Pinkerton, a city native, graduated from Santa Paula High School and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. A commissioned 2nd Lieutenant Field Artillery through the Army’s ROTC program, after serving 30 months in Germany and a promotion, Pinkerton, a captain, was assigned to G3 Operations, 1st Field Force Vietnam.From June 1970 to June 1971 as Chief, G3 Air, Pinkerton planned and coordinated artillery for fire, helicopter and USAF close artillery fire support for the II Corps area, Central Highlands, Vietnam. This strategic area encompassed over 45 percent of the landmass in South Vietnam and included the tri-border area of Laos and Cambodia. Pinkerton retired as a field Artillery Lt. Colonel - after 23 years of active duty - in 1999.A graduate of the Army Command and Staff College and Army War College, Pinkerton has commanded at the battery and battalion levels. Among his awards are the Bronze Star and Vietnam Campaign Medal, as well as multiple Defense Meritorious Service and Vietnam Service medals.Married to Donna - another Santa Paula native - since 1966, the Pinkertons reside on the family ranch west of the city and enjoy family time. Pinkerton is the past president of the Ventura County Farm Bureau and he continues to serve the community on various boards and commissions.
Memorial Day Observance: Mercer-Prieto VFW continues community tradition
May 21, 2008
Santa Paula News
The observance of Memorial Day is a community tradition, and Mercer-Prieto VFW Post 2043 is inviting the whole community to share in remembering on Monday at Pierce Brothers Santa Paula Cemetery.
By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesThe observance of Memorial Day is a community tradition, and Mercer-Prieto VFW Post 2043 is inviting the whole community to share in remembering on Monday at Pierce Brothers Santa Paula Cemetery. The Memorial Day Observance will be held at 10:30 a.m. and feature an address by Robert “Bob” Pinkerton, U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel (Ret).Before the program the Isbell Middle School Band, with Juliett Resor conducting, will offer a musical prelude. VFW Post Commander William Florio will welcome the crowd before the singing of the National Anthem accompanied by the Isbell Band. Post Chaplain John W. Bailey will offer the invocation.After Pinkerton’s address, the Placing of the Wreaths will be conducted at the GAR Monument followed by the release of “Heavenly Doves” by Jerry Garcia. Mercer-Prieto Post 2043 and the Korean War Veterans Association (KWVA) Chapter 56 combined Rifle Squad will salute departed comrades, and Rudy Arellano, the KWVA bugler, will play “Taps,” which will conclude the ceremony.
