Latest news with #EdwardGreer
Yahoo
22-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Maj. Gen. Edward Greer, trailblazing Army leader, laid to rest at Fort Bliss cemetery
Retired Maj. Gen. Edward Greer, who enlisted in the segregated military during World War II and became one of the first Black generals in the U.S. Army, was laid to rest. The services, held Friday, Feb. 21, at the Fort Bliss National Cemetery at 5200 Fred Willson Ave., were complete with full military honors. His family and those in attendance witnessed the ceremonial firing of canons befitting his rank, a 21-gun salute and a eulogy from a military chaplain. He was born on March 8, 1924. The native of Gary, West Virginia, made his home in El Paso in 1976. He was 100 years old and a veteran of World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Greer is survived by his son Michael Edward Greer, MD (husband Steve Bryant; former wife Pamela Greer-Walker, MD), grandchildren Lisa Cobb, Alissa Maru (Anteneh), Vaun Greer (Cynthia) and Tia Greer, and great-grandchildren Melia, Morgan, Maya, Zinzi, Clarke, Jude and AK. His wife, Jewell, passed away in 2021 and was also laid to rest at Fort Bliss National Cemetery. His son, Michael, spoke of a man who was a kind example of leadership, recalling how he became a pillar of the community through his charitable work. He also underscored how his father advocated for other black troops experiencing the hardships he faced. "When he turned 100, he issued his final order. He said 'one day, you'll pass through this turn' and he said he loved us all," Michael said. His son also noted that his father loved the El Paso community, which was most evident when he was offered a chance to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. Greer declined, saying he wanted to be buried in El Paso at the same location as his wife and one of his children. "We didn't know all the hardships he went through, but he persevered," Michael said. This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Maj. Gen. Edward Greer laid to rest at Fort Bliss National Cemetery
Yahoo
18-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Memorial services set for pioneering Black general Greer
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — Pioneering Black U.S. Army general officer Edward Greer, who died last month at age 100, will be laid to rest later this week. Memorial services are set for 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21 at Funeraria de Angel Restlawn, 8817 Dyer. A cemetery service will follow at 2:30 p.m. at Fort Bliss. Pioneering Black Army general who lived in El Paso dies at 100 Greer, who retired with the rank of major general (two stars), started his Army career in World War II when the Army was still segregated and when he was promoted to brigadier general (one star) in 1972, he was among the first Black officers to achieve that rank. Greer died at his El Paso home on Jan. 29 at the age of 100. Upon retiring from the military in 1976, Greer and his wife relocated to El Paso, where he undertook a 30-year career in real estate. He was also active in veterans organizations and other service organizations throughout his time in El Paso. Army general looks back on Korea, Vietnam, integration as 100th birthday nears Last year, his family held several public celebrations of Greer's 100th birthday. His Army career spanned three major conflicts — World War II, Korea and Vietnam. He was viewed as a pioneering Black officer who broke racial barriers throughout his career. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
30-01-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Pioneering Black Army general who lived in El Paso dies at 100
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — Retired Army Maj. Gen. Edward Greer, who broke racial barriers during his long Army career, died at age 100 at his El Paso home on Wednesday, Jan. 29, his family said. Greer, a native of Gary, West Virginia, lived in El Paso during his retirement and was an active member of the military and veterans community until the end of his life. His family, community and veterans groups in El Paso had several public celebrations last year when he turned 100. Army general looks back on Korea, Vietnam, integration as 100th birthday nears His family described him as 'a pioneering figure in the U.S. Army and a trailblazer for African American servicemembers. His remarkable career spanned three major conflicts and represented a significant period of change in the military's history.' Greer started out in the Army in 1943 when it was still segregated and rose up through the ranks. In 1972, he was became one of the first Black officers to be promoted to the rank of brigadier general (one-star general). Greer was one of five Black officers promoted to that rank in 1972, his family said. At the time, only four Blacks had previously ever reached the Army's general officer ranks, his family said. Greer was the last surviving member of that group of five who were promoted to brigadier general in 1972. Greer's career spanned three major conflicts — World War II, Vietnam and Korea — and 'represented a significant period of change in the military's history,' his family said. In Korea, he earned the Silver Star for calling artillery fire onto his own position to enable an infantry company to withdraw safely, his family said. In Vietnam, he served as deputy commander of XXIV Corps Artillery and later commanded the 108th Artillery Group. 'He held significant leadership positions, including deputy commanding general at Fort Leonard Wood and at the U.S. Army Military Personnel Center,' his family said. 'Greer's career trajectory from a segregated Army to becoming one of its highest-ranking Black officers exemplifies the progress made in military integration. His achievements helped pave the way for future generations of servicemembers,' his family said. Greer's awards included the aforementioned Silver Star, Legion of Merit with Oak Leaf Cluster, Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal and Distinguished Service Medal. Upon retiring from the military in 1976, Greer and his wife relocated to El Paso, where he undertook a 30-year career in real estate. He stayed active in the community and was a fixture at events for local veterans organizations until the end of his life. He served as chairman of the Officers Retiree Council for Fort Bliss and on local boards for the American Cancer Society, Visiting Nurses Association, Association of U.S. Army, and the Association of El Paso Realtors. Greer was a graduate of West Virginia State College. He later earned a master's degree in international affairs from George Washington University. Greer grew up in Gary, West Virginia and was the son of a coal miner and union Walter Thomas Greer and wife Vesta Elaine Long. 'Greer's maternal grandfather was born into slavery, yet Greer and his two siblings all attended college just two generations later,' his family said. Greer is survived by his son Michael Edward Greer, MD (Steve Bryant and former wife Pamela Greer-Walker, MD) and his grandchildren Lisa Cobb, Alissa Maru (Anteneh), and Vaun Greer (Cynthia), along with six great-grandchildren Melia, Morgan, Maya, Zinzi, Clarke and Jude. He was preceded in death by his wife of 73 years, Jewell Means Greer, his daughter Gail Sharon Lyle and son Kenneth Wayne Greer. Memorial arrangements will be announced for El Paso and Washington, D.C. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
