Hello Everyone,
I am up in Paradise, Ca. I have been wondering what took me so long to join. Up
until last April my husband and I never heard of the PGR. Then our Son, PFC.
Steven J. Walberg-Riotto was killed in Iraq. The PGR was just wonderful. It
moved me to tears to see everyone there, and just for us! Having the PGR there
REALLY made a difference for us! So, I had decided to sign up so that maybe we
can give the next gold star family a little comfort knowing that we care and
understand. I am still trying to figure out the web stuff. I do look forward to
meeting more members I just hope it isn't over final arrangements for a soldier.
The one quote that comes to mind though I don't know who said it is
If you can't stand behind our troops, then by all means feel FREE to stand IN
FRONT of them !!!!!
Forever Proud Gold Star Mom in Paradise, Ca. Karen Riotto
You can find more information at the
Patriot Guard Web Site.
Shift-Click pictures for more.
Jan 2 2009 Lcpl Robert L Johnson age 21 The PGR started the new year with Lcpl Johnson's service at Rose Hills in Whittier. It was a cool foggy morning but the PGR stood tall to show our respect for this young Marine.
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| Robert Johnson |
Aug 14 2008 Ivan Wilson USMC age 22
I crawled out of my trailer at 4:30 this morning to a dark 55 degree morning.
I have spent six weeks in Arcata with the hippies and it was time for some
reality and so I started our on a 300 mile drive to show respect for this young
Marine who gave all in Afghanistan. About five hours later after a brief
stop for fuel and breakfast a group of about 15 bikers pulls onto the freeway.
I pulled up beside one and we exchanged waves - it was some Patriot Guard
Riders. I fell in behind and followed them to Sacramento Airport. We
staged at a gas station and found that the plane was an hour late so we milled
around in the 99 degree temps drank water and Gatorade and waited. I
talked to one of the Hiway Patrol Officers and was told that the "Official" part
of the procession included only six of our bikes and they would try to "make up
some time" on the trip to Little Lake. The rest would have to
obey all traffic laws and signs as they would not be blocking intersections for
us. There were 68 bikes and 2 cages as we moved to the Executive Terminal
for the arrival of the charter jet. The plane arrived and LCpl Wilson
was met by the Marine Honor Guard and got underway for Lower Lake about 100
miles away. The Hiway Patrol did block the intersections for us and later
was joined by other police. Along the way there were more groups of bikes
at the side of the road holding flags as we passed they would then join in.
We had to pass through a construction zone that had only one line of traffic
open. As we went by all of the construction workers took off their hard
hats and held them over their hearts. We did "make up some time"! We
stopped outside of Lower Lake so that we could put up the "big flags" on the
bikes now about 100 bikes and then started into town. It was now 107
degrees! On the edge of town was an electric sign blinking "Caution
Special Event". It seemed like the whole town was out with flags and
cameras. At one point we passed under two ladder trucks - ladders up and
holding a flag. The street here was lined with police and firemen
saluting. We wound through town and on to the Chapel. At the Chapel
we got out our flags as the Marines carried LCpl Wilson into the Chapel.
I left Lower Lake as I still had a four hour drive to get back to
Arcata. The drive through the big trees and the lowering temperatures gave
me plenty of time to reflect on what in means to belong to the Patriot Guard.
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| Ivan Wilson |
June 14 2008 Veterans Without Families
William Evans - US Army James Paul - USMC Donald Pauley - USAF Ronald Edwards - USMC
The Los Angeles County Coroner brought these four Veterans to Riverside for their final rest today.
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| Evens Paul Pauley Edwards |
June 12 2008
1st Sgt William Sesson
retired from the Army and was a Korea and Viet Nam veteran. He was presented the
Purple Heart.
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| William Sesson |
June 11, 2008, Four (4) Veterans
with no Family will be brought by the Los Angeles County Coroner to the
Riverside National Cemetery for burial.
The Veterans are:
[b] Patrick O'DRISCOLL[/b] age 54 U.S. Navy 3/28.1979 to 3/19/1983 and 01/1987
to 01/1989
[b] Curtis OWEN [/b]age 78 U.S. Army 02/1951 to 02/1953
[b] William KITTEN[/b] age 86 U.S. Army 09/1942 to 04/1946
[b] Gerald BUSER[/b] age 77 U.S. Army 01/26/1955 ti 01/24/1958
The PGR will be these Veterans Family and will hold a service with full Military
Honors at Riverside National Cemetery (RNC) 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, CA
92518-2740
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| 11 Jun 08 |
June 9 2008 Reginald Aragona WWII
Reginald served in WW II as a co-pilot on a B17. He flew 11 missions before he was shot down. On his eleventh mission when he realized that the plane was going down, he went to go get the rest of his men. The pilot and the navigator grabbed him and said it was too late they are gone. He would not listen. He told them he would not leave the plane without them. He ended up in a fight with the pilot and the navigator, which end with them throwing him out of the plane.
When he landed the German’s captured him and he was a prisoner of war for 18 months.
Here is an excerpt of the request:
"The one thing my grandfather asked for before he died was to make sure he got his 7-gun salute and Taps played. I was devastated when we arrived at Riverside National and was informed that they would not be able to perform the service because they had no one to do it."
The PGR with the Army Honor Guard will rectify this travesty and render 1st Lt Aragona his deserved Military Honors.
We did including a flyover by a P-51!
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| Regonold Aragona |
Pfc. Chad M. Trimble, 29, of West Covina, Calif., died May 28, near Gardez, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when his vehicle encountered an improvised explosive device. He was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Fort Campbell, Ky.
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| Trimble |
June 5 2008 Jose Louis Armeta Vietnam Vet USMC
This morning the Patriot Guard Riders were joined by motorcycle friends of Mr. Armeta for the procession from La Sierra Seventh Day Adventist Church in Riverside to Riverside National Cemetery. At RNC the Marine Honor Guard did the 21 gun salute - played Taps - and did the Flag Presentation.
Shift-Click the picture for more.
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| Jose Louis Armeta |
April 30 2008 Veterans Without Families
Paul Lunsford U S Army 1959-1963
Ivon Hill U S Army 1940-1945
John Martin U S Navy 1957-1958
James Cobb U S Army 1955-1956
This morning 30 bikes and 5 cages from The Patriot Guard Riders staged at Riverside National Cemetery to honor these four Hero's. Today we were their brothers and sisters - We have walked in each others footsteps.
Click picture for more.
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| Lunsford Hill Martin Cobb |
April 24 2008 Robert Merrill Peterson WWII POW
Although every PGR mission is special this one was particularly special as Merrill was a personal friend of my father. Now they both rest at Riverside National Cemetery. Mr. Peterson was on Wake Island in December 1941 and was injured when Japan attacked the island. He was then taken prisoner and spent almost 4 years as a POW. This morning the PGR assembled outside his daughter's home in Aliso Viejo to escort Merrill and his wife to Riverside National Cemetery. Their daughter Patti went above and beyond and provided coffee and muffins as we waited for the Limo to arrive. We even talked her friend Donna into going on a short ride with Doyle on his bike. The procession to RNC went well even though we had to re-form after the "Toll Booths". As we arrived at RNC another PGR member joined in. After a brief wait at the staging area we moved to the site for the ceremony and formed a flag line. The US Navy was present along with an ROTC group. The twenty-one-gun salute Taps and the flag presentation were impressive as always. At the end of the ceremony I had the honor of presenting Patti with some dog tags and the shells from the gun salute. Patti and her friends were very gracious to all of us as hugs and good wishes were exchanged.
Click Picture for more.
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| Robert Merrill Perterson |
April 19 2008 Riverside CA Salute to Veterans Parade
Today the Patriot Guard Riders joined with groups from all around Southern California for the City of Riverside Salute to Veterans Parade. We arrived at the pre-stage location about 6:30 am - grabbed a fast food breakfast and a cup of coffee while putting flags and signs on the vehicles. We went together to the Riverside City College at 7:30 where we lined up with the rest of the parade entries. By 8:00 we were ready to go but the parade didn't start until 10:00! This gave plenty of time to look at all the entries and meet some really neat people. I got to talk to two ladies that were WASP's (Women's Air Force Support Pilots) in WWII. These women picked up bombers and other plane's at the factories and flew them to the combat zones which freed up combat pilots. There were tanks - submarines - jeeps - trucks and even Stater Brothers Market got into the act.
Click picture for more.
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| Riverside Salute to Vets |
April 16 2008 Code Pink in Orange CA
I took a quick trip to Orange to check out the Code Pink anti-war demonstrators. I found a few friends there! As I walked to the "circle" I overheard one lady telling a young man in his 20's "Don't confront these people - Don't talk to them!" There were at least 4 times as many bikers with flags than there were pinkers. I almost called animal protection when I saw the dog with the pink scarf! That must be animal abuse. One biker arrived with the Marine Corp Hymn playing loudly from his bike. As I walked around taking pictures there was an older Asian lady sitting on a bench across the street with her dog. She made a point of saying that she had waved at us as she went by. It seemed that there were 2 - 3 times as many cars honking and waving at those holding flags than were honking at the pinkers.
Click picture for more.
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| Code Pink in Orange |
April 16 2008 Samuel Shrout age 66 USMC and Ishmael Livas age 76 USN
A Patriot Guard Rider contingent assembled at Riverside National Cemetery this morning. We were there for the ceremony for two veterans who died without families. The service was combined with the service which is given each month for veterans without families. This month there were 64! I also learned that the first soldier killed in action in Iraq/Afghanistan was buried at Riverside as was the 4,000th. There are 60 soldiers here from the current conflict.
We staged behind the administration building where the color guard was warming up and I got a picture of the bugler. Then we fed the ducks and got on with business. A bell was rung for each of the 64 soldiers as their name was read. The gun salute was given and taps was played. It is a sad commentary that these men have left us and their families couldn't be found.
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| Shrout & Livas |
PFC George Delgado, 21, Palmdale, CA April 3 2008
There was a service in Lancaster for Pfc Delgado this morning. I couldn't make it to the service but did find myself about 25 miles east of Palmdale waiting for the procession to pass on the way to Riverside National Cemetery. I should have paid more attention to the schedule as I waited for more than two hours as you can tell by the pictures of the Joshua Trees and snow capped mountains. Then I began to hear a roar that got louder and louder. Around the corner comes the "missing man" formation of bikes and the coach. A quick picture - salute the coach - jump in the truck and join in. The procession was a good quarter of a mile long with the family - friends - and the PGR. Traffic on I-215 through San Bernardino and Riverside was a challange for such a large group but we made it! Pvt. Delgado received a promotion to Private First Class - The Bronze Star - Purple Heart - and the Expert Combat Infantry Badge at the service. Rest easy Pfc. Delgado.
Click picture for more:
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| PFC Delgado |
Veterans Without Families April 2 2008
Dale Hermundson - US Navy
Richard Dillard - US Army
Paul Boyd - US Army
Anthony DePalma - US Navy
Fourteen Bikes and Five Cages gathered at Riverside National Cemetery in our First Veterans Without Families mission. We were joined by the niece and nephew of one soldier and Mr. Richard Blackaby of the National 4th Infantry Division Association. Mr. Blackaby has been present at these services for over a year and was often the only person present. You can see by the pictures of his car that his family is well represented in serving the USA. The last picture shows the newest "PGR Couple!"
Click picture for more.
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| Hermundson Dillard Boyd Depalma |
Gold Star Mother Virginia March 28 2008: The Patriot Guard joined Virginia's niece Ester to pay final respects in Westminster this morning. Virginia's son had been MIA in Viet Nam until just a few years ago when his remains were found - identified - and returned home. It was a privilege to be invited to honor this Gold Star Mother who had given so much.
Click picture for more.
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| Virgina Gold Star Mom |
March 27 2008
International
Forty members of The Patriot Guard assembled in San Diego for this convention. We were invited to participate in a presentation by one of the speakers who talked about services for veterans and how the PGR was involved. We entered the hall with our flags and lined up on both sides of the auditorium as the members stood and many placed their hands over their hearts. The ICCFA made a $2000 donation to the PGR and invited us to stay for lunch and check out the display area. One of the display's made a special effort to hand me their card. It was 1-800-Autopsy!!! It wasn't the recognition that I was looking for (ha ha).
As we were entering the hall I noticed a patch on the back of one of the PGR members. He was an Australian Veteran of Viet Nam! I told him that my brother had been Down-Under for the last 30 years. He then reached in his pocket and gave me a patch for my vest. It is an "Australian Viet Nam Forces" patch. I will wear this one proudly.
Click pictures for more.
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| SD Convention |
Charles E. Richardson III 1947-2008 US Army Vet Viet Nam
March 19 2008: The Patriot Guard turned out with about a dozen bikes and two cages to honor Mr. Richardson. We gathered in Lake Elsinore and escorted the coach and family to Grace Fellowship Church in Norco. After an intimate service where family members described his life we were invited by the family and the church to join them for a light lunch before escorting the coach and family back to Lake Elsinore. We will meet again on Friday for the procession to Riverside National Cemetery.
| Memories of Uncle Bill are always
filled with such great laughter. He had this way of making you laugh and
forever imprinted in my mind. My favorite memories are always the ones of
him working very hard at his shop with Uncle Kerry. When we would visit him
with Grandma or Mom (his sister Carol) he would always say something funny
and show us the work he was doing. He was very talented! I remember visiting
him and Aunt Nancy one time with their beautiful horses and he was so proud
and passionate about them. He is forever my mind and I know he is in a
wonderful place but yet he will be forever missed. He was loved from afar
and will always have a place in my heart. I know that God will bring peace
to Nancy and his very close loved ones. Lovingly, Gina (his neice) |
Click picture for more.
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| Charles Richardson |
March 21 2008
The PGR staged in Lake Elsinore for the escort to Riverside National Cemetery. After Willie gave the mission brief we set up a flag line and I was offered the special honor of carrying Mr. Richardson's urn down the flag line. I was proud to be a part of this tribute. Thank you Nancy for allowing me to help in this small way.
We departed Lake Elsinore and made one stop about 10 miles up the road to pick up the rest of the family that couldn't made it to the mortuary then on to Riverside National Cemetery. As we passed through the city of Perris there was a drivers license checkpoint that had the road backed up. We were waved through without any delay. Some more PGR members joined us and we now had 27 bikes and 6 cages. The Honor Guard performed the 21 Gun Salute - Taps - and the Presentation of the Flag. After the ceremony Mrs. Richardson came down to the bikes and gave a personal thank you to every member.
Click picture for more.
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| Day 2 |
Melvin (Mel) Durham US Army Vet WWII
We gathered in Bellflower this morning along with the friends and family of Melvin Durham. Mel fought in Africa and Italy as an infantryman. He was awarded 3 Bronze Stars and the Purple Heart. He was discharged as a Sergeant. After his service he became a musician playing the Base until his death at 93 years old.
Click picture for more.
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| Melvin Durham |
Dennis Gough US Army Viet Nam
Mar 7 2008
Eighteen bikes and four cages assembled at Riverside National Cemetery this morning to honor Dennis Gough. Mr. Gough must have been a car enthusiast as there were several classic cars at the service. There was a large turnout as the staging area overflowed with his friends.
Click picture for more.
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| Dennis Gough |
Herbert Rossner, US Army Korea 1951-1956
Feb 12 2008
With little more than 16 hours notice the PGR came through with twelve bikes and one cage at Riverside National Cemetery this morning to honor this Korean War Veteran. We met at the administration building and then moved to the Staging Area for the service. The family was at the staging area where Herbert's grandson, Andrew, captured everyone's attention and heart. Andrew ran around everyone's legs then shook hands and gave high fives, at least as high as a 2 year old can reach. Andrew was then treated to a seat on several of the bikes and his eyes grew large as the engine was started.
It was now time for the more solemn duty of rendering honors to his grandfather. The flag line formed, the rifle salute, Taps and the Flag presentation. Brass from the rifle salute was given to the family and Candyman spoke to close the ceremony. We will not forget Herbert or Andrew.
Click picture for more.
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| Andrew |
Pfc Brandon Meyer US Army age 20 Feb 9 and 11, 2008
Feb 11. What an awesome day 91 bikes and 10 cages showed up to honor Brandon A. Meyer 1987 - 2008. I want to thank everyone who participated and those whose thoughts were with us.
Three bikes and two cages staged at the mortuary while the main body staged at the church. Gunny sent ten more bikes to the mortuary to join the escort of Brandon to the church. The flag line formed as the casket was carried into the church and again as the family arrived.
PGR members from San Diego - Palm Springs - Inland Empire and others along with about 10 first timers were present. The City of Orange had four Motorcycle Officers at the church and thankfully their services were not needed. Chocolate Chip Cookies and water were plentiful and enjoyed by all.
During the service the "Missing Man Formation" was formed and "Road Guards" were volunteered and plans were amended several times!
As the service at the church ended we again formed the flag line. The trip to the cemetery was a success except that the R/C who was running sweeper for the entire procession made a wrong turn in the Texas Truck.
At the end of the service at the cemetery Brandon's father wanted to talk to the PGR. I can't quote him but among the things he mentioned were 9-11 and how it affected so many people including Brandon. Brandon would have joined the Army at age 14 if they would have let him. If Brandon would have known how his service to his country would end, he still would have gone and not changed any of it. He said that he never knew that there was a group like the PGR and could not express how he felt walking out of the church and seeing all of those people and all of those flags.
A few pictures have been added to those taken on the 9th. Click the link below.
Feb 9. I picked up Stew Hunter and we joined the PGR contingent from the Inland Empire for today's mission. We gathered at the USA Gas Station in Rancho Cucamonga and with the snow capped mountains as a backdrop we convoyed to John Wayne Airport to meet the plane. Parking at the airport was already in short supply and we had to shuffle the bikes around to make room as more kept arriving. We ended up with 81 bikes and 6 cages. The Army Honor Guard detail was already there. I put in a call to FAA in San Diego and the supervisor soon called back and said that the plane had just crossed the Colorado River and was 55 minutes out. Soon the airport fire trucks moved into position along with several police cars, all to show respect for Pfc Meyer. The airplane arrived and the solemn task of moving the casket to the hearse took place. Even though we were not allowed on the tarmac we stood by the fence and rendered salutes. Pfc Meyer had asked that everyone wear baby-blue and under the vests were blue shirts everywhere. The trip to the mortuary took place without a hitch if you think that 81 bikes can go across town without being noticed. Our Road Guards did an excellent job of blocking intersections and keeping us all together. We formed a flag line at the mortuary and rendered salutes to one more warrior.
Click picture for more.
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| Brandon Meyer |
Sgt James K Healy US Army age 25
The Department of Defense announced today the death of two soldiers who were supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. They died Jan. 7 of wounds suffered when their vehicle struck an improvised explosive device in Laghar Juy, Afghanistan. Sgt. James K. Healy, 25, of Hesperia, Calif, who died at Jalalabad Airfield, Afghanistan. He was assigned to the 703rd Explosive Ordnance Detachment, Fort Knox, Ky.
About two dozen members of the Patriot Guard and the Army Honor Guard were at John Wayne airport to wait with members of Sgt Healy's family for the charter jet to bring him home today. There must be some words that would make this easier but I don't know what they are. Rest easy soldier.
Click picture for more
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| James Healey |
We Are His Family - Alexander Rokov January 16, 2008. Mr. Rokov was an Army Veteran of Viet Nam and worked for the Post Office. He died with no next of kin. The Patriot Guard Riders and the AMVETS attended his service at Forest Lawn in Covina to render honors. Twenty Five bikes and one cage (my truck) represented the PGR. Today we were his family. As I walked back to my truck at the end of the ceremony there was a young man standing near where we had parked who had watched the ceremony, he said "That was just beautiful, really beautiful".
Click picture for more.
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| Alexander Rokov |
Otis Williams US Army
Mission Complete
Twelve bikes, two cages and two first timers met at the Riverside National
Cemetery
to honor and remember Otis Williams. Military honors were rendered for this vet,
a
member of an all black battalion who helped liberate the Philippines.
Good bye Otis Williams. You join the many from WW2 that have passed and gone to
heaven.
You will meet many of your old friends. We will remember you all.
Winger/RC
Click on picture for more.
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| Otis Williams |
David Joel Singleton 1942 - 2007
Mr. Singleton was a Viet Nam Veteran and Fireman. The city of Orange and Orange County Firemen along with the Tustin Police were present to show their respects. The service was in Yorba Linda followed by a brief service at Riverside National Cemetery. Two of the Fire Engines were in the procession to Riverside. Except for the missed turn by the Patriot Guard all went well.
Click the picture for more.
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| David Singleton |
Wreaths Across America December 15, 2007
Riverside National Cemetery hosted its second annual tribute to veterans today. The Patriot Guard met at the Administration Building on this brisk, clear morning for a briefing at 8:30. This time my truck was to lead the cages so we got some good pictures of the procession through the cemetery. We arrived at the program site where flags for each of the services were displayed behind the speakers. I carried the Navy wreath and presented it to a Navy Captain for the formal presentation. There were speakers, Flag presentation, each service's song, flag folding, 21 gun salute and Taps.
When the formal part of the program ended the Patriot Guard formed up and traveled through the cemetery making several stops along the way so that members could visit graves of their own families and friends. I had two roses from Marilyn's garden, "Veteran Honor Roses" and placed one on the grave of James Eckard and one on my fathers grave. I wish that they both could have met these people who call themselves The Patriot Guard. They would have found many friends.
At the conclusion Marilyn and I went next door to the golf course for snacks. Dad and I played here many times. I think he would have approved.
Click picture for more.
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| Wreaths Across America |
John Thomas Hayes, Air Force Veteran Dec 7, 2007
It was a rainy day in Colton as I put the flags up and worked my way to the Montecito Mortuary for the service. As I approached the area I was reminded that my grandfather and an uncle are buried in the cemetery there. I missed the turn in for the mortuary and noticed a car behind me with the headlights flashing. It was Sharon who had seen my truck and led me back to mortuary. Since I missed it, I decided to park the truck by the road with the lights on to attract the other PGR members. I stood there in the light rain for about 45 minutes waving people in. Due to the rain the outdoor portion of the service was cancelled but we were invited to enter the service when it was time for the flag folding and Taps. We formed two lines along the central aisle with our flags. I found myself at the front row of seats near the family and as the Air Force did the flag folding I heard a family member say, "It's so beautiful". After the service we formed a flag line as the coffin was placed in the hearse. We lost another hero today.
Snowball Express December 1: What an awesome day.
Sgt. Bryce D. Howard :
The Patriot Guard Riders assembled at a Fred Meyer Store in Vancouver, WA before the service then met at Wilamette National Cemetery in Portland for the graveside service. About 75 bikes and 5 cages (cars) were present, most for both parts of the ceremonies. The flag lines at both venues were impressive and the PGR had its own Bagpiper! Teddy bears were hugged by all of the PGR members then presented to Sgt. Howards children.
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| Sgt B Howard |
Sturgis Flag Field Aug 6, 2007
Minnesota Welcome Home, Coon Rapids July 29, 2007
121st Field Artillery Welcome Home. July 19, 2007
Carl Moback: July 9, 2007 Memorial Service. We staged in Tulsa along with a Viet Nam Veterans Association and escorted Mr. Moback to his resting place at Ft Gibson near Muskogee, OK. Mr. Moback served in the Army during Viet Nam.
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My Gathering of the Guard Page (Updated 7/7/07)
Phyliss Wood: On June 17, 2007, Loran and Phyllis Wood, both of Satanta, Kansas were riding home from Garden City, Kansas on their motorcycle when a semi attempted a u-turn in the middle of highway 83. Loran attempted to stop but was unable to keep control of the bike, laying it over with out making contact with the semi. Unfortunately Phyllis was thrown from the bike and was later "life flighted" to Wichita, Kansas with life threatening injuries. On June 23, Phyllis was pronounce dead after her body quit fighting to live. Our hearts and prayers have been with Loran and his family everyday since this ordeal. At Loran's request I have been asked to invite all members of the Patriot Guard that would like to be present for her Memorial Service.
Five Bikers and I left Dodge City to go to the service we joined about 40 others at a gas station in Sublette Kansas.
Click picture for more.
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| Phyliss Wood |
Pfc. Joseph J. Anzack Jr., 20, of Torrance, Calif., was captured May 12 by enemy forces in Al Taqa, Iraq, when his unit was attacked by insurgents using automatic fire and explosives. Pfc. Anzack was one of the three soldiers that had been missing for a couple of weeks. His body was found in a river near Bagdad.
I picked up Stew Hunter in Cucamonga and we went to a gas station to join up with some of the PGR. Two riders showed up, not a good start. We followed the two bikes to Torrance and managed not to lose them. As we got off of the freeway, three more bikes joined us and we went down Pacific Coast Highway to the staging area. Along the way we passed a Harley dealership and there were about 20 bikes lined up waiting to join the escort.
We pulled into the staging area and there were nearly 100 bikes already there and more kept arriving as we waited. As the time drew near for the escort from the Mortuary to the High School for the service it was decided that only 50 bikes would escort the hearse and the rest, nearly 200 bikes and about 8 cars would convoy to the High School so off we went.
People and news cameras lined the street for the mile and a half ride with three helicopters circling the area. We parked on the school yard and formed a flag line. As we waited we began to notice the security, police around the football field, spotters on the roof and some serious looking folks that arrived in un-marked cars.
The horse drawn hearse arrived and made one lap around the field. PGR members with flags were stationed around the track and fell in behind the hearse as it went by. There were almost 3,000 people in the stands.
The service included stories about Pfc. Anzack from members of the football team his coaches, parents and sister. His remains will be flown to Arlington National Cemetery in Washington DC for burial.
Pfc. William A. Farrar Jr., 20, of Redlands, Calif., died
May 11 in Al Iskandariyah, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an
improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. Farrar was assigned
to the 127th Military Police Company, 709th Military Police Battalion, 18th
Military Police Brigade,
Darmstadt, Germany.
Pfc. Farrars father is a Captain of the Rialto Police Department so law enforcement was well represented. At the right is a truck that belongs to a "Gold Star Mother", her son was killed in Iraq. The truck is her memorial to her son.
As written in the Redlands Daily Facts:
It never gets easy'
The procession included members of the Patriot Guard, a group formed out of opposition to anti-war protesters who disrupted soldiers' funerals.
"Each service is different- we are here to support the family and show respect to the soldier," said Jim Sloan of Texas, a member of the guard who served in the Navy during the Vietnam War. "It never gets easy."
Talking abut his first "mission" - the term guard members use to refer to funerals - still causes Sloan to get choked up. Sloan, who grew up in Redlands, travels the country to escort the bodies of fallen soldiers.
For hours before arriving at the airport to honor Farrar Jr., Sloan said his thoughts were with the fallen soldier and his family.
"There is a bit of a connection," said Sloan, his eyes red from a morning of shedding tears. "I am retired and I have got time. If I don't show up, who will?"
Spc. Rhys W. Klasno, 20, of Riverside, Calif., died May 13 in Haditha, Iraq, of wounds suffered when an improvised explosive device detonated near his vehicle. Klasno was assigned to the 1114th Transportation Company, Bakersfield, Calif.
We staged at Akes Mortuary in Riverside and acted as pall bearers for the trip to the church. The turnout was huge at Harvest Fellowship Church which runs a school on the adjacent property. The school kids had made huge banners on the fence to honor Spc. Klasno. On the way to the church we went past a school that Spc. Klasno had attended and the students were along the fence with hands on hearts as we passed. The trip to Riverside National Cemetery must have been 200 cars long. There were 8 motorcycle escorts and they were supplemented by some of the PGR riders. After the service I met Spc. Klasnos uncle who also served on the USS Coral Sea. Spc. Klasno leaves behind a child who has yet to be born.
We received the following message this evening.
Pfc. Jason M. Morales, Apr 27, 2007, age 20, of La Puente, Calif.
Died April 18 in Baghdad, Iraq, of injuries sustained when his unit came in contact with enemy forces using small arms fire. He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 28th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, and Fort Riley, Kan.
Raymond Guerrero, Korean Vetran, Apr 24, 2007
This was a memorial mission at Riverside National Cemetery. There were only about 6 PGR members but we formed up with the Riverside Honor Guard for the arrival of Mr. Guerrero and rendered honors. At the end of the service they were preparing to move the casket to the burial location and I suggested that we form along side the road for one last salute so we did! As the hearse went by I called out "Present Arms" and we all saluted.
Sgt Patrick J. Smaldino, Apr 13, 2007, Viet Nam
Vet.
There were 8 PGR members at the staging site at McDonalds at 1100 hrs in Granada
Hills. We met Gary Seeker, son-in-law of Sgt Smaldino. At approx. 1125 hrs the
Family and Friends arrived in 2 vehicles. We departed at 1130 hrs for the 108
mile trip to Riverside National Cemetery, upon arriving at the RNC at 1335 hrs,
there were 8 additional PGR members on bikes and 5 cages and 1 new member on his
first mission. At approx. 1400 we departed for the Memorial site and formed 2
Flag Lines, awaiting the arrival of the Family and Friends. Upon the arrival of
the Smaldino Family we "presented arms" then formed in a U shaped formation
around the Memorial site. We again "presented arms" as the Marine Honor Guard
Firing Squad fired their volley and then "Taps" was played. At the conclusion of
the service given by Gary Seeker, I approached the Family and offered our
condolences on behalf of the Patriot Guard. We all were thanked by the Family
for being there to render our respects.
I again was extremely proud to be a part of this outstanding group of Patriot
Guard members and to be the Ride Captain
for this Mission! One Lesson Learned.... when I mentioned turning off the cell
phones, I had forgotten to turn mine off!! Being deaf in both ears, naturally my
phone started ringing at the service, did not hear it until one of the members
"gently" informed me to shut it off! Other then that issue, the Mission went
extremely well!
Jerry"PopPop"Zimmermann
US Army 1st Sgt (Ret)
Encino, CA.
PGR Ride Captain
Eduardo Rodriquez Villalba, Apr 10, 2007, age 53.
We staged at Carls Jr and departed for the church. As we left the freeway an American Flag broke loose from one of the bikes. We all stopped at the end of the off-ramp and one went back to retrieve the flag. We don't leave flags laying on the road!
The mission went well.
Welcome Home Ride, Apr 7, 2007
I got up early and picked up Marilyn at 5:45 am for breakfast and a quick trip to a Union 76 gas station just off of March Air Force Base. We arrived at March about 7:30 and waited for the arrival of a bunch of Marines returning from Iraq. There were about half a dozen bikes there when we arrived and I parked behind them. As we drank coffee and told lies more bikes arrived and I had to move the truck back to make room, then moved it again as we reached about 30 bikes. Then the highway patrol started showing up, four cars and two motorcycles. Finally it was time and we moved out onto the street and lined up as the highway patrol started getting into position.
Here they come, four buses full of Marines and their own SUV. The SUV pulled up beside me and waited for the bikers to start rolling. Thumbs-up were exchanged as the CHP stopped traffic on the interstate and off we went, lights flashing and horns honking. The CHP did a great job and blocked every on-ramp and interchange as we drove the 100 miles to Twenty Nine Palms. Along the way I noticed a lone biker who did a quick u-turn and joined in, then a couple more. After we left the interstate and came to an intersection there was another line of bikers waiting to join in. By the time we got to Twenty Nine Palms there were at least 60 bikes, and my truck!
The CHP took us right to the gate where the MP's took over. First stop the armory where the Marines turned in their weapons, we shook hands and welcomed them home. I'll never forget the young Marine that said, "This is the greatest day of my life, I feel so special". All I had to do was show up and drive 100 miles. Not much compared to what he has done.
We mounted up again and went to the field where the families were waiting. Wow, what a scene. The band playing, the families together again, the kids seeing their dads and moms again, Wow.
This group is scheduled to return to Iraq in seven months!
Sgt 1c Darrell R. Griffin age 36, Apr 4, 2007
We staged at Frys Electronics in Burbank and left for the airport with 23 bikes and 4 cages (cars or trucks) to meet the airplane with Sgt Griffins remains. While waiting at the airport my brain clicked on and I went into operations and got the flight number and called my friend Ken Rhoades who still works for the FAA. He gave me the direct number to the control room at Southern California TRACON who would be working the flight. I called the TRACON and told them about our mission and this fight and was told that "the flight will not be delayed!"
The Burbank Police sent a patrol car and three motorcycles to escort us to the mortuary in Northridge. I will never forget the man standing at the side of the road with his hand over his heart as we went past and the two motorcycle riders that saw us going down the road and joined in.
Spc Adam Rosema age 27, Mar 26, 2007
The service was at Rose Hills Memorial Park. We had a good turnout of about 30 bikes and six cages (cars and my truck).
Buddy Weyland Flag Mission, Mar 17, 2007
The following letter started a chain of events that were completed today.
To Whom it May Concern,
I am a single mother in Oklahoma and I would like to appeal for
help.......if you ever wanted to help a "cause" this would be it....
My Uncle, Wilson M. "Buddy" Weyland, Jr. was in the US Navy
and was a veteran of World War II and the Korean War. He was stationed in Pusaka,
Japan in the early 1950s while his wife and infant daughter lived in California.
They divorced when his daughter "Cynthia" was merely a baby and we had always
been told that the mother re-married a diplomat of some sort, he adopted Cynthia
and they moved overseas. My Uncle Buddy never saw his daughter again.
He died in Montana in 1975 of a heart attack, and due to
the lack of Internet access at that time, and believing her name had been
changed in the adoption, my mother had no clue where to start her search for
Cynthia to let her know her father had passed, so the burial took place with my
mother being presented his flag at his military service in Montana.
The flag was placed in a trunk that belonged to my Uncle
Buddy and was brought to Oklahoma and placed in my Mom's storage unit. The flag
accompanied a bag of letters he had written from Japan to my grandmother during
his divorce, and she had saved every last one of them, expressing his love for
his lost daughter, then age 3. For some reason, I grabbed the flag along with
the letters, and took them home.
It was not until just before Mom's death that I undertook
the mission of our ancestry, as her father had been murdered in 1943 and all
touch with the Weyland family had been lost. Mom was 18 at that time and Uncle
Buddy was only 16. A life time of many unanswered questions for both of them as
well as us, growing up wondering about our grandfather's family who we only knew
had come from Germany.
Just before her death from Diabetes in 2003, (both legs
amputated and on dialysis), I was able to walk into my Mother's hospital room
and tell her I had located many of her father's family members and the family
had come from Hesse, Germany in 1846, had settled in Boonville, MO and had
become prominent and productive citizens of the United States. They owned and
operated Weyland Carriage Mfg. Co., supplying handcrafted wagons and carriages
throughout most of the United States, and were upstanding immigrant citizens.
What a wonderful thing to know after a lifetime of wondering, for her.
Upon knowing I had somehow managed to find this
information, my Mom stated "it would be nice if you could find Cynthia"......
Cynthia is now 57 years old, divorced, has two children
Mike and Lisa and has 5 grandchildren. She lives in Alta Loma , CA., and has
always wondered about her father's family. It took me three long weeks to locate
her, and we are in the process through e-mails and photographs, of finally
getting to know our first cousin who was lost to us for over 50 years. She has
now read his letters about her that were saved for so many years. The reason
they were saved HAD to have been the belief that they would one day find
their way to Cynthia's hands and she would read for herself, how much he meant
to her. We hope one day to eventually get to meet our Cynthia, in person.
I would like to see that the flag that graced her father's
casket be returned to her, returned to its rightful owner after 32 years. She is
faded and the folds are loose, but I still cannot bring myself to place her back
in a box long enough for the mail to carry her home. She should be personally
handed with all due respect and love, to this serviceman's long lost daughter
after her 32 year journey which took her through Montana, New Mexico, Oklahoma
and soon to California.
Again, I cannot bring myself to box her up again long
enough to mail it. She needs to be hand delivered after 32 years in a trunk. I'm
not sure how it can be done, I only know I have to get it there somehow, with
someone's help. I do not trust the US Postal Service, as my son's W-2 was mailed
from less than 100 miles away on February 8th, and STILL has not arrived. I do
not care if this flag is relayed across the United States, to be delivered to
its rightful owner, as a matter of fact I would feel most honored for members of
the Patriot Guard Riders to do so, as I know it would be treated with the
respect, honor and love it deserves.
Please help me. I believe if anyone can help me see this
through, it would be you.
Respectfully,
Becky Lewis
Madill, Oklahoma
We did it. The Flag was brought to California, by motorcycle, from Oklahoma and delivered to Cynthia in Alta Loma. What a satisfying mission.
SMSgt George Post age 84, Mar 12, 2007
SMSgt Post served in WWII, Korea, and Viet Nam with the Army Air Corp and the Air Force. There was a service in Cathedral City then we escorted the hearse and family to Riverside National Cemetery. I was the first to arrive at the assembly point, a Mobil gas station, in Cathedral City and while I was putting the flags up on the truck a couple came up and asked if I was with the Patriot Guard. I said yes, and the man introduced himself as SMSgt Posts son and his wife and they both thanked me for being there. I hardly knew what to say. They said they would be back before the service with water and snacks for the escort. Wow!
At the end of the ceremony at Riverside, the Pastor came over and thanked each of us. I told him that is is a duty that we owe those who have served. As I thought about it later I decided that it isn't about how it makes me feel. It is about how I would feel if I didn't go.
Lcpl Blake H. Howey age 20, Feb 28, 2007
Lt Jared Landaker age 25, Feb 19, 2007
Lt Landaker was the pilot of the helicopter with Sgt Pfister (below). The service was at Riverside National Cemetery. Lt Landakers father was a retired Highway Patrol Officer so they were there with us to show respect for the family.
Sgt Travis Pfister age 27, Feb 16 & 17, 2007
Sgt Pfister was the "Loadmaster" on a helicopter that was shot down in Iraq recently. On the 16th I met the group in Fallbrook where we joined up and convoyed to Camp Pendalton to meet the plane bringing the coffin back.
One of the bikers was 84 and was a radioman on B-17's in WWII. We, along with the family escorted Sgt Pfister to Hemet for the memorial service the next day.
The memorial was in a city park in Hemet and for a time Marilyn was one of the flag holders.
We met a retired Marine that had fought in WWII, Korea and Viet Nam!
Sgt Alejandro Carrillo Age 22, Feb 10, 2007
We assembled at a supermarket lot and left for the church. There was another service at the church so we stopped a block away on a residential street and had it blocked for about 40 minutes. At first the residents were concerned that all these "bikers" were blocking their street! As a few of them came out to talk to us and when they found out why we were there all was fine.
Spc Jose R. Perez US Army 10/27/2006
Bob and I had breakfast and went to the assembly point and found Ralph Hiller there. We joined up with about 30 bikers for the service. We rode to the church and formed up with flags. It was only 1/2 mile to the cemetery and all went smoothly. It doesn't get any easier but if I don't show up why will anyone else.
Lt. Evelyn Bowling USN 9/30/2006
I left Gloucester about 8:00 am for the 2 hour drive to Coventry, Rhode Island to join up with the PGR for Lt Bowlings Memorial Service. She served as a nurse in the Navy in WW II and Korea and her son is a member of PGR. I found my way to the Cracker Barrel Restaurant an hour early and parked with the bikers that were there. Over the next hour more and more bikes showed up and there ended up being about 50 of them.
We gathered for the pre-ride briefing and Lt. Bowlings son said that he wanted to take the group on a ride through the country where his mother spent most of her life, about 40 miles ending at the Rhode Island State Veterans Cemetery in Exeter, RI. There were directions given on how the ride would be conducted and then the "Ride Leader" asked, "What states are represented today?" She mentioned R.I., Mass., N. Hamp., Maine, and N.Y. which were all represented and was about done. I stuck my hand up in the air and shouted, "Texas"! That pretty much quieted the crowd for a moment, then they all clapped.
There were two of us driving 'cages', or non-bikes and since I had the Flags and PGR sign I was put last, engines started and off we went. About a mile down the road one of the bikers fell at a congested corner, he wasn't hurt, and had only minor damage to the bike but it did mess up the parade. We had the road blocked for several minutes while he was taken care of and some of the other drivers were getting impatient.
As we got going again one of these drivers pulled in front of me and then stopped for the light so I sat there and watched the bikes disappear down the road. After the light changed I was stuck behind that car and lost sight of the bikes and didn't have a map of the route. A couple of miles down the road I saw the other 'cage' on the side of the road and she pulled out behind me and was following. A short time later I pulled over and she stopped and said, "You looked like you knew where you were going so I'm following!" I wanted to say, "look at my license plates. I'm from Texas!"
We decided that we would never catch them so I put Exeter, RI in the GPS and we took off for the cemetery. We arrived at the cemetery about 10 minutes ahead of the bikes and followed them to the grave. The cemetery is like Riverside National.
After the memorial service Lt. Bowlings son said he wanted the group to ride through the cemetery and past the Viet Nam, Korean, and WW II memorials so we put the flags away and formed up as he prepared to lead the way. Just before we got underway the Rhode Island Coordinator came over to me and said, "It was an honor having you with us today, thank you". Boy, did he get that backwards.
The WW II memorial is next to a small hill with a road that runs in a circle around it. As we approached an Air Force Sgt was standing on the hill and played Taps as we rode around the memorial, wow.
I need to find some new words to describe how it feels to participate in these events. Until then I urge you to check their web site, find a mission near where you are and find out for yourself.
Spc. Jared J. Raymond 9/28/06
I joined the Patriot Guard at the wake last night.
As the people left the wake, a few came over and thanked us for being there. Among these was a 2 star general and a cousin of the 20 year old soldier who was killed in Iraq, Jared J. Raymond. The cousin had lost his right leg, below the knee, also in Iraq and is still in the Army.
A little later a police officer stopped traffic so that an older couple could cross the street. They came right over to me and introduced themselves. The man had been on the USS Coral Sea when it was first commissioned in 1948 and they had seen my hat from across the street! Nothing wrong with his eyes.
The next morning I got an early start to get to the cemetery where the Patriot Guard was meeting. The plan was to leave the bikes at the cemetery as there was not enough parking at the church. There would be a horse drawn caisson to carry the casket and we would walk ahead of it. They had a bus to take us to the church.
We walked down the block and rode the bus to the church.
The State Troopers and Police arrived along with a Marine ROTC Unit. The main street has now been closed for a couple of hours and the schools were closed for the day.
After the service started at the church it was decided that we should have the bikes there for the procession to the cemetery so we started walking back. A couple of blocks down the road we passed a fire station and they asked what we were doing. The next thing you know the fire chief is on the radio saying, "We need a bus to take the bike riders to the cemetery". It was a good thing that he called as we didn't know if we could get back in time walking. About 3 minutes later a bus pulls up with two police motorcycles as escorts.
Someone must have told the police that we were in a hurry as this was the fastest trip ever for a non-emergency vehicle! If you haven't driven in the north-east you won't understand the narrow, twisty streets that you think twice about taking a car down, the bus didn't hesitate.
At the cemetery we lined up and the police led us out. I don't have any pictures of the trip back to the church. I had to keep both hands on the wheel. The police knew that they didn't have to wait for the bus this time! The lights and sirens came on and off we went, through red lights, stop signs the wrong side of the street you name it we did it and I had to keep up in the truck!
When we got back to the church one of the bikers said he had to stop as his flag came off of the bike. He said, "I didn't think we would be doing 80 through town!" I don't think we really did 80 but I didn't have time to look at the speedometer.
After the wild ride we lined up on the street and waited, for about an hour! There is the truck, bringing up the rear.
The procession went back to the cemetery at horse speed.
The Fire Department did their job too.
It was a fantastic experience and I was proud to be able to take part in it. I had several people that came up to the truck and asked, "did you really come from Texas?" "Yep", I said.
The family sent word to our group that they were surprised that so many people that didn't even know Jared would take the time to be here and thanked us. With what they have given our small efforts don't seem to be enough.