The family of Roland Melvin Melcher and our friends at Preston & Simons Mortuary have requested the Patriot Guard Riders accompany their American Hero from the mortuary to Riverside National Cemetery. It will be our distinct honor to fulfill their request.
Roland was born in 1938. He started working at a very young age as most of the young adults of that generation learned to do. Always with his nose and heart to the grindstone, Roland wanted to excel in everything he did - never looking for recognition on anything he accomplished.
Our hero served in the United States Air Force from 1960-1980 before retiring. He attained the rank of TSGT (E-6)
Upon military retirement, Roland immediately went to work in the Aerospace Industry working a short time for Boeing Aerospace. He was able to dabble with planes and electronics to keep him in the field he enjoyed so much. He then became a self-employed computer technician until he retired in 2000. Roland retired in 2000 at the age of 63 to enjoy life with his wife, Kathleen.
Roland was unfortunately killed in a car accident. His wife, Kathleen, predeceased him in 2021. He leaves behind a blended family of four, his son Roland, and Kathleen’s three children; ten grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind one brother, Roy.
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 family from the mortuary to the cemetery, approximately 11 miles. Please see the timetable if you would like to participate. For those who would rather go directly to the cemetery, we will meet you there.
NOTE: Summer is upon us. High temperatures are expected. Please remember to eat something light and keep hydrated. PLEASE ARRIVE QUIETLY AS SERVICES WILL BE IN PROGRESS
TIMETABLE FOR THURSDAY, 26 JUNE 20251200: Stage at Preston & Simons Mortuary, 3358 Mission Inn Ave, Riverside, CA.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/geL9Yu7fQhD8LCx781215: Mission briefing.
1230: Flag line as hero is brought out to awaiting coach.
1245: KSU to Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd, Riverside, CA.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/QdWPHYtsVU3As7yq51330: ETA to Riverside National Cemetery and move to staging lane.
1345: KSU to assigned shelter.
1400: Final honors for our American Hero.
Billy “BillyJean” Morgan
SoCal High Desert Ride Captain
US Army, Vietnam 69-70
(949) 939-7282“One straw at a time”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.
