0003
Vernon R. Whitmore
Tomb Position
Commander of the ReliefTomb Relief
Highest Military Rank
Sergeant MajorTomb Dates
May 1957 - Sep 1958Society Membership
MemberObituary
Retired Sgt. Maj. Vernon Ray Whitmore, U.S. ARMY
Vernon Ray Whitmore of Valparaiso, Fla., passed away on Monday, July 20, 2015, in Fort Walton Beach, Fla., due to complications from prolonged COPD. Born in Amherst, Va., Nov. 29, 1929, to John and Lucille Whitmore, Ray attended Amherst High School, and upon graduation joined the United States Army. He served as a member of the 3rd Infantry Division, Old Guard as a Relief Commander at the Tomb of the Unknowns, and later moved to Recruiting and Retention where he served until his retirement in April 1980. Ray is survived by his wife, Barbara; his daughter, Sandra Mills of Gordonsville, Va.; his sons, David of Valparaiso, Jon (Monica) of Burke, Va., and Stephen (Donna) of Uxbridge, Mass.; seven grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Visitation will be held from 9 to 9:30 a.m. on Friday, July 24, 2015, at the McLaughlin Twin Cities Funeral Home in Niceville followed by the funeral service at 9:30 a.m., with Dr. Herstel Carter officiating. Interment will be in Barrancas National Cemetery in Pensacola, Fla., at 12:30 p.m. with full military honors.
Memories & Condolences
My dad was a loving father. On the 20th of this month will be 2 years since he passed away. Ever since he retired, the man had one heck of a since of humor. I know he is missed and today will be hard on all of the Whitmore family especially to my mother. I can say for all of his family and friends we miss you a lot. I love you Dad. :-)
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Units & Campaigns
3d United States Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard)Awards & Decorations
Army Good Conduct MedalArmy Occupation Medal
Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Identification Badge
Parachutist Badge
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Did you know?
Do you guard in a blizzard or a bad thunderstorm?
YES, but the accomplishment of the mission and welfare of the Soldier are never put at risk. The Tomb Guards have contingencies that are ready to be executed if the weather conditions ever place the Soldiers at risk of injury or death (i.e. lightning, high winds, etc). This ensures that Sentinels can continue the mission while ensuring safety. It is the responsibility of the Chain of Command from the Sergeant of the Guard to the Regimental Commander to ensure mission accomplishment and soldier welfare at all times.
It was erroneously reported that during Hurricane Isabel, the Sentinels were ordered to abandon their posts for shelter and that they refused. No such order was ever given. All proper precautions were taken to ensure the safety of the Sentinels while accomplishing their mission. Risk assessments are constantly conducted by the Chain of Command during changing conditions to ensure that soldier welfare is maintained during mission accomplishment.
