Russell Pittsley turned 99 today. He is an active member of the Middleboro Veterans 21 gun salute team. He is the oldest active member of an honor guard firing squad in the United States. Pittsley, who was deployed to the Pacific during World War II. An active member of Simeon L. Nickerson Post 64 he lives in Middleboro, Each day he walks up two flights to his second story apartment, and still drives himself wherever he needs to go. He is a regular participant in the veterans coffee group that takes command of a wing of the Middleboro MacDonalds about 8:30 am every day. He has been a constant presence for many years of the John F. Glass VFW Post 2188, the Simeon L. Nickerson American Legion Post 64 as well as the Honor Guard.
Russ was also recently honored by Chapter 499 of the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) in New Bedford, MA on Saturday, March 30th. The presentation of a plaque honoring Russell was made by Jack Remedis, President of the VVA. The event took place at the chapters Vietnam Veteran's Recognition Day ceremony at the Fort Taber Community Center.
The VVA recognized Russell for his many years on the Middleboro Veterans Honor Guard. The group has honored fellow veterans at their wakes, funerals and burials. Pitts was also recognized for his participation in community events in Middleboro with the Honor Guard.
The Middleboro Veterans Honor Guard is comprised of representatives from all branches of the service. It provides military Honor Guard services for funerals and burials of veterans both locally and at the Bourne National
Cemetery. The Honor Guard also participates in parades, wakes and various flag raising events.
A complete history of Russell Pittsley's military career appears in a Post 64 timeline event dated August 1, 2013.
View more history for Post 64 in Middleborough, Massachusetts
