The family of Phillip Prather 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.
Seaman First Class (Gunners Mate) Phillip Prather served in the United States Navy during World War 2, from 1944 to 1946. He left La Jolla High School early to join the Navy in 1944. Note: left on a Friday and entered the following Monday!
During World War II, he served on the USS Kwajalein (CVE 98). The escort carrier conducted transport runs from Hawaii bases in the West Pacific, ferrying aircraft, supplies, and munitions. The aircraft his ship transported helped replace losses sustained in raids against the Japanese home islands. His ship was part of the Magic Carpet flotilla, which brought returning servicemen back home after the war. He was awarded the Asiatic–Pacific Campaign Medal, American Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal
After the military Phillip was a life guard and a firefighter, both of which he loved. In retirement he stayed very active living right near Belmont Park in Mission Beach. He was on the board for planning the ‘Over the Line’ tournaments and was friends with the mayor. Phillip was also the Co-author of Mission Beach in the Images of America book series and the original member of the Old Mission Beach Athletic Club (OMBAC).
Phillip is survived by his son and daughter and three grandchildren.
NOTE: This mission posting facilitates your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran. For those interested, and all PGR members are welcome, we will be accompanying our hero and his family from his family home to his Celebration of Life, approx. 1 mile. Please see the timetable if you would like to participate.
Time Table for Sunday 30 April 20231000 - Stage at Belmont Park, (parking lot) 3146 Mission Blvd, San Diego, CA 92109
https://goo.gl/maps/MVua1vBqCB29WA17A 1015 – Mission Briefing
1025 – KSU for family home
1030 – Arrival at family home
1045 – KSU to San Gabriel Place at the beach for the celebration of life (Patriot guard is then dismissed)
*** PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS SHOULD ALLOWFOR PLENTY OF TIME TO RIDE TO THE AIRPORT FOR THE HONOR FLIGHT WELCOME HOME FOR THOSE THAT PLAN TO ATTEND! PLEASE CONSIDER DOING BOTH!***
Stacey McCarthy “Lil Bit”
So Cal Patriot Guard Ride Captain(619)277-5176
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 the radios off and engine noise to a minimum. Show respect to all who are there, not just the ones we honor.
