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Laughlin honor guard salutes former Reserve chief

The Laughlin Air Force Base Honor Guard carries the casket of retired Maj. Gen. Homer Lewis in Eagle Pass, Texas, on Oct. 28, 2015. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Steven R. Doty)

The Laughlin Air Force Base Honor Guard carries the casket of retired Maj. Gen. Homer Lewis in Eagle Pass, Texas, on Oct. 28, 2015. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Steven R. Doty)

Senior Airman David Lucas, a 47th Operations Support Squadron air traffic controller, ejects a round in Eagle Pass, Texas, Oct. 28, 2015. Historically, three volleys of rifle fire are fired to indicate that the casualties had been cared for in a combat environment, and that the fighting could resume. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Brandon May)

Senior Airman David Lucas, a 47th Operations Support Squadron air traffic controller, ejects a round in Eagle Pass, Texas, Oct. 28, 2015. Historically, three volleys of rifle fire are fired to indicate that the casualties had been cared for in a combat environment, and that the fighting could resume. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Brandon May)

Staff Sgt. Richard Bates, the honor guard NCO in charge, presents the flag to retired Maj. Gen. Homer I. Lewis’ wife Ingrid in Eagle Pass, Texas, on Oct. 28, 2015. Upon presentation of the flag, the presenter says, “On behalf of the president of the United States, and a grateful nation, please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for your loved one's honorable and faithful service.” (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Steven R. Doty)

Staff Sgt. Richard Bates, the honor guard NCO in charge, presents the flag to retired Maj. Gen. Homer I. Lewis’ wife Ingrid in Eagle Pass, Texas, on Oct. 28, 2015. Upon presentation of the flag, the presenter says, “On behalf of the president of the United States, and a grateful nation, please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for your loved one's honorable and faithful service.” (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Steven R. Doty)

LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The Laughlin Air Force Base Honor Guard rendered military honors to a former chief of the Reserves Oct. 28 at the Maverick County Cemetery in Eagle Pass, Texas.

The funeral honored retired Maj. Gen. Homer I. Lewis who passed away at his home in Eagle Pass on Oct. 21. He was 96.

On March 8, 1971, Lewis was nominated by then-President Richard Nixon to serve as chief of Air Force Reserve. The nomination was confirmed by the Senate the next month, and he was ordered to extended active duty for four years.

In 1972, Lewis assumed the additional duty as Air Force Reserve commander before he retired in 1975.

His military decorations and awards include the Legion of Merit, Air Medal and the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award Ribbon.,

Lewis is survived by his three sons Peter Stephen, William, and his wife Ingrid.