The family of Robert Lee Tritsch, 72, has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to be present to honor their hero for his service to his country. It will be our privilege to do so.
Robert joined the US Marine Corps in 1971 and served proudly until 1991 when he retired at the rank of Gunnery Sergeant. 1972-1974 Robert served on the USS Ranger, deployed in 1973 to the Gulf of Vietnam in blue waters during the Vietnam War. In 1975 – 1978 he was stationed in Hawthorne, NV at Ammunition Depot Marine Barracks, then in 1978 – 1981 stationed Kaneohe Marine Corp Base, Hawaii. In 1981-1984 Robert was stationed at MCRD San Diego as a Drill Instructor. Then in 1984 to 1987 Robert was stationed at Camp Pendleton, San Diego, then in 1987 to 1991 he was at MCRD as a liaison to Balboa Hospital.
Robert was married to Karen, and they have one daughter Kristina and two grandchildren. In his civilian life, Robert worked at Solar Turbine Engines, a division of Caterpillar - 1993 - 2020 and was asked to come back and worked until the summer of 2024. He was there 30 years.
During 2023 Robert did several missions with the Patriot Guard and loved riding his Harley but couldn’t as much when he was asked to go back to work.
Robert was exposed to Agent Orange during his time in the Gulf of Vietnam and succumbed to Kidney Cancer.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran. For those interested, and all PGR members are welcome, this mission will be an accompaniment from the family home to Miramar National Cemetery, approx.16 miles. Please see the timetable if you would like to participate.
Timetable for Friday June 13th, 20251045 – Meet up at Albertsons parking lot, 8650 Lake Murray Blvd, San Diego, CA 92119
https://maps.app.goo.gl/rR378WNTmMhq1MHY9 1100 – Mission Briefing
1115 – KSU for family home
1130 – Flag Line of Honor for transfer of hero to family car
1150 – KSU for Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Dr, San Diego, CA 92122
https://maps.app.goo.gl/1gD5KpnrxRUeYPJ1A 1230 – Arrival at Miramar National Cemetery
1300-Flag of Honor, funeral service with Military Honors
R/C Stacey McCarthy “Lil Bit”
SoCal PGR Regional Captain(619) 277-5176
NOTE: 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 is your first mission, go to the initial staging area, and you will be briefed by the R/C (Ride Captain). Dress for motorcycle riding or wear casual attire while driving a cage (car). Please feel free to attend any portion of this mission you can. Please ride/drive safely.
Remember that our mission is to stand tall and silent 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. Show respect to all who are there, not just the ones we honor.
