The Patriot Guard Riders have been invited by the family of MSgt Joseph Johnson, Jr., to be present as he receives his military honors. We are privileged to do so.
MSgt (USAF, Ret) Joseph Johnson, Jr., was born October 27, 1928 to Leola (Hartford) and Joseph Johnson, in New Orleans, Louisiana. Joseph was the third of six children to this union. He grew up in a Godly home, and accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age. In 1945 at 17 years old, he left home to join the Army/Air Corp. When the two services branched off Joseph proudly became an Airman.
Joseph joined the Army/Air Corp near the end of WWII serving in Thailand as well as Korea and 2 tours in Vietnam. He traveled the world throughout his 28 year career in the Air Force and took great pride in being stationed in Morocco, North Africa, and Lakenheath, England where his family was able to join him. Several Stateside assignments also gave him the opportunity to keep his family close.
In 1955, he met and married Lestine C. Walker. Together with this union they welcomed and raised 4 children. They remained married until her passing in 1977.
After the passing of his wife Lestine, Joseph remarried twice and gained 7 more children! They became a larger and very loving blended family, each were deeply loved by him and just as special as his very own. Joseph was lovingly called “Pops” by all of his children and grandchildren.
Joseph was a kind and gentle man that had a heart of gold and a gift for making kites. He enjoyed relaxing in front of the television and watching old westerns, This old House, DIY and New Orleans Saints Football! He would always ask, well after Football season was over, “What them Saints doing”? Just give him a bowl of red beans and rice with some cornbread, a large cup of ice water, and you were his friend for life. The simple things were all he ever wanted or needed; he would give you his last if you asked.
Joseph was preceded in death by his parents, wife Lestine C. Johnson, 2 sisters Inez and Nellie, 2 brothers Aarón and Eddie, son Anthony Braden, greatgrandson William Vance, and Dorothy Johnson.
He leaves to cherish his memory, two daughters Gloria Webb (Toby), Cedar Hill, Texas; Stynia Robinson (George), Riverside, California; two sons, Larry Johnson (Annette), Riverside, California and Anthony Johnson (LaTonya), Moreno Valley, California; his sister Virginia Roy, Algiers, Louisiana; children, Carla Johnson, San Bernardino, California; Melvin Braden (Penny), New Orleans, Louisiana; Kenneth Braden (Sharon), Beaumont, California; Paula Kirkwood, Killeen, Texas; Eunice Bell, Chelsea, Alabama; and Audra Lewis, Baton Rogue, Louisiana.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this American Hero. For those interested, and all PGR members are welcome, please see the time table if you would like to participate.
Time Table for Wednesday 11 August 2021:1215 - Stage at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Boulevard, Riverside, CA 92518 (PGR staging on E. Normandy near the first roundabout)
https://goo.gl/maps/WJnnxiYicEEXWjiNA 1230 - Missing briefing
1315 - KSU to assigned Shelter for Honors
R/C Clint "Smurf" Martinlltk@sbcglobal.net
951-505-6362
Do not follow where the path may lead...Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.-Courage
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 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.
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.
