We have been invited by the family of Donald Ries, to attend his Final Military Honors. It is our Honor and Privilege to do so.
Donald served in the US Army from March 17, 1966, to March 5, 1969, attaining the rank of Sargeant.
Don never talked about his time in Vietnam. He clearly had PTSD and would have night terrors, waking up drenched in sweat and dreaming he was in a rice paddy. His mother, Angelina, suddenly died of cancer while he was in Vietnam. He was allowed to go home for the funeral. Then, the Army let him finish his last six months of service at Ft. MacArthur in San Pedro, CA.
Don died of a chronic respiratory disorder. He was exposed to Agent Orange and other in-service herbicides.
Don grew up in rural Pennsylvania and developed a love of the outdoors. He played in the woods, had rabbits and chickens, hunted, fished and played sports. He was known for his skill at playing marbles, shooting down his toy army men with a bb gun, and for hitch-hiking into town at the tender age of eight. Don continued to hunt, fish and play sports into adulthood. He participated in football and softball teams at his jobs at the Los Angeles International Airport while working for Western Airlines and later Delta Airlines. Don fished the waters of Southern California and enjoyed wild boar hunting on Santa Catalina Island.
Don was preceded in death by his beloved mother Angelina Ries, his father Fred George Ries, Sr. a former paratrooper, his stepmother Adell Ries, his brother Fred Jr. and two nephews, Tommy Jo Gentle and Brian Lee Ries.
He is survived by three siblings, MaryJo Gentle, Bernie Ries and Diane Ries. His only child, Jennifer Rae Ries " the heart of his heart", five nieces and nephews Jimmy, Rocky, Tito, Angelina and Brandi, as well as several great nieces and nephews.
Note: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this American Hero. For those interested and all PGR members are welcome. We will be accompanying the Hero and his family from the family home to the cemetery, (approx. 72 miles). Please see the timetable if you would like to participate. If you prefer to meet the procession at the cemetery, please feel free to do so.
You do not have to be a Veteran or a motorcycle rider to attend this mission. All PGR members are 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 Ride Captain (RC). 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.
TIMETABLE FOR SATURDAY, 23 MAY 20260945 – Stage at 1800 S. Pacific Coast Highway, Redondo Beach, Ca 90277 (Parking Garage) (
https://maps.app.goo.gl/dfxyKMLhRxPkGtzb8)
1000 – KSU to Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside Ca. 92518 (
https://maps.app.goo.gl/FwpVrHp2uJvru6ik7)
1200 – ETA to RNC
1230 – Move to Staging Lanes
1300 – Final Service and Military Honors
Tom Barry
California State Captain
Patriot Guard
CASC@patriotguard.org
(714)206-1227
Please remember that our mission is to stand tall and silent, and with honor and respect for our Heroes. No talking, smoking, or cell phone use during the flag line or service. Please keep radios off and engine noise to a minimum. Observe the 15 MPH speed limit. Remember, cemeteries are hallowed ground. Show respect to all who are there, not just the ones we are honoring.
