The family of
Vincent Solarez Tapia Sr. has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to be present to honor this hero for his service to his country. It will be our privilege to do so.
Vincent Tapia, 71, served honorably in the US Army from 1969 to 1971, time that included combat duty in Vietnam. During his service in Vietnam, Vincent received a Purple Heart resulting in a 100% disability for hearing loss. Sadly, as is the case with so many Vietnam Veterans, Vincent was exposed to Agent Orange. This eventually led to his passing so this is a Combat Related mission.
In civilian life Vincent worked as a zanjero (an official in charge of water supplies) for Imperial Irrigation District in Brawley; he retired after 25 years. Vincent enjoyed science fiction, history, education and sports. He also loved to plant and care for cactus and flowers, and being with his family.
Vincent is survived by his wife, 2 daughters, his son, and 6 grandchildren.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran. For those interested, and all are welcome, we will be accompanying the hero and his family from the church to the cemetery. Please see the time table if you would like to participate. For those who would rather go directly to the cemetery, we will meet you there.
Time Table for Alpine, Friday, September 28, 2018:0600 - Stage at Carl’s Jr. Restaurant, 1263 Tavern Rd., Alpine, CA 91901
https://goo.gl/maps/uRHafbtD5Kx 0630 - KSU for Brawley where we will meet up with Yuma PGR at the Church
0745 - (Est) Arrival in Brawley
Time Table for Brawley, Friday, September 28, 2018:0800 - Stage at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 490 W. D Street, Brawley CA 92227
https://goo.gl/maps/9gBiPWxYWYp (please arrive quietly as the service will be in progress)0815 - Mission Briefing
0845 - Flag Line for Dignified Transfer to Coach
0850 - KSU for Riverview Cemetery, 4700 Hovley Rd., Brawley, CA 92227
https://goo.gl/maps/WyW2sj6WwaK2 0900 - Flag Line, Funeral Service with Full Military Honors
R/C Lorenzo Lizarraga
SoCal PGR Regional Ride Captain
619-971-2236
llizarraga@yahoo.com
You do not have to be a Veteran or a motorcycle rider to attend this mission. Everyone is welcome. We encourage those who do not ride to attend in your car. If this will be your first mission go to the initial staging area and you will be briefed there by the R/C (Ride Captain). Dress for motorcycle riding or dress casually if you are driving a cage (car). Please feel free to attend any portion of this mission you can. Please ride/drive safely.
