The family of Robert J. Thornton has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to help honor this hero for his service to his country. It will be our privilege to do so.
Robert enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on July 27, 1950 and served until August 31, 1953, time that included service in the Korean War. For his service he was awarded the Bronze star with Combat “V”, Purple Heart Medal with Gold Star Korean Service Medal and the United Nations Service Medal. He was wounded in Korea on June 24, 1952 and on October 7, 1952. He was honorably discharged at the rank of Sergeant.
Robert graduated from Villanova in 1958 under the GI Bill. He became a CPA and worked for Hale and Dor and Ernst and Young as a Tax Partner. He also started his own company called Export FSC and helped many companies who export save tax dollars. He was an avid tennis player with his one usable arm, and he also ran 5 Boston Marathons.
Robert is survived by his wife, 3 brothers, a sister, 8 children including one step child, 15 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.
We have been requested to perform a Flag Line at the Church and accompaniment to Miramar National Cemetery, a distance of approximately 8 miles.
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 service to his final resting place. For those who would prefer to go directly to the cemetery, we will meet you there.
Time Table for Monday, February 1, 2016: 1115 - Stage at All Hallows’ Church, 6602 La Jolla Scenic Dr. South, La Jolla, CA 92122
https://goo.gl/maps/JsSPq9Mdw4q1145 - Mission Briefing
1215 - Flag Line for Dignified Transfer to Coach
1230 - KSU for accompaniment to Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Dr., San Diego, CA 92122
https://goo.gl/maps/ZReRcZZ23wS21330 - Flag Line, Funeral Service with Full Military Honors
R/C Lorenzo LizarragaSoCal PGR Ride Captain
VFW Post 9578 Member, Alpine, CA
619-971-2236
llizarraga@yahoo.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?413442
