This will be a 2 Part mission
Part 1 of 2 PartsThe family and the US Air Force has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to honor SSgt Christian Michael Messina, age 26, as he returns home to his family and for his funeral services. We will be honored to do so.
SSgt Messina enlisted in the US Air Force in 2011 due to his concern about the ongoing war on terror and his personal desire to do what he could to contribute. During the last 8 years he accomplished much. He worked supporting the B-1 program for several years as a hydraulics system technician. He also was a member of the Honor Guard team at Arlington National Cemetery, completing 358 funerals for our nation's Heroes. He represented the Air Force in the 2012 Macy's Day Parade, escorted the flight for the transition ceremony of the 17th Air Force Chief of Staff, and was selected for the presidential escort flight for the 57th Presidential Inauguration honoring President Barack Obama. He was selected to be a Pentagon Tour Guide, where he gave tours to military officials, heads of state, and foreign dignitaries. Most recently he was a Manpower Analyst stationed in Florida, and was attending classes at American Military University.
Sadly SSgt Messina has passed away, leaving his family and his country to grieve for him.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this American Hero. For those interested, and all are welcome, we will be accompanying the hero and his family from the airport to the mortuary, approximately 68 miles. 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 Wednesday, 27 MAR 19:1845 - Stage at Bob Hope USO, LAX Theme Building (
https://goo.gl/maps/5qYHgMhetzz) on the arrivals level. Park in the loading dock area that is on the West side of the building. The USO entrance is located on the South side of the building.
1900 - Mission briefing
1930 - Move to arrival location
2000 - Est KSU to Tillman Riverside Mortuary, 2874 10th St., Riverside, CA 92507
https://goo.gl/maps/hpAL25P7e8M22130 - Est arrival at mortuary
2145 - Flag Line for dignified transfer of Hero to building
R/C Tom Barry
So Cal PGR Ride Captainadmin@armobility.com
714-206-1227 cell
This mission involves an 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.
