from the friggin' Air Force!!  

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Photo Release
Date: June 16, 2010
Contact:  District 1

Coast Guard holds memorial service for
Vietnam Era hero Chief Richard Patterson



CHATHAM, Mass. — In the photo above left, Rear Adm. Daniel Neptun (right), the First Coast Guard District commander, gives a speech during a memorial service for Chief Petty Officer Richard Patterson at Coast Guard Station Chatham, Wednesday, June 16, 2010. Patterson was a legendary Coast Guardsman best remembered for his heroic courage under fire when the Cutter Point Welcome (WPB 82329) was attacked by friendly fire from U.S. Air Force aircraft near the demilitarized zone in South Vietnam on August 11, 1966. Patterson succumbed to cancer on April 12th, surrounded by family and friends.

Retired Master Chief Petty Officer Mark "Mac" McKenney above right, a shipmate of Chief Petty Officer Richard Patterson, listens as Rear Adm. Daniel Neptun gives a speech at a memorial service for Patterson at Coast Guard Station Chatham


 

In the photos above left and right retired Master Chief Petty Officer Mark "Mac" McKenney and David O'Connor, both former Coast Guardsmen aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Point Welcome, scatter former shipmate Chief Petty Officer Richard Patterson's ashes at sea from the deck of Coast Guard Cutter Tiger Shark about three miles off the coast of Chatham, Mass., Wednesday, June 16, 2010.

In the middle photo above Retired Master Chief Petty Officer Mark "Mac" McKenney waves to a Falcon Jet from Air Station Cape Cod during a fly over after scattering his shipmate's ashes at sea from the deck of the Coast Guard Cutter Tiger Shark about three miles off the coast of Chatham, Mass., Wednesday, June 16, 2010.

Photo Release

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News Release
Date: August 10, 2010
Contact:  District 11

Master Chief Paul Andrieu burial at sea



Left:   Assets from Bay area Coast Guard units and local law enforcement agencies travel in formation toward the Golden Gate Bridge for a burial at sea ceremony for recently-retired Master Chief Petty Officer Paul Andrieu, Thursday, August 12, 2010. Andrieu served in the Coast Guard for thirty years, most recently as officer in charge of the cutter Sockeye, homeported in Bodega Bay, Calif. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Alan Haraf.

Right:  Master Chief Petty Officer Paul Andrieu, officer in charge of the Coast Guard Cutter Sockeye homeported in Bodega Bay, stands watch alongside his crew on the bridge of the Sockeye, May 30, 2008. The Sockeye is one of four 87-foot patrol boats assigned to Sector San Francisco. The Sockeye, along with the Tern, Pike, and Hawksbill perform all of the Coast Guard's missions in and around the San Francisco Bay. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Pamela J. Manns

SAN FRANCISCO — Coast Guard Master Chief Boatswain's Mate Paul Andrieu, former officer in charge of the Bodega Bay-based Coast Guard Cutter Sockeye, died at a local hospital Monday, July 26. He was 48.

Andrieu retired after 30 years of service during a change of command ceremony held a week earlier.

A skilled mariner, inspirational leader, and true shipmate, Master Chief Andrieu was known for his good humor, even keel, and approachable demeanor.  A fixture in the Eleventh Coast Guard District, especially in the San Francisco area, his experience and professional knowledge established him as a mentor, advisor, and friend for countless Coast Guardsmen throughout his career.

Master Chief Andrieu, a native of San Francisco, graduated from Archbishop Riordan High School.  He enlisted in the Coast Guard in March of 1980 and completed basic training at Coast Guard Boot Camp then located in Alameda.

Throughout his career, he commanded several Coast Guard units in the Bay Area, including most recently: the Coast Guard Cutter Sockeye, Coast Guard Station San Francisco; Coast Guard Station Carquinez, Calif.; and the San Francisco-based Cutter Point Brower. Earlier in his career he was Executive Petty Officer, or second in command, at Station Golden Gate and the cutter Point Brower.



Left:   Master Chief Petty Officer Paul Andrieu, officer in charge of the Coast Guard Cutter Sockeye homeported in Bodega Bay, demonstrates a heaving line toss for his crew during dock-side training at Jack London Square, Thursday, Feb. 12, 2009. The Sockeye is one of four 87-foot patrol boats assigned to Sector San Francisco. The Sockeye, along with the Tern, Pike, and Hawksbill perform all of the Coast Guard's missions in and around the San Francisco Bay. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Pamela J. Manns.   

Right:  Master Chief Petty Officer Paul Andrieu, officer in charge of the Coast Guard Cutter Sockeye homeported in Bodega Bay, prepares to demonstrate a heaving line toss for his crew during dock-side training at Jack London Square, Feb. 12, 2009. The Sockeye is one of four 87-foot patrol boats assigned to Sector San Francisco. The Sockeye, along with the Tern, Pike, and Hawksbill perform all of the Coast Guard's missions in and around the San Francisco Bay. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Pamela J. Manns.

Outside of the Bay Area, other assignments were at Coast Guard Ceremonial Honor Guard in Washington, D.C., crewmember aboard Coast Guard Stations Saint Inigoes, Md., and San Diego; Group San Diego, and the Cutter Active in Port Angeles, Wash.

Prior to his last assignment as the officer in charge of Cutter Sockeye, he was Sector San Francisco’s Command Master Chief.

His military awards include the following: Meritorious Service Medal, Coast Guard Commendation Medal with one gold star, the Coast Guard Achievement Medal with three gold stars, the Commandant’s Letter of Commendation, and numerous other awards.  His years of dedicated sea duty, boat operations, and leadership assignments were recognized by his Coast Guard permanent Cutterman’s pin, permanent Boat Forces insignia, and command pins both ashore and afloat. Master Chief Andrieu was a graduate of the Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer Academy in Petaluma, Class 50.

“We would like to express our gratitude to the medical and nursing staff at UCSF Medical Center for their excellent care of Paul," his family said in a statement.

Master Chief Andrieu is survived by his parents Paul and Patricia Andrieu, his sister Nancy Andrieu, four children Shaun, Christopher, Rachel, Kelsey, and one granddaughter, Lilyanna.  He also leaves his fiancée Cindy Berkiw.

A memorial service for family, friends and Coast Guard personnel will be held at 10:30 a.m. at Coast Guard Sector San Francisco on Yerba Buena Island, Aug. 12 to be followed by a memorial mass Aug. 13 at 11 a.m. at the Church of the Visitacion in San Francisco.

At the family’s request, in lieu of flowers, a blood donation may be made to a local blood bank.

In addition, a scholarship fund was established in Master Chief Andrieu’s name. Donations should be made payable to Paul Andrieu, Sr., Executor and sent to:

Commander

USCG Sector San Francisco

1 Yerba Buena Island

San Francisco, CA  94130

News Release

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Captain Bradley W. Bean former Air Station
Barbers Point C.O. passes over the bar


Captain Bean (above left) speaking at the Air Station Barbers Point change of command in July 2009.  Captain Douglas E. Sharp above right, commander, Coast Guard Sector Columbia River, Warrenton, Ore., speaks in remembrance during a funeral service for Capt. Bradley W. Bean Monday, Sept. 27, 2010, at Central Baptist Church in Americus. Capt. Bean passed away Sept. 19, 2010 after a courageous battle with cancer.  (USCG photo by PO3 Cindy Beckert)

BRADLEY W. BEAN, 50, Captain, USCG — On September 19, 2010, of Dunkirk, MD, originally from Colebrook, NH, having been stationed in numerous Coast Guard Stations across the country, most recently as Commanding Officer of Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point, HI.

He is survived by his loving bride, Cereto Jones Bean and their children; Jordan and Tyler Bean. Loving brother of Michael and Valerie Bean, uncle to, Chase, Casey, Anna, Austin, and Logan. Nephew of Edvina Lyons. Son in Law to Harold and Mildred Jones. Uncle to Shaun Yates. Brother in Law to, Freda Jo Moore, her children, Samantha and Thomas, Sherryl (Bruce) Wilder, and Donna (Charles) Drake.

Also survived by many other family members. Visitation will be held at The Grace Brethren Church of Calvert County, 9870 Old Solomons Island Road, Owings, MD 20736 on Friday, September 24 from 2 to time of service at 4 p.m. Additional funeral services will be held on Monday, September 27 at Central Baptist Church, Americus, GA at 11 a.m. Interment to follow at Oak Grove Cemetery, Americus, GA. Please view and sign the memorial guest book at www.leefuneralhomes.com

Washington Post