The family of Tom Mitchell has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to attend the Military Honors of their loved one.
Tom and his wife Margaret are PGR members and weekly participants in Veterans Without Families. We are extremely honored to ride with him on his final voyage.
Tom was born in Seattle, Washington on November 5th, 1946 and sadly passed away at Loma Linda Veterans Hospital on July 01, 2019.
Tom enlisted in the U. S. Army on July 30, 1965 and was honorably discharged on February 13, 1971 at the rank of CPT, 03/ Special Forces/Green Beret. After basic training he was stationed at Ft. Devens, MA where he was a listener (codebreaker). He moved up from private to Spec5 before he was recommended to go to OCS by Col. Lewis Millett. Tom reenlisted in the U.S. Army as a 2nd Lieutenant and in a span of two years to the day, was promoted to Captain. Tom Mitchell served with several Special Forces groups during his time in the Army. Most notably, he served in Vietnam in 1969 with 5th SF group where he fought oppression from the North alongside the Montagnards, native Vietnamese fighters from the Central Highlands. Tom was awarded the following during his service: National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Parachute Badge, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnamese Special Forces Jump Wings, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal and 2 Overseas Bars.
After his service in the Army, Tom worked in the civilian sector for such big companies as UET, Sperry Univac, Monroe Products and INTEL. (much of this work was before computers were a really big thing). After moving to California, he continued his passion of visual storytelling as the owner of Chronographics Video Productions, here he received four credits on IMDB for his work as a editor. Tom participated in many volunteer organizations, including Special Forces Association of So. Ca., Patriot Guard Riders, Veterans Without Family and St. Mel's Alpha Committee. During the last few years of his life Tom was proud to share his story at numerous high schools in the area.
Tom was also able to spend time with his passion of drag racing and often told stories of working on race cars and the many races he participated in.
Tom is survived by his wife and our friend Margaret Mitchell, Sons; Tom and Michael Mitchell, Daughter; Erin Bate, Stepdaughters; Maria and Stephanie, Stepson Paul and 7 grandchildren.
This is combat related and tags will be available.
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 from the Church to Riverside National Cemetery. Please see the time table if you would like to participate. Arrive quietly as services will be in progress.
Time Table for Tuesday, 23 July 2019.1145 - Staging St. Mary Magdalene Roman Catholic Church
8540 Weirick Rd, Corona, CA 92883. Please arrive quietly as services will be in progress.
https://goo.gl/maps/fuXCf41mQ19XJHCNA1215 - Mission briefing
1300 - Flag Line as Hero is brought to awaiting coach.
1315 - KSU to Riverside National Cemetery 22495 Van Buren Boulevard, Riverside, Ca
https://goo.gl/maps/eaDezbkXGXVqtCzs9 1350 - Est. time of arrival to Riverside National Cemetery (Staging Area #2 for family, north of
Staging Area #8 for PGR).
1400 - KSU to assigned Shelter for Flag Line, Service and Military Honors.
R/C: Angel Guaderrama, Sgt. USAFSo Cal PGR Ride Captain
guad45@yahoo.com
909-229-1809
"Thank a Soldier"
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.
