The family of Capt. Mitchell C. Freem Jr., age 88, has asked the Patriot Guard Riders to pay honors on their Hero's final journey home. It will be our honor to do so.
He was born on March 12, 1931 and passed away July 28, 2019.
Capt. Freem is a Vietnam Veteran who served in both the USN and the USMC. Mitchell enlisted in the U.S. Navy and then reenlisted in the Marine Corp until he retired in 1970, at which point he served 8 more years in the Fleet Marine Corp Reserves. During his military career he was an NBC specialist (Nuclear, Biological, Chemical) and a Chemical Engineer (ABC Atomic, Biological, Chemical) who taught courses at 29 Palms.
Mitchell served in Iwakuni and Okinawa Japan, and the Vietnam War. Mitchell earned 7 Good Conduct medals, 2 National Defense Service Medals, Navy and Marine Corps Parachutists Insignia, and the Vietnam Service Medal with 1 Star. Mitchell was given an Honorable Discharge at the rank of Captain.
After Mitchell's discharge, he had a various jobs until he found the Title Insurance business. After his time in the insurance business, he then joined the ranks of the computer industry until he retired. Once Mitchell finally retired, he became an active member of the VFW, American Legion, MOOA (Military Officers Association of America) and the Cooties (A group attached to the the VFW that help other Veterans in need). Mitchell also loved to play golf. He enjoyed his family.
Sadly, Mitchell passed on July 28, 2019 from Agent Orange. This is a Combat Related mission, there will be dog tags.
Mitchell is survived by his 4 children, Mitchell Freem III, Michele McCandless, Nanette Howe and Dawn Southard, 8 grand children, and 5 great grand children.
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 the hero and his family from the mortuary services to his final resting place, approx 57 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 Monday, 19 Aug. 2019:1000 - Stage at O'Connor Mortuary, 25301 Alicia Pkwy, Laguna Hills, California 92653
https://goo.gl/maps/C3ZG2p9X2LkbT8LR9 (Please arrive quietly as services will be underway)
1015 - Mission Briefing
1045 - Flag Line as our Hero is brought out to awaiting coach
1100 - KSU to Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, California 92518
https://goo.gl/maps/W1kx6tkgMDD8jWKX61230 - ETA at Riverside National Cemetery (Family Staging Area #3, PGR north of Staging Area #8)
1315 - KSU to Shelter for our Hero's final service
1330 - Establish Flag Line as our Hero is transferred from coach to graveside for service and Military Honors
R/C Mike "Joker" Courtright
SoCal PGR - Ride Captainmokynanapo@sbcglobal.net
714-321-3356
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.
