The family of MGySgt William Lee Dower Sr. has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to be present to honor their hero for his service to his country. It will be our privilege to do so.
MGySgt William Lee Dower Sr. was born on Oct 20 1938 and passed on Jan 24 2023 of natural causes.
MGySgt Dower served proudly in the United States Marine Corp from 1955-1984. His distinguished career included 3 tours in Vietnam as an Infantry Unit Leader and Truck Master. Overcoming a serious Jeep rollover accident in which he was partially paralyzed, MGySgt Dower continued his career as a Drill Instructor, becoming the first African American to obtain the distinction of Top Chief Drill Instructor.
Among his numerous awards were Rifle Expert Badge, Pistol Expert, Presidential Unit Citation, Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, 1960 Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces Meritorious Unit Commendation, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry W/Palm Combat Action Ribbon, and the National Defense Service Medal.
MGySgt Dower, while recovering from the Jeep accident, developed an exercise workout called "Dower Power” and went on after retirement to create an Armed Forces Workout video, narrated and instructed by the MGySgt. Bill was in the 1980’s Miller Lite All Stars commercials and that led to him training Lou Gossett Jr. for his role in “An Officer and a Gentleman”. He was a motivational speaker with the Tony Robbins Seminars, speaking to corporations such as Chevron, Honeywell, and Sony.
An accomplished Tennis player and he was the President of the Mountain View Tennis Club. MGySgt was the Guest of Honor at the Marine Corp Staff Non Commissioned Officers Ball.
He was a man of God, and a powerful prayer Warrior who loved his family, cherished his wife Jill, and is survived his children William Jr, Maria Gilliam stepchildren Whitney and Aaron Gaynes and 5 grand children. He loved his 8 siblings, seven of which he is survived by.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran. For those interested, and all are welcome, we will honor our hero with a Flag line only. Please see the time table if you would like to participate.
Time Table for Monday, February 13 2023:1215 - Stage at Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Dr, San Diego, CA 92122
https://goo.gl/maps/x44PdX1aN1j9TZM46 1230 - Mission Briefing
1245 - Flag line for Hero’s arrival/transfer to the Final Honors Horse Drawn Coach
1315 - Flag line and Full Military Honors Funeral
R/C BigRuss Russ Jubenville
SoCal PGR Ride Captain(619) 729-4713
Bigruss3@gmail.com
You do not have to be a Veteran or a motorcycle rider to attend this mission. All PGR members are welcome. We encourage those who do not ride to attend in your car. If this will be your first mission go to the initial staging area and you will be briefed there by the R/C ( Ride Captain). Dress for motorcycle riding or dress casually if you driving a cage (Car). Please feel free to attend any portion of this mission you can. Please ride/drive safely.
