Well known for his service and dedication to his country and community, retired First Sergeant Henry Gatewood will be laid to rest this weekend. Members of Brown-Bishop Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 704 say they are feeling his loss immensely.
Former post commander, Neil Hudson, described Henry as a good man and a good friend.
“He was always there, ready to go,” Hudson said.
Everyone who spoke of Gatewood noted that he was an integral part of the VFW.
“Henry was a man that had the ability to connect with every person, and he knew how to motivate you to want to do more, and be better,” VFW Post 704 Senior Vice Commander Angela Johnson said. “He had a very big heart for the youth and their welfare. And he was never too busy to take the time to talk to you.”
Johnson said one never had to ask Henry if he was going to be at a function. VFW 704 Commander Don Burris said he was always there.
Junior Vice Commander Lonnie Smith described Gatewood as the post’s dictionary, due to his extensive knowledge of ceremonial procedure.
“He knew the book on drill land ceremony,” Burris said.
Johnson highlighted Gatewood’s leadership and noted that he had the foresight to notice, as the Vietnam era veterans were aging, that the Gulf War era veterans needed to start stepping up.
“He put us in leadership positions and mentored us, and guided us to be very successful, and help keep the doors open for future veterans. This is our home,” Johnson said.
Burris said the members of VFW Post 704 will keep Henry Gatewood’s legacy alive.
“He has some very big shoes to fill,” Burris said.
Johnson said she has been trying to step up and be like Gatewood.
“We taught the flag etiquette class to the Cub Scouts last night, so that they could earn a badge. That is something Henry would have done,” Johnson said.
Burris said that Gatewood gave them the tools to continue his legacy of serving local veterans and the community.
Though he was a highly decorated war veteran, those who knew him said he was humble.
Gatewood entered basic training for the United States Army at Fort Jackson in South Carolina. Next, he began advanced individual training at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri.
His stateside assignments as an Army advisor with the 875th Combat Engineer Battalion were: Fort Meade, Maryland; Fort Belvoir, Virginia; Fort Carson, Colorado; Fort Capp, Pennsylvania; West Point, New York; and Jonesboro, Arkansas, according to his obituary.
He also served overseas in Germany, and had tours in Panama, Nicaragua, Korea, and Vietnam with the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, 919th Engineer Company, and fourth platoon.
Henry had a very suc-
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HENRY A. GATEWOOD
following awards: the Silver Star; the Bronze Star; the Purple Heart with oak leaf cluster — meaning that he received the award multiple times; a Meritorious Service medal with oak leaf clusters; an Army Commendation medal with oak leaf clusters; the Arkansas Commendation medal; an Army achievement medal; a Good Conduct medal multiple times; a National Defense Service medal; a Korean Service medal; a Vietnam Service medal with three Bronze Stars, Campaign TET 69 counteroffensive Vietnam summer/fall 69/ Vietnam winter- spring 70; a Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, 3rd Level; Army Service Ribbon; Overseas Service Ribbon; Republic of Vietnam Campaign medal; Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with Palm; President Unit Citation; Imjin Scout Badge; Jungle Expert Badge; Driver-Mechanic Badge; and an Expert/Sharp Shooter Badge Small Arms.
His duty positions included combat engineer, squad leader, platoon sergeant, drill sergeant, Army advisor, intelligence sergeant, instructor, and first sergeant. Henry retired from the Army on Dec. 1, 1985, after 25 years of active duty.
“I ask myself, ‘how did all of that fit in that little fivefoot- seven, slim, trim, body of his?’ Because he was everything to everybody,” Johnson said. “It’s going to take the village of veterans to try and fill his shoes. But he left us such a good role model.”
Of his passion to support the youth, Burris noted that Gatewood was always offering to take leftovers to the Youth Crisis Center. Johnson also said Gatewood deeply cared for the Second Chance Education Center.
Burris said another word to describe Henry was diplomatic.
“The guy knew how to diffuse pretty much any situation. And he would help you understand both sides of a story or both sides of whatever may be going on. He was a diplomat.” Burris said.
Johnson said that Gatewood would never tell someone what to do, but he would say something that would make one think and evaluate their choices.
“I can’t even imagine how many lives he has impacted. He made the world a better place,” Johnson said “I think he came into this world humble, and went out humble.”
“We all love him, and we are all going to miss him,” Johnson said.
“Every day,” Smith added. “We are going to do all we can to preserve his legacy,” Burris said.
It was said that the VFW was a fundamental part of who Gatewood was, and that is fitting for his funeral service to be held at Brown-Bishop at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 15, with full military honors.
