The family of Petty Officer First Class Robert “Mac” McDonald (Ret) has requested the Patriot Guard Riders to be present to help honor this Korean war and Vietnam war veteran and to accompany him on his journey Home. It will be our privilege to do so.
Mac served in the United States Navy enlisting as a Seaman Recruit 22 June 1948 in Buffalo, New York, retiring 31 August 1967 an Air Controlman First Class in Miramar, California.
During the Korean War, Mac served on the USS LST 291 and on the USS Baltimore and USS Coral SEA in the Vietnam War. Mac's Military history includes various Naval Technical Training units and Air Traffic Controller both of board the Air Craft Carrier USS Coral Sea and Miramar Naval Air Station until retiring in 1967.
Mac was awarded a total of 18 different medals and ribbons during his participation in Korea and Vietnam including the Combat Action Ribbon - Vietnam War, the Presidential Unit Citation - Vietnam War, and the National Defense Service Medal - Korea & Vietnam War.
In civilian life Mac worked for the US Postal Service for 10 years, then worked as a paving Contractor for 10 years in Escondido/Valley Center. He was active in the Knights of Columbus in Escondido and surrounding chapters for 50 years.
Mac was preceded in death by his wife Maureen Canty and his 2 sons Patrick and Michael. He is survived by 5 sisters and a brother, 4 daughters, Andrea, Marcia, Cathleen and Colleen. 19 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran. For those interested, and all are welcome, we will be accompanying our hero and family from the mortuary to the cemetery for interment. Please see the time table if you would like to participate. For those who would rather go directly to the cemetery, we will meet you there.
Time Table for Friday, 12 June 2015: 0745 – Stage at parking lot of the 7/11 Store, 407 N. Twin Oaks Valley Rd. San Marcos, CA 92069
https://goo.gl/maps/EoVcp0815 – Mission Briefing
0830 – KSU to North County Cremation Services 635 N. Twin Oaks Valley Rd. San Marcos, CA 92069
https://goo.gl/maps/kkqgA 0845 – Flag line at funeral home for dignified transfer to coach.
0850 – KSU to accompany our hero to Miramar National Cemetery 5795 Nobel Dr, San Diego, CA 92122 (Approx 31 miles)
https://goo.gl/maps/pnrXk 1000 – Flag Line, Funeral Service with Full Military Honors
R/C Bill "Smokestack" FoerschlerLakeside CA
619 733 0745
BFoerschle@aol.com
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.
Please post your condolences for the family at the following link.
https://www.patriotguard.org/showthread.php?404486
