!!! CORRECTION IN ADDRESS FOR STAGING BELOW/MAP LINK IS CORRECT !!!The Patriot Guard have been invited by the family of Jose Ramos to be present to honor
their hero for his service and his sacrifice to his country. It will be our privilege to do so.
Army medic Jose Ramos returned home in 1968 from Vietnam, after serving nearly 3 yrs in country. There’s no doubt that he
served with honor. He came home with the Paratrooper Badge, the Combat Medic Badge,
the Bronze Star with Valor and a Purple Heart.
Our hero suffered with guilt over the men he could not save, and he also struggled
with PTSD. He also continued to suffer with the health issues brought on by his exposure to Agent Orange throughout his life.
In 1998 Sgt. Ramos rode a bicycle from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City with veterans from both
sides of the conflict to face their demons.Two years later, Ramos rode his bicycle from
Whittier California to Washington DC in a effort to proclaim March 30 as Welcome Home
Vietnam Veterans Day. In 2004 Sgt. Ramos once again rode his bicycle to Washington DC
in his quest to establish Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day.
On March 29, 2012 President Obama signed a declaration designating March 29 Vietnam Veterans Day throughout the country. Unfortunately the declaration did not include “Welcome Home” the main point of Ramos' efforts. Jose will always be
remembered for his tireless work as founder of Vietnam Veterans Day, and Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans day which is now celebrated in 35 states throughout the country, due to his efforts.
Sgt. Ramos worked tireless in helping his fellow veterans, he also prevented 2 fellow veterans from
committing suicide. He was looked upon by his fellow veterans with awe and respect, well justified, as his efforts to make sure his brothers in combat received the Welcome Home they deserved and never got. This effort went far and wide to help heal these Heroes, more than Mr. Ramos probably ever knew.
As a civilian Jose worked in the emergency room of LA County USC Medical Center and at
Martin Luther King Jr Hospital before retiring in 1999. He continued to help heal others, it was always in his heart to do so.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years Silvia, who said "I am so proud of him and how
much he cared about his family and his fellow Veterans". Two children , Eric and Jema.
Four grandchildren , brother Ray , sister Conchita , nephews , nieces and many love ones.
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 the hero and his family from the church services to his final resting place. 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.
CORRECTED!! Time Table for Saturday 16 Sept 17:1045 - Staging at Saint Mary’s of the Assumption Church, 7215 Newlin Ave , Whittier Ca. 90602
https://goo.gl/maps/cq4Ppxs9yv521100 - Briefing
1130 - Flag Line for Hero's dignified transfer into coach
1145 - KSU to Rose Hills Memorial Park, 3888 Workman Hill Rd., Whittier, CA 90601 (Gate #1 Lupine Lawn)
https://goo.gl/maps/Xj4MW3HXWSN21215 - ETA at Grave site
1230 - Flag Line with full Military Honors
R/C Rick “Moonman” Luna
SoCal PGR Ride Captain USMC VET
lunardad@msn.com
626 378 2304
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.
