The family of Curtis Ray Baker, 70, has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to honor him for his military service. It is our honor to do so.
Curtis proudly served his country in the US Army 173 Airborne unit in Vietnam from 1968 - 1970 until his honorable discharge as a Sergeant E-5. During his service, he earned the following decoration Medals: Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Parachutist Badge, Sharpshooter (M-1), 1st Class (M-60), Presidential Unit Citation (2 awards), Vietnam Summer-Fall 1969 Campaign, Vietnam Winter-Spring 1970 Campaign, Unnamed Campaign (AR 672-5-1), Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal.
Following his service in the Army, Curtis worked for the Post Office for 27 years, before he retired. Curtis loved his wife and family very much and would do anything he could for them. Golfing was a huge passion of his. He loved sports, cars, good music, and to ski. He also once owned a race horse. Curtis was part of an extended family of his fellow Vietnam veterans that also served in the 1st Platoon, Alpha Company. They first got together in 1985 with 15 members. At their 2005 reunion, 35 veterans attended. They continue to get together every couple of years and 12 platoon members, many of whom are also Patriot Guard Riders, will be joining us for his services here in Southern California from Northern Texas. Curtis’ death was due to complications from a combat related injury to his left leg that resulted in it being amputated. The greatest Husband, Father, Grandpa, Uncle, Son and Brother, he is survived by his wife, Jamie Beth Baker, sons Christopher and Matthew and their wives, 6 grandchildren, and 6 siblings.
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 church to Riverside National Cemetery, approx 45 miles. 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, 28 February 20201100 – Stage at Glendora Grace Baptist Church, 1515 S. Glendora Ave., Glendora, CA 91740
https://goo.gl/maps/UjDmYaJ1PHTuNcxX71115 - Mission Briefing
1215 – Flag line as our Hero is brought from the Church to the awaiting coach
1230 – KSU to Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd, Riverside, CA (Staging Area 1 for Family; PGR Staging Area E. Normandy Ave and Darby Dr which is near the beginning of Staging Area 9)
https://goo.gl/maps/gk21Q1Z56aa5xfnC7 1345 - ETA arrival to Riverside National Cemetery Staging Area
1400 – Flag line as our Hero is moved from the coach to the shelter
Brenda Bixler
AKA Pebbles
SoCalPGR – Ride Captain(951)522-6847
bixler.brenda@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 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.
