Patriot Guard Riders celebrate a Lancaster hero

This afternoon dozens of Patriot Guard Riders honored a living Western New York veteran with a celebration. 

84-year old Army Corporal Erwin William Blair was surprised with the celebration at Town Line Fire House in Lancaster. Blair known to family and friends as Vintage Bill is a Korean War veteran. He was honorably discharged from active duty and reserves by 1960. He received the Korean and United Nations Service Medals and the Presidential Unit Citation. 

Now the 84-year-old is battling health issues. 

“We decided that we want to honor him while he’s with us, rather than waiting until later,” Don Higgins with Patriot Guard Riders said. 

After his service to the country, Blair devoted decades to the Boy Scouts, Town Line Fire and Patriot Guard Riders. 

“You do what you can, when you can, how you can, where you can,” Blair said 

Blair was presented a plaque, cookie-cake, and a large picture of him in his military uniform at 30-years-old. 

“I’ve watched these guys at funerals stand there and the person who was there didn’t get to see that. That was amazing for him to see that honor from them and I love them for it,” Lisa Blair said.