The Veterans are: Norman Gale Lambert, age 61, U.S. Navy, 7/28/69 to 8/10/71, Gary Wayne Ouellette, age 48, U.S. Army, 9/25/79 to 12/10/80, Betty Lou Mc Connell, age 73, U.S. Army, 10/19/55 to 9/17/58, Bernard Thomas Davis, age62, U.S. Navy, 6/12/44 to 1/22/45.

After honors were rendered we gathered together for Roland Lucier, who is a Bataan Death March survivor.  Dr. Roland Albert Lucier is 87 years old (born 1/21/22).   He joined the Navy in 1942 as a radio operator and radio operations instructor.   He was captured by the Japanese in 1943, Bataan, Philippines, survived the 20-mile Bataan Death March, and was a POW from 1943-1945, rescued in 1945 and he then was hospitalized at Walter-Reed (1945).   Dr. Lucier was released from Walter-Reed and completed his degree (Electrical Engineering) at MIT in 1949, he then re-enlisted in the Navy 1949/Pensacola Naval Academy. He served in the Navy until 1958 (rank 06/Cpt., USS Enterprise, USS Midway reporting to Admiral Felix Stump, CINC Pac Fleet Commander).   He joined the LA Sheriff’s Department as a Deputy Sheriff in 1959 and completed graduate and doctorate degrees in psychology and theology.   In 1970 he worked as a court appointed psychologist for the City of Long Beach and ran a wedding chapel in the Lafayette Hotel, marrying hundreds of Navy and marine couples.   He was decorated by the Department of the Navy in 1982 by Captain Paul Burke, USS Mobile, for his role in marrying hundreds Marine and Navy couples and was made the first honorary Chaplain of the USS Mobile.

Roland asked (it almost sounded like an order) each of us to be present at sometime in the future for his service.  He was presented with a flag which he helped fold and a leaf for the "Tree of Remembrance" at Riverside National Cemetery along with a plaque with the Navy Pledge.

6 May 09 Roland Lucier

The PGR was invited to Welcome Home Scott Keating at his home in Ontario.  Scott his mother - father - sister - girl friend - and other relatives and friends were on hand as the PGR came roaring down the street to show our appreciation for his service.

Scott Keating

Four (4) American Heroes were brought to Riverside National Cemetery (RNC) from Los Angeles County for burial.

The Veterans are: Wallace Hagler Stephens, age 64, U.S. Army, PFC, 6/1/66 to 5/8/68, Brenda Mae Jolly, age 67, wife of Cpl Gene Alfred Jolly, USAAF, 11/2/42 to 11/24/45, Jesse Dean Williams, age 61, U.S. Army, Pvt, 4/29/70 to 12/14/71, Carl Michael Joseph Damico, age 71, U.S. Navy, 10/12/55 to 10/1/57.

Apr 29 2009

The PGR joined the family and friends of Carlos Mendiola for Military Honors at Riverside National Cemetery.

Carlos Mendiola

The PGR joined the family and friends of Bobby Joe Kelley for Military Honors at Riverside National Cemetery.  Bobby Joe Kelley earned the National Defense Service Medal while serving in the Army.

Bobby Joe Kelley

The PGR joined the family and friends of Bill Platt for Military Honors at Riverside National Cemetery.  Among the guests was a WWII Medal Of Honor recipient.

Bill Platt

 

POST RIDE BRIEF

44 Motorcycles  1 Trike  4 Fantastic Cages!  1 Huge HCD Trailer!!! with a Flag Pole that reached the sky!!!

Our pre-staging went perfect. We filled all positions in the main Flag Formation and still had plenty of bikes to make up the main body! Boy when we rolled out of that parking lot we looked SHARP! We rolled the five miles to the Parade Main Staging Area providing a little mini-parade for the residence we passed on the way. Man stopped and waved and enjoyed the show.

Once we arrived at the Main Parade Staging area we enjoyed about two hours of seeing and chatting with all of the other participants. We were able to visit with Medal of Honor Recipient Col. Lewis Millett who is looking great and doing well! It was great seeing him again! There were many many other great Americans to the point it is impossible to name them all! WOW, is the best method to describe meeting WWII men and woman dressed in their original uniforms! Wow!

Then 1000 arrived and the parade began to start... and the parade continued to begin to start... and it continued to start... and we stood by in the stand-by mode ready... and then finally at 1115 hrs... yes 1 hour 15 minutes later we started to roll! Whew, what a relief!

NOTE TO SELF... try to get in the FRONT of the parade next year! (Those are orders from Gunny!) We'll see...

The most interesting part for a lot of us was watching No-Chute navigate that Ginormous Flag Pole 18 feet tall through the trees, stop light signs and low hanging wires! Semperpapa and Kirby become Iwo Jima Flag men, as every time we came to a low wire they had to jump on the HCD and lower the huge flag, pass under the wire and then raise it like the flag on Mt Sirabotchi!   They did a splendid job and the crowed loved it!  Toward the end of the parade the pole wasn't lowered.  You can see the result in one of the last of the pictures


The parade was great the spectators are true Americans waving and shouting and having as much fun as we were!!

WHAT A DAY!!!

Vets Parade 09

The Patriot Guard joined with police from the area to escort Jacob Ramsey from March to Riverside.

Jacob Ramsey

Faye Claybrook

No Chute joined the PGR with his new trailer and the modest flag to honor the Veterans today.

Four (4) American Heroes were brought to Riverside National Cemetery for burial from Los Angeles.

The Veterans are: Earl William Parker, age 63, U.S. Army Sgt, 3/28/67 to 3/5/69, Raymond Wayne Smith, age 53, U.S. Army Pvt, 2/28/74 to 7/3/74, James Randolph Fuller, age 51, U.S. Army Pvt, 11/6/74 to 2/10/75, Joseph Louis Monat, age 76 U.S. Army Pvt, 1/22/53 to 4/2/53

15 Apr 09

16 bikes and 4 cages along with many American Legion members were present for the Edward Tennison Service.   I served with Ed on the USS Coral Sea from 1961 until 1963. It was a great honor to be allowed to participate in honoring a shipmate.  I told a story about Ed and him calling me a lifer because he was getting out 3 1/2 months before I did.  Then I got a 90 day school cut and he was only ahead of me by a couple of weeks - I was still the lifer.   He got off the ship and was put on a slow boat home.   I got off a couple of weeks later and was flown home.   As I walked out the gate at Treasure Island in Civies he was reporting in!   The last thing I said to him was "So long lifer!"

Edward Tennison

 

John Tuckers motorcycle led the procession from the church in Fontana to Riverside National Cemetery.

Post Mission Report

We had 19 Motorcycles, 2 Cages, 27 Members, 8 First Timers, and 3 Blue Star parents.

We met at the Church in Fontana, where we also met up with John Tuckers family. We learned that John was also a PGR Member once we realized that we looked at pictures and many of us remember John on many rides in SoCal.

We formed a Flag line as we brought John in to the church and repeated the Flag Line as the family brought him back out after the services for the escort to RNC.

We then mounted up for the escort to RNC. Without Police assistance, the escort went very smooth even with well over 100 cars in the precession! We did not lose anyone and made the 24 miles to RNC in mass! RNC was so surprised by the size of the precession that they escalated our service time and took us straight in ahead of the original schedule. (It was either that or clog the entire staging area with cars!)

Once at the shelter area we then formed a Flag Line and provided support as the Military performed Final Honors for Mr. John Tucker.

We fell out at about 1330 hrs, slightly sooner than expected.

It was a great honor to provide Mr. Tucker his final respects, a Father, a Grandfather, a Patriot, and a Fellow PGR Member.

Semper Fi friend you will not be forgotten!
 

John Tucker

 

SFC Randy Abrams was born March 14 1976 in Alamogordo New Mexico and was raised in Riverside California.  He graduated from Arlington High  School in Riverside where he was a member of ROTC.  After high school Randy joined the Marine Corps stationed at Camp Lejeune North Carolina.  With the Marines Randy earned numerous awards and served a tour of duty in Kosovo.  In 2003 he joined the United States Army.  He served three tours in Iraq and was awarded the Bronze Star and Meritorious Medal.  Randy was a Harley enthusiast - loved the outdoors and playing video games.  Randy will be most remembered for his great sense of humor - unforgettable smile and his natural leadership abilities.  He was a beloved son - brother - uncle - grandson - nephew and cousin.  His family and friends are proud of his service to his country and will miss him dearly.

SFC Randy Abrams

On 1 Apr 2009, four (4) American Heroes were transported to Riverside National Cemetery from Los Angeles County for burial.

The Veterans are: Boyd Patrick Pargen, age 68, U.S. Army, Sgt, 3/66 to 3/68, Robert Brant Bogaard, age 67, U.S. Army, Pvt, 2/61 to 1/64, Richard Edward Durkin, age 65, U.S. Navy, Seaman, 6/60 to 4/64, Arthur Fredrick Hansen, age 84, U.S. Navy, A/N, 1/52 to 1/53

The PGR was there for these Veterans and held a service with full Military Honors at Riverside National Cemetery.

May their souls rest in honored peace, next to their brothers and sisters, beneath the green carpets of earth that they helped to defend and keep free.

1 Apr 09

The California High School in Whittier was host to "Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans" today.  There were lots of booths and displays with memorabilia for all.  They also took time to recognize veterans from WWII - Korea - Panama - Grenada - Kosovo - Iraq - Afghanistan and probably a few that I missed.

29 Mar 09 Welcome

The procession proceeded through Upland on the way to the church this morning.  As we passed along 13th street friends and neighbors of the Tuosto family stood in their yards - hands over their hearts - in recognition of this soldiers service.

George Tuosto

Anthony Vargas served in Iraq.

Anthony Vargas

James was an Electric Power Line Specialist and continued as a civilian in lineman repair work. He spent time working as a Lineman for the Air Force in the Azores as well as in Colorado Springs, Co. The majority of his civilian work was for GTE in Rancho Cucamonga and Ontario.

James Michael Aberle

 

On 18 Mar 2009, Four (4) American Heroes will be brought to Riverside National Cemetery from Los Angeles County for burial.

The Veterans are: Montesano, Frank James, U.S.A.F., 02/06/50 to 1/11/54, Franklin, Allyn Richard, U.S. Navy, Lieutenant, 6/14/63 to 6/21/67, Gray, Glenn Owen, Military info not available at this time., Ingersoll, Theodore Robert, Military info not available at this time.

The PGR will be there as family to these heroes. May they rest in honored peace beneath the green carpet of grass they helped to defend and keep free.

18 Mar 09

From one of his friends:

Santos and I served together I am privileged to have known him and called him a friend. Thank you for all your comments, and your heartfelt thoughts.... Thank You ! Santos rest easy brother, may your canopy always be full, the winds no more than 2 knots, and the drop zone covered in soft freshly plowed sod. Rest in peace your mission is complete. THE AIRBORNE CREED I am an Airborne trooper! A PARATROOPER! I jump by parachute from any plane in flight. I volunteered to do it, knowing well the hazards of my choice. I serve in a mighty Airborne Force--famed for deeds in war--renowned for readiness in peace. It is my pledge to uphold its honor and prestige in all I am--in all I do. I am an elite trooper--a sky trooper--a shock trooper--a spearhead trooper. I blaze the way to far-flung goals--behind, before, above the foe's front line. I know that I may have to fight without support for days on end. Therefore, I keep mind and body always fit to do my part in any Airborne task. I am self-reliant and unafraid. I shoot true, and march fast and far. I fight hard and excel in every art and artifice of war. I never fail a fellow trooper. I cherish as a sacred trust the lives of men with whom I serve. Leaders have my fullest loyalty, and those I lead never find me lacking. I have pride in the Airborne! I never let it down!

Santos Cardona

The Patriot Guard Riders gathered in Alta Loma for a Welcome Home for Ronald Johnson today.  We staged at Stater Brothers Market and made the short ride to the Johnson home where friends and family had already gathered.  The street in front of the house was full of well wishers as about 40 bikes and 3 cages arrived with flags flying.  Ronald Johnson was greeted by each PGR member and was presented with a "First Mission" tag and other tokens.  We were invited into the home for sandwiches and drinks.

Just a mile away was the home of Bill Mooney a Vietnam era Navy veteran who was recovering from throat surgery earlier in the week.  Bill has been a friend of mine for many years and I wanted to surprise him with a visit from the PGR.  I called Toni - his wife - and told her that I would be stopping by with a few friends.  Bill was standing in the driveway as I pulled in followed by about 30 bikes and another cage.  Surprise is an understatement of his reaction.  One of the neighbors even got into the act by providing soft drinks for all.

Johnson Mooney

Today we joined the Family of Brad Benton at Riverside National Cemetery to honor his service to his country.

Brad Benton

Four (4) American Heroes will be brought to Riverside National Cemetery from Los Angeles County for burial.

Thomas Wiltse Jr, age 45, U.S.M.C., LCpl, 6-15-81 to 6-14-85, Alvin Roy Gonsalves, age 64, U. S. Navy, YN3, 6-24-65 to 6-23-67, Earl D. Miller, age 85, U. S. Army, Cpl, 2-12-43 to 1-31-45, Gilbert Raymond age 63, U. S. Army, Cpl, 11-23-65 to 11-22-67

The PGR will be these Veterans family and will hold a service with full Military Honors at Riverside National Cemetery.

May the souls of these veterans rest in honored peace next to their brothers and sisters beneath the carpet of green in this Nation they helped to defend and keep free.

We are their family

Feb 25 2009

This morning it was off to the Fire Station in Rancho Cucamonga for a Flag Retirement Ceremony.  There were bags full of worn flags to be disposed of in a respectful manner.  The scouts first put remnants into the fire representing the original 13 colonies and then stars for each state while the fire department made sure that the ceremony was performed in a safe manner.

Flag Retirement 2 21 09

Four (4) American Heroes were brought to the Riverside National Cemetery from Los Angeles County for burial.

The Veterans are: Arnett Mc Gee, age 58, U.S.A.F., dates of service not available at this time, Roy James Geffert, age 78, Cp., U.S. Army, 2/6/51 to 2/9/53, James Wooden, age 61, U.S. Navy, dates of service not available at this time, Waldon Horace Leadford, age 54, U.S.A.F., 3/22/74 to 11/13/81.

The PGR will be these Veterans family and will hold a memorial service rendering full Military Honors at Riverside National Cemetery. May the souls of these veterans rest in honored peace beneath the green carpet of a Nation they helped to keep free.

We are their family.

While leaving Riverside National I stopped to take a few pictures where they were preparing new vaults.

Feb 18 2009

by lonetexan2u

Mission Report for Escort of the 1st MEF HQ Group:

Today I had the Honor of being the R/C for the escort half of our Welcome Home for the 1st MEF HQ Group. We departed Ritchie's with 7 bikes and 3 cages (most were 1st timers) and proceeded to escort the Marines to Del Mar. Dale & Tammy (on their Yellow Trike) and I proceeded to lead the buses while the rest followed the last bus. During our trip down we were greeted by John and Nettie waving their flags proudly and then quickly joining in the escort. Upon arriving at Del Mar we left the Marines at the Armory and went to the Motor Pool to await their arrival with the families & friends. We were greeted with cheers and hoops & Hollers... When they finally arrived they were received well by all... we managed to mingle and welcome them home and were thanked many times by all including again Major General Kelly. The General had just returned himself on Tuesday night. This was the 4th and last group from this command to return.

Welcome Home 2-15-09

The Veterans are: William Luther Williams age 58, Sgt., USAF, 1969 to 1979, Thomas Larry Sparks, age 61, U.S. Army, dates not yet available, Robert Andrew Banker, age 75, U.S.M.C., dates not yet available, Theodore William Sanford III, age 64, U.S. Coast Guard, dates not yet available.

The PGR will be the Family for these Vets and will hold a service in their honor. Full Military Honors will be rendered at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, CA.

Feb 11 2009

The Patriot Guard Riders were represented with 11 bikes and 2 cages to pay respects to Sgt. Lozano.  Sgt. Lozano's grand-daughter Teresa and her husband Danny Elser - both PGR members - came from Antioch for the service.  Viewing and Mass were at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Riverside followed by a procession to Riverside National Cemetery for Military Honors.

Sgt Lozano

His Grand Daughter writes: My Grandpa served during WWII under General Patton. He would tell us stories about being over in Europe during WWII, most of this was not happy times for him. He was a farm boy from Nebraska.

Hansen

 

The Veterans are: David Villegas, age 62, U. S. Army Spc 4, 9/1/63 to 9/6/66, William Windham, age 81, U. S. Navy E-3, 8/4/45 to 6/26/46, Peter Messina, age 83, U. S. Navy, 3/3/44 to 5/11/46, Walter Warren, age 50, military service info not available at this time
 
The PGR will be these veterans family and will hold a service with full military honors at Riverside National Cemetery

Jan 28 2009

 

Mr. Amdal was born on Aug 17  1925 and served on a Destroyer in WWII.  The Patriot Guard Riders joined his family and friends for his service on Jan 22 2009.

Clarence Amdal

 

                        DoD Identifies Marine Casualty

The Department of Defense announced today the death of a Marine who was supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
 
Sgt. Marquis R. Porter, 28, of Brighton, Mass., died Jan. 11 as a result of a non-hostile incident in Anbar province, Iraq. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

About 30 bikes and 2 "cages" were at Ontario Airport to escort Sgt. Porter to Hemet.  Two days later we escorted Sgt. Porter to his final rest at Riverside National Cemetery .

Sgt Porter

Today the Patriot Guard joined several other motorcycle groups for a welcome home at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena.  There were 1000 motorcycles and at least one pickup!  We welcomed home a Guard Unit and all veterans were also honored.  Toward the end of the pictures you will see two men holding a flag outstretched.  Behind them there is a WWII veteran who had a little trouble with the sun and mid 80's temperatures.  I thought it was poetic that the flag he had fought for was now his shelter.

Rose Bowl

 

Sherman Alan Voorhies age 51, service info not available at this time, Jefferey Tonak age 49, USMC, 11/30/78 to 11/21/87, Louis Sterk age 86, U.S. Army
 
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.

Voorhies-Tonak-Sterk

Private Bermudez served in the Army Medical Corps in England, France, Belgium, and Germany.  Service, after the invasion, included Normandy, France.  Having been transferred to the Infantry in late December, 1944, his service included guard duty for two months after the liberation of the Dachau Concentration Camp.  Joe Bermudez, one of Tony's brothers, was killed in action during the Second World War.

Pvt Bermudez

 

26 bikes, 33 PGR members and 6 cages attended the midweek mission to bid farewell to 4 Veterans that passed away in Los Angeles County. They were transported to RNC by the Coroners Office. There was no family present for these heroes, we were their family. They received military honors included rifle volleys, bugle and the folding of the American Flag. It was our honor to be present when they were laid to rest.
 
James Patterson Jr, age 77, U. S. M. C., Donald J. Seats, age 76, U. S. Army Sgt, 9/11/50 to 11/8/51, Frank Sean Summerfield, age 42, U. S. M. C. Pvt., 02/13/91 to 6/6/96, Ronald Bowen, age 59, U. S. Army Pvt, 6/30/67 to 6/29/70
 

Patterson

 

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.

Robert Johnson