Sometimes missions come to the Patriot Guard Riders in unusual ways. Normally we are invited by the family to attend a funeral to honor a Hero. In this case the Hero has no family. We got word on social media that a service was planned for him and people are reaching out to patriotic and veterans related organizations to come and for that short time of his service, be his family. We were invited by the mortuary who graciously stepped up to care for Mr. Hughes so he would not go into the hands of the coroner's office. The PGR will be honored to attend.
We do not know a lot about Raymond W. Hughes, 84 yrs old. We do know he served honorably in the US Navy during the Korean War. We know that he attended church regularly and was a Christian man. In fact his only friend is a pastor who will be at his service to say a few words.
We do not know why Mr. Hughes has no family to come and celebrate his life. Maybe he outlived them, maybe they live far away and they didn't keep in touch. But whatever the reason, it has no bearing on the fact that Mr. Hughes served honorably in the United States Military and defended our freedom. The very least we can do is to "Stand for him as he stood for us!"
NOTE: If you have contacts with any Veterans related organizations such as American Legion, ALR, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), and would like to get the word out to them to come and help celebrate Mr. Hughes' life, please feel free to do so.
WE ARE HIS FAMILY!!!NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran.
Time Table for Thursday, 09 MAY 19:1100 - Stage at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, CA 92518 (PGR please stage North of Staging area #8)
https://goo.gl/maps/3D7r7frYqmyH3x2h7 1145 - Mission briefing
1215 - KSU to assigned shelter for Flag Line, Service, and Military Honors
R/C Angel Guaderrama
So Cal PGR Ride Captainguad45@yahoo.com
909-229-1809 cell
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.
