We have been invited by the family to attend the arrival as SPC Richard Sandoval comes home and honor their Hero, we will be privileged to do so. SPC Richard Sandoval died in a car accident on Sunday, 01 July, near his duty station in Ft. Riley, Kansas. He will arrive home to his family on Saturday, 07 July at Ontario Airport, we will meet him and accompany the Hero and the family to a location TBA.

Richard Sandoval

The PGR has been invited to assist the Ca NG Honor Team at RNC to honor those vets who have been left at RNC without family to honor them and no military honors having been rendered.

 

It was at first announced that there would be no services on 4 July 2012 however the Honor Team has request that we provide our services as there are already names listed for honors.

We will also be honoring, at the widow's request, CPO (ret) Joseph P. Allen, USN, who passed 05 JUL 2002 and is buried at Riverside National Cemetery but did not receive his honors at time of interment.

 

We met at Shelter "F" at RNC at 0845 hrs with Military Honors rendered at 0900 hrs. There are no burials so we should be done around 0915 hrs so you will be able to meet other commitments.

 

May the souls of these vets rest in eternal peace beneath the carpet of green of a place of honor.

 

We are their family.
 

“If we cannot do him honor while he's here to hear the praise,

Then at least let's give him homage at the ending of his days,

Perhaps just a simple headline in a paper that would say,

Our Country is in mourning, for a soldier died today.”

Vets wo Families 4Jul2012

The Command of a USMC Unit is about to deploy to Afghanistan and has invited the Patriot Guard Riders (PGR) to send them off on their mission and accompany them to their departure point. We have rode with several of this unit’s companies earlier in the week and it would again be our honor to be with them on Friday as the last elements of this unit go off to defend our country (some for their very first time in harm’s way and for many on their 2nd, 3rd, 4th, or more tour). Those who can make it, let us come out and show how much we care for these Marines and Sailors and the families too that they yet again, leave behind.

Marine Send Off 29Jun2012

The family of Michael Pedroza has invited the Patriot Guard Riders (PGR) to accompany them on this his final journey. Michael was born in West Covina on October 8, 1949 and died on June 3, 2012.

Michael joined the U.S. Army in 1976 and retired as a Sergeant after a 20 year career. Michael was in the communications field while in the Army.

After his honorable discharge from the Army, Michael worked for Long Beach Transit.

Michael is survived by his wife, Marguerite.

Michael Pedroza

The Patriot Guard Riders held a service for these Veterans with full military honors at Riverside National Cemetery. May the souls of these heroes rest in honored peace beneath the sod of a nation they helped to keep free.

The Veterans were:

Gerald Goldberg, 74, USA, Served honorably; Anthony Haugebak, 89, USA, WWII; Robert N. Kram, 72, USN, Vietnam; Michael J. Silver, 72, USN, Served honorably; Walter Vogel, 80, USAF, Served honorably; Thomas J. Mc Reynolds, 88, USA, WWII

We ARE their family.

“If we cannot do him honor while he's here to hear the praise,
Then at least let's give him homage at the ending of his days,
Perhaps just a simple headline in a paper that would say,
Our Country is in mourning, for a soldier died today.”
 

Veterans wo Families 20Jun2012

PFC Nathan T. Davis, 20, of Yucaipa, CA., died June 9, in Tore Obeh, Afghanistan, of injuries suffered when his vehicle was attacked with an enemy improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion (Airborne), 501st Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska.

Nathan T. Davis_2

Nathan T. Davis

Cpl. Anthony R. Servin, 22, of Moreno Valley, Calif., died June 8 while conducting combat operations in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, Calif.

 

Anthony R. Servin

The family of Albert P. Marinko asked the Patriot Guard Riders (PGR) to stand in respect for their loved one's honorable and faithful service to his country during WWII. Mr. Marinko like many of his countrymen, after the attack on Pearl Harbor, lied about his age (16 yrs old) and joined the Navy at the start of WWII. Mr. Marinko, Al as he was known to his family and loved ones, served his country in the Navy from 1942 to 1946 in the Pacific.

 

Al is also the hero of one of our local PGR members, Roland "Pegleg" Marchand. When Roland was wounded in Vietnam where he lost a leg that required nearly a year of rehab in the Oakland Naval Hospital, Roland's Uncle Al (his mother's brother) was there. Because of the distance Roland's parents had to travel to get to the hospital (from So Cal) they couldn't be there everyday so Al would come and check on Roland daily. This meant so much to a young recovering Marine.

 

According to Roland, "As the months went by he started making friends with all the young men in the Amputee Ward I was in. He would sit there and talk with them bring them candy, soda and sometimes sneak in some beer for the guys. Until the day I was discharged my Uncle Al was always making sure I had my meds everyday and even help clean my bed sores when the nurses were busy with other guys."

 

Mr. Marinko worked as a Supervisor with the Bay Area (San Francisco) Rapid Transit Authority, American Airlines, and owned a Cargo Ship "The Orient". Al is survived by his wife Mercedes of 22 years (and together for 34), 3 children, Peter, Michael, and Laura, and 6 Grand Children.

Albert P. Marinko

The PGR gathered at the Riverside National Cemetery in honor of those veterans who have, for one reason or another, been brought to RNC without any military honors having been rendered. We will gathered at Shelter "F" and remembered these vets with the help of the California National Guard Honor Team. The PGR stood by for these vets and held a service with full Military Honors.

“If we cannot do him honor while he's here to hear the praise, Then at least let's give him homage at the ending of his days, Perhaps just a simple headline in a paper that would say, Our Country is in mourning, for a soldier died today.” We are their family.

Veterans wo Family 6Jun2012

I joined about 275 other Veterans at Rancho Cucamonga High School for the 5th annual event.  The Patriot Guard Riders met at Corkys Bakery and Restaurant to stage for the ride to the high school.  We formed up and drove to the school with flags flying and music blaring.  The school was out on the sidewalk waiting for our arrival.  We got parked and were escorted into the gym where coffee and fruit were brought to our table.

The Flag presentation, pledge and the students sat across the table and we talked.   They asked about our military service, the draft, what was it like?  We did our best to answer and give them our views of those long ago years.  The students and staff were very respectful and made us all feel welcome and I look forward to doing this again next year.

Rancho Remembers 2012

The PGR will hold a service on Wednesday 2 May, 2012 for recently deceased Veterans with full military honors at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, CA 92518. There will be no escort required for this mission. May the souls of these heroes rest in honored peace beneath the sod of a nation they helped to keep free. We ARE their family.

“If we cannot do him honor while he's here to hear the praise, Then at least let's give him homage at the ending of his days, Perhaps just a simple headline in a paper that would say, Our Country is in mourning, for a soldier died today.”

Vets wo Families 2May2012

The Patriot Guard Riders were invited to participate in the City of Riverside Salute To Veterans Parade.  We cleaned up the bikes and cages and showed up to lead the parade.  Following are some pictures of staging before the parade.

Salute to Veterans 2012

The Patriot Guard Riders held a service on Wednesday April 18, 2012 for these vets with full military honors at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, CA 92518.

 

May the souls of these heroes rest in honored peace beneath the sod of a nation they helped to keep free.

The Veterans were: DANIELS, JOHNNEY, USMC, VIETNAM, AGE 71; YOFF, FRED, USA, VIETNAM, AGE 72; GREEN, CARL, USN, VIETNAM, AGE 57

“If we cannot do him honor while he's here to hear the praise,

Then at least let's give him homage at the ending of his days,

Perhaps just a simple headline in a paper that would say,

Our Country is in mourning, for a soldier died today.”

Veterans wo Families 18Apr2012

The Patriot Guard Riders will hold a service on Wednesday April 11, 2012 for these veterans with full military honors at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, CA 92518. Those wishing to escort the Veterans from Rose Hills Mortuary, 3888 Workman Mill Rd, Whittier, CA 90601 should meet at the mortuary office and be ready for a 9:00 AM departure.  May the souls of these heroes rest in honored peace beneath the sod of a nation they helped to keep free.

The Veterans are: Yetman, Robert, 68, USA, Vietnam; Bond, Norman, 87, USA WWII; Rega, Ronald, 62, USA, Vietnam; Bauer, Dean, 83, USA, WWII; Leonard, Robert, 93, USA, WWII; Lopez, Albert, 75, USA, Vietnam . We ARE their family.

“If we cannot do him honor while he's here to hear the praise,
Then at least let's give him homage at the ending of his days,
Perhaps just a simple headline in a paper that would say,
Our Country is in mourning, for a soldier died today.”

Vets wo Families 11Apr2012

The Family of Ruben Delgadillo has invited the Patriot Guard to honor and participate in his Services and Military Honors. Mr. Delgadillo was a life long resident of Corona. He served in the United States Army with the Army's Signal Corps as a Radio Repairman. Ruben would go on to earn his Master's Degree and served within his community's education system as a well-liked and respected school counselor for more than 30 years. His family recalls his enjoyment of the holidays, always bringing family together and sharing with everyone. He was a devoted husband to his wife of more than 49 years.

 

Mr. Delgadillo is survived by his loving wife Rachel, a loving father to his children: daughters, Dr. Helen Van Keulen & husband Daryl, Linda Yeomans, Dr. Terris Delgadillo, Barbara Pugliese & husband John, sons, Dr. Charles and Michael Delgadillo.

 

Services will be held at the St. Edwards Catholic Church 417 W. Grand Blvd. Corona CA 92882 on Monday, 2 April. We will then accompany our honored veteran to Riverside National Cemetery where he will receive full Military Honors.

Ruben Delgadillo

The family of SGT Larry "Trey" G. Ransom III has invited the Patriot Guard to attend and honor this Hero and the family. SGT Ransom was in the U.S. Army for 8 years from 2003 until his honorable discharge and medical retirement in 2011 and served in Iraq where he was severely injured in battle and was awarded the Purple Heart. Trey was also a member of the Patriot Guard here in So California and came to several missions with his good buddy Larry "Dago" Morello, one of our PGR brothers. Trey also loved to ride. SGT Ransom is survived by his wife Sarah, and 3 sons, Larry, Alex and Christian. The family will have a service at Atcheson & Graham Garden of Prayer in Riverside, CA and then we will accompany SGT Ransom on his last ride to Riverside National Cemetery where he will receive his military honors.

Larry Trey G. Ransom III

After the Veterans Without Family mission The Mayor invited some of us to go with him to UCR where his wife works.  We met some of the children in the development center and they came out to look at the motorcycles.  What fun to see their faces light up.

UC Riverside Child Care

The PGR held a service on Wednesday 28 March 2012 for Veterans from Los Angeles County Coroner with full military honors at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, CA 92518. May the souls of these heroes rest in honored peace beneath the sod of a nation they helped to keep free.

The Veterans are: Robert Roy Awbrey Age 73, Chevalier Morris Williams Age 66, John Michael Wozny Age 72, Roxann Mona Peters Age 53 (daughter of Veteran Earl Peters)

We ARE their family.

“If we cannot do him honor while he's here to hear the praise,
Then at least let's give him homage at the ending of his days,
Perhaps just a simple headline in a paper that would say,
Our Country is in mourning, for a soldier died today.”

Vets wo Families 28Mar2012

The family of George C. Severance from Lake Elsinore, CA requested the Patriot Guard Riders to come to Riverside Nat’l Cemetery on Wed., 21 March to honor their hero and his honorable and faithful service to his country at his final rest. Mr. Severance is a Vietnam Veteran of the U.S. Army. He grew up in Ohio moved to Huntington Beach at the age of 12 and resided with his wife of 14 yrs, Doris in Lake Elsinore.

 

Mr.. Severance was 65 yrs old and is survived by his wife of 14yrs Doris, two adult children, Christine and George and 4 grandchildren. George worked as a mechanical repairman most of his adult life; most recently for the Elsinore School District.

George C. Severance

The City of Temecula had a public service of Proclamation & Dedication of a Memorial Stone in the name of Cpl Christopher Singer, 23, KIA Afghanistan 21 Jan 12. We attended the arrival and funeral with military honors for Cpl Singer in Jan and Feb of this year. We have been invited by his father to attend this ceremony in his honor at the City of Temecula Duck Pond and Veterans Memorial, 28250 Ynez Rd, Temecula, CA.

Memorial Stone 21Mar2012

The PGR held a service on Wednesday 21 March 2012 for recently deceased Veterans from San Bernardino County with full military honors at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, CA 92518. As these Veterans had already been interred at RNC therewas no escort for this mission. May the souls of these heroes rest in honored peace beneath the sod of a nation they helped to keep free.

 

The Veterans were: Kenneth Ray Napier, USN, Korea, Age 79, Edward Francis Hiland, USAF, Age 76, Leonard Alvin Swenstad, USA, Korea, Age 82 and William John Shewman, USMC, Vietnam, Age 62

We ARE their family.

Vets wo Families 21Mar2012

A few weeks ago the PGR was honored to welcome to Ontario CA an original member of the Tuskegee airman. This opportunity to meet and speak to living history was priceless.

Now the PGR has been invited to meet 12 more men of history. On Saturday 10 March 2012 twelve (12) Marines who survived Iwo Jima will depart LAX on a trip that will take them back to Iwo Jima. Yes the Iwo Jima that is immortalized by the iconic flag raising photo and statue.

The PGR has been asked to accompany these Marine heroes from the LAX Radisson 6225 W Century Blvd, Los Angeles CA. to the American Airlines LAX departure terminal (upper Level). The PGR will then be given passes that will allow us to go to the departure gate (following TSA screening so bring your Government issued Photo ID with you). There you will be treated to refreshments and have the opportunity to meet and talk to these Marine Heroes that are part of our “Greatest Generation”. The flight departs at 0745.
 

What a morning!  Up at 2:00am, a quick bite to eat at IHOP with the folks that closed the bars then off to LAX.  Parking is always a premium around the airport but the valets at the Radisson beat a hasty retreat as the bikes and cages began arriving.  There was already one of the Vets in the lobby and I got a chance to talk to him and show him the booklet that dad put together about his time in  WWII. He and several others said they wished they could thank my dad for his service on Iwo.

More of the Iwo Veterans began to show up in the lobby and it began to get crowed so we moved outside.  At one point I was talking to one of them and he mentioned that he needed to go back to his room and get his luggage. I asked if he needed any help and he said, "yes".  I stood in front of the door and yelled out to the crowd, "We need some bodies to help with the luggage!"  Its a good thing that I got out of the way when the stampede arrived at the door.

Our police escort arrived and we staged in the street in front of the hotel as the busses picked up our Vets.  The police said we would be able to park at the curb between the international Terminal and the American Airlines Terminal.  We then led our Vets to the airport where I parked in front of a fire hydrant while listening to "the yellow zone is for loading and unloading only."  I was parked there for over an hour.

We went inside the terminal and each of us had to show "picture ID", get a "Priority Access" boarding pass and go through security.  We went out to the boarding gate where a sendoff ceremony took place with brief speeches by American Airlines, The USO and Cpt Dale Dye.  Cpt Dye is escorting the Vets on their trip to Okinawa, Tinian, Saipan and Iwo Jima.

Iwo Jima Survivors 2012

The family and friends of Leo Alexander requested the Patriot Guard to assemble to honor him for his loyal and faithful service to a grateful nation.

SGT Alexander fought for our freedom in the Korean War and was also stationed in Germany. Leo continued to serve after his honorable discharge by serving as a LA Sheriffs Deputy and retiring after 20 years.

Leo Alexander

The Patriot Guard Riders were invited by the family of Sgt. Justin A. Everett, USMC to attend the services for their fallen hero. Sgt. Everett was killed along with six other Marines in a routine helicopter training accident last week just outside Yuma, AZ. Sgt. Everett joined the Marine Corps in Feb 2002. He was assigned to HMLA 469, 3^rd MAW at Camp Pendleton as an H1 Crew Chief. He and the other Marines were training for what would have been Sgt. Everett’s first deployment to Afghanistan which would have been his fourth combat tour in the middle east.

Sgt. Everett is survived by his wife of 11yrs Holly, and children Avery 5, and Jacob 2. They resided in the French Valley area of Murrieta, CA. He is also survived by his parents James Sr. and Patsy, brothers James, Jason, and Jeremy. Several of Sgt Everett’s family members have served and are currently serving in the military and several as crew chiefs. Sgt. Everett grew up in Fresno, CA where he graduated in 1996 from Reedley High School.

Justin A. Everett

The Patriot Guard Riders (PGR) held a service on Wednesday February 29, 2012 for these vets with full military honors at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, CA 92518.

 

May the souls of these heroes rest in honored peace beneath the sod of a nation they helped to keep free.
The Veterans are: Kenneth Balchunas, Army Vietnam Age 58; Herrin, Donnie Navy Korea Age 74; William Dickman, Army Korea Age 80; Robert Johnson, Army Vietnam Age 64 Army; Raymond Richardson, Army Vietnam Age 65; Robert Clark, Navy Korea Age 78

“If we cannot do him honor while he's here to hear the praise, Then at least let's give him homage at the ending of his days, Perhaps just a simple headline in a paper that would say, 'Our Country is in mourning, for a soldier died today'.”

Veterans wo Family 29Feb2012

On Wednesday 22 February 2012, five (5) Veterans were brought to Riverside National Cemetery by Dignity's Rose Hills Mortuary. Four (4) Veterans were brought to Riverside National Cemetery by Los Angeles County. One (1) was brought to RNC by San Bernardino County. The Veterans are: Aubrey Farris, 52, USN, Cold War; Jessie Whittaker, 82, USA, Korea; Ricci Smith, 55, USA, Cold War; John Galvez, 58, USA, Vietnam; Leon Litvin, 74, USN, Cold War; Walter James Hunter, 61, USMC, Vietnam; Paul Howard Peshlakai, 72, USN, Vietnam; Robert Leonard Abbott, 77, USAF, Cold War; Thomas Jay Carrigan, 77, USA, Cold War; Richard Garcia Serna, 60, USA, Vietnam The PGR held a service on Wednesday 22 February 2012 for these Veterans with full military honors at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, CA 92518. May the souls of these heroes rest in honored peace beneath the sod of a nation they helped to keep free. We ARE their family.

"If we cannot do him honor while he's here to hear the praise, Then at least let's give him homage at the ending of his days, Perhaps just a simple headline in a paper that would say, Our Country is in mourning, for a soldier died today."

Vets wo Families 22Feb2012

On Wednesday 15 Feb 2012, the PGR gathered at Riverside National Cemetery to honor those veterans that have been left at RNC without services or honors.

"If we cannot do him honor while he's here to hear the praise, Then at least let's give him homage at the ending of his days, Perhaps just a simple headline in a paper that would say, Our Country is in mourning, for a soldier died today."

Vets wo Families 15Feb2012_1

The family of Mel Lowe invited the Patriot Guard Riders to attend and participate in their loved one's service and military honors at Riverside National Cemetery. Mel was a Vietnam veteran and served in the U. S. Army from 1965 to 1971, and is a recipient of the Purple Heart for his wounds in battle in defending our freedom. Mel was always very proud of his service and a dedicated patriot who loved his country. Mel and his family are long time residents of Hemet, CA, and very active in the community, in fact Mel's wife Robin was the mayor of Hemet for 4 terms. Mel's wife of 23 years, Robin Lowe, survives him along with their daughter, Sheila Lowe Delk and their son-in-law Russ Delk.

Mel Lowe

George Hickman Jr. one of the original Tuskegee Airmen arrived at Ontario International Airport (ONT) today aboard Alaska Airlines flight # 538. The following is from a recent news article” The 84-year-old Hickman is one of the original Tuskegee Airmen, the country's first black military pilots and ground crew, who fought in World War II. They returned home to discrimination, exclusion from victory parades — and, as Hickman recalls, the humiliation of being pushed off sidewalks in the South and spit at while in uniform.” During their time in combat the “Red Tails” never lost an aircraft that they were escorting. Bomber crews called the “Red-Tailed Angles” We have a chance to welcome George home and brush up against history.

George Hickman Jr

The family of Charles "Charlie" William Corsi Jr. has asked the Patriot Guard Riders (PGR) to stand in honor of their loved one. Charlie proudly served as an enlisted member in the US Army where he was stationed in New Jersey and promoted to Sergeant within a very short period of time. After his time in the service, Charlie moved to Southern California where he met his first wife Jeri and together they raised 3 children, Lori, Jeff and Teri. Charlie worked for the City of Anaheim for 5 years before he took the leap to become Charlie Corsi, Realtor, at Red Carpet Realty. He later became a broker and bought a Red Carpet franchise and then a Realty World franchise. His real estate expertise and reputation led him to receive much recognition and many awards. Charlie is survived by his Wife, Patricia Moreira-Corsi, sister Joanne Corsi Villano (Tom), son Jeff Corsi, daughter Lori Corsi Meier (Jeff)., step children Calle Hendry, Coree Del Giorgio, Sidney, Robert and Ashley Quintanilla.

Charles W. Corsi, Jr

On Wednesday 1 Feb 2012, four (4) American Heroes were brought to Riverside National Cemetery by the Los Angeles County Coroner for burial.

 

The Veterans were:

 

Louis Angel Andrade, age 80, U.S. Air Force, Korea
Felix Luis Salgado, age 80, U.S. Army, Korea
Richard David Cortez, age 64, U.S. Navy, Viet Nam
Richard Hobson, age 88, U.S. Navy, WW II

The PGR held a service with full Military Honors at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd, Riverside, Ca.

Mission Video

 

Vets wo Families 1Feb2012

The family of Agustin Moreno asked the Patriot Guard Riders (PGR) to stand in honor of their loved one.  Agustin proudly served his country during the Vietnam War. He was a business owner for over 30 years in the transportation industry.  Agustin will be forever remembered in the hearts of his loving wife Imelda, his son Everardo Agustin, daughters Magdalena, Monica and Imelda, siblings, Alberto, Christina, Jesus, Maria and Blanca and Felipe.
 

Agustin Moreno

The family and friends of Robert Marrone requested the PGR to assemble and honor Robert for his faithful and loyal service to his country in the United States Army during WWII.

 

Robert is survived by his wife Sara. Robert and Sara were born in Detroit, MI and have spent the last 50 years in California. They lived n the City of Orange before moving to Corona.

Robert Marrone

National Cemetery. These heroes were brought to RNC by the Coroner of San Bernardino during the last On Wednesday 18 January 2012, four (4) Veterans Without Family were provided honors at Riverside week. The Veterans were: Berry, Gerald Duane Wilson, Jerry Wayne Fletcher, Jonathan Phillips, William Castro May the souls of these heroes rest in honored peace beneath the sod of a nation they helped to keep free. We ARE their family.

Vets wo Families 18Jan2012

SGT Noah M. Korte, U.S. Army, was deployed to Afghanistan in Dec, 2011, his first deployment to Afghanistan, after completing 3 deployments to Iraq over his nearly 9 year career in the Army. Tragically, he was killed by an IED shortly after being assigned there. We have been invited by his family to honor this brave warrior.

On Monday 09 January 2012 SGT Korte arrived home to his family. The PGR  staged at Guardian Air Services 1150 S. Vineyard Avenue, Ontario, CA 91761. Following SGT Korte’s arrival the PGR accompanied SGT Korte & his Family to the Walker Family Chapel, 601 Crane Street, Lake Elsinore, CA 92530.

 

SGT Korte, of Lake Elsinore, attended high school in Wildomar, where he played football. He enlisted in the Army in 2003 and served with the 720th MP Battalion based in Fort Hood, TX.

 

Noah is survived by his wife, Kristi, two young children and his parents.
 

Noah M. Korte

On Wednesday 04 January 2012, we gathered at Shelter "F" at Riverside National Cemetery to honor those who have had cremains left at the cemetery during the past week and were interred without their proper Military Honors.  May the souls of these vets rest in honored peace beneath the sod of a country they helped to keep free.

Vets wo Families 4Jan2012