The wife of retired Colonel Frank Guevara, 69, has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to attend his final military honors as he is laid to eternal rest. We are privileged to do so.
Frank Guevara of Cape Coral, Florida served over 38 with the United States Army, 30 years of total commissioned service. He served with distinction in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia. He spent six years with the 82 Airborne Division out of Ft Bragg, NC, an experience that shaped his life-long commitment to service. Frank earned multiple accommodations to include Legion of Merit Medal, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal (3rd award), Humanitarian Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal w/Bronze Star, Global War on Terror Medal to list a few. Frank was a burn pit cancer survivor.
His military journey led him to Cal Poly Pomona where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Information Systems and received his officer commission through the Reserve Officer Training Program and then later went on to the California National Guard. He also earned his Masters of Business Administration from the University of La Verne.
Before taking the helm as San Bernardino County Director of the Veterans Affairs in 2015, Frank served the county for decades as an Applications Manager in the Information Services Department where he began his career in 1989.
Frank was deeply passionate about helping others and cared immensely about the people he served and the causes that he championed, especially for veterans. On November 05, 2015, Frank was instrumental in getting a headstone placed on an unmarked grave of a WWII veteran at a Lucerne Valley cemetery. Frank, along with others honored this veteran by having a headstone placed on the unmarked grave with a brief flag-folding ceremony and wreath placement flanked by members of the Patriot Guard Riders. According to his wife, Monica, he was so impressed with PGR and just “fell in love with them.” She was adamant about having PGR accompany her hero to his final resting place.
https://www.pressenterprise.com/2015/11/11/military-wwii-veteran8217s-grave-gets-headstone-after-19-years/Frank’s legacy is one of integrity, compassion, and unwavering dedication to veterans. He had a heart for veterans and led with his heart. Although he was a retired Colonel and Director, he was humbled and embodied a servant leadership. He made it his mission to ensure that no veteran was forgotten.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this military veteran. For those interested, and all PGR members are welcome, we will be accompanying the hero and his wife from the airport to hand off to the PGR Tehachapi in Lancaster, approximately 105 miles. Please see the timetable if you would like to participate.
TIMETABLE FOR WEDNESDAY, 28 MAY 20251245: Stage at Wood Family Funeral Service, 321 West F St, Tehachapi, CA.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/xkr5c8GxgyJBuk9a61250: Mission briefing.
1255: KSU to Bakersfield National Cemetery, 30338 E Bear Mountain Blvd, Arvin, CA.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/L2SJMY3nwuevdY1y91330: ETA to Bakersfield National Cemetery.
1400: Flag line and military honors.
Jim “Pops” Davis
Tehachapi Area PGR Ride Captain
jdavisabajo514@yahoo.com
(661) 221-3120US Army 1964-1970; Vietnam 1966-1970
Army Ranger Mos 63B20& 63C20
You do not have to be a veteran or a motorcycle rider to attend this mission. All PGR members are 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 Ride Captain (RC). 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.
