JO3 Raul A. Guerra, 20, USN, MIA/KIA, Vietnam, LAX/Montebello - 23 Apr-Pt 1

[John Gretzinger]

The friends of JO3 Raul Guerra, 20, have asked the PGR to be with them as they finally bring their friend home after 52 years.  We are honored to be able to be there and accompany JO3 Guerra on his final journey.

Raul Guerra, a native of Montebello, CA, was born in 1947, joined the Navy in 1966 as a Navy Journalist, and was assigned to the USS Oriskany, along with LCDR John McCain, in Vietnam. JO3 Guerra lost his life, along with four others, when the airplane in which they were flying, crashed into one of the mountains near Da Nang on 8 October 1967.  His remains were tentatively identified in 2007.  It has taken the last twelve years to confirm his identification and to repatriate him.

Raul’s best friend since High School, Ruben Valencia, has been working diligently with the Department of the Navy and the DOD POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) to ensure that at least this man was not left behind.

Raul's dream and mission in life was to be a journalist.  He was the editor of a school magazine at East Los Angeles College where he was in the journalism program.  Additionally he worked for a local newspaper chain.  He would spend his evenings in the school's main journalism classroom, perfecting his craft.  He continued his dream when he joined the Navy and became a Navy Journalist.

This will be a two-part mission.  Part one will be the arrival of JO3 Guerra at LAX and his movement to Risher Mortuary.  Part two will be his Funeral Mass, movement to Rose Hills Cemetery and Military Honors.

This mission is to honor this Vietnam War Hero, and Navy Veteran. For those interested, and all are welcome, we will be accompanying the hero and his friends from LAX to the mortuary. Please see the time table if you would like to participate. For those who would rather go directly to the mortuary, we will meet you there.

Time Table for Part 1, Tuesday 23 April:

1845 – Stage at the Bob Hope USO, Theme Building, LAX. Park along the West side near the loading dock. - https://goo.gl/maps/DMAyuudYW6v

1900 – Mission Briefing

1945 – KSU to arrival location

2100 – Est. Arrival at Risher Mortuary, 1316 West Whittier Blvd, Montebello, CA 90640 - https://goo.gl/maps/prmBUeHe1FN2

2115 – Flag line as the hero is moved from the coach to the building.

Part 2 - Thursday, 25 Apr - TBD

R/C Craig (Gunny) Donor
GySgt USMC (ret)
Cell 909 208 7703
pgrgunny-001@yahoo.com
PGR SoCal State Captain
Member since 31 May 2006
PGR # 36750

Dream like you will live forever.
Live like there is no tomorrow.

When the world calls 911
The American Military answers the call.

NOTE: This mission involves aircraft arrival.  Arrival times can change at the last minute, so please check this thread for any last-minute changes before leaving.

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.