Part 1 of 2 Parts
The family of PFC Don D. Dowler Jr., age 18, and the US Army have invited the Patriot Guard Riders to attend the arrival of this Hero as he is returned to his family for funeral services. It will be our honor to do so.
PFC Don Dowler was serving with the US Army at the Chosin Reservoir in North Korea when he was killed by the enemy and presumed dead, this was more than 71 years ago, he is finally coming home to his family to be buried.
Army Pfc. Don D. Dowler, Jr., 18, of Clarinda, Iowa, killed during the Korean War, was accounted for Sept. 23, 2021.
Dowler was awarded the Purple Heart, the Combat Infantryman's Badge, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Presidential Unit Citation and the Republic of Korea War Service Medal.
In late 1950, Dowler was a member of Company D, 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division. He was reported missing in action on Dec. 2, 1950, after his unit was attacked by enemy forces as they attempted to withdraw near the Chosin Reservoir, North Korea. Following the battle, his remains could not be recovered.
On July 27, 2018, following the summit between President Donald Trump and North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un in June 2018, North Korea turned over 55 boxes, purported to contain the remains of American service members killed during the Korean War. The remains arrived at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii on Aug. 1, 2018, and were subsequently accessioned into the DPAA laboratory for identification.
PFC Dowler is survived by family members and friends that are grateful he has been recovered and will be coming home. We mourn with the family and this Hero will never be forgotten.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this American Hero. For those interested, and all are welcome, we will be accompanying the Hero and his family from the airport to the mortuary, a distance of approx 158 miles. Please see the time table if you would like to participate. If you prefer to meet us at the mortuary we will see you there.
NOTE: PLEASE BE AWARE OF COVID PRECAUTIONS, HAVE MASK AVAILABLE IF NEEDED
Part 2, the Hero's funeral on 23 FEB will be posted when details confirmed.Time Table for Wednesday, 16 FEB 22:Staging 1: LAX2000 - Stage at Carl's Jr., 5625 W Century Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90045
https://goo.gl/maps/C2VQBELKRHtKH5AP92030 - Mission Briefing
2100 - KSU to Arrival location
2130 - KSU to Denny's, 2830 Camino Del Rios, Newbury Park, CA 91320
https://goo.gl/maps/MtAsHtZan9eqFRTg92230 - ETA at Denny's for hand off to Central California PGR
R/C Steve Blumenfeld
aka Captain Chaos
So Cal PGR Ride CaptainUSAF, SSgt, 1970-74
steveb507alrpgr@gmail.com
661-212-2284
Staging 2: SANTA MARIA1930 - Stage at Pappy's Restaurant, 1275 Betteravia Rd, Santa Maria, CA 93454
https://goo.gl/maps/g86gzCF3LemPDm7p71945 - Mission briefing
1950 - KSU to Denny's, 2830 Camino Del Rios, Newbury Park, CA 91320
https://goo.gl/maps/MtAsHtZan9eqFRTg92145 - ETA at Denny's
2200 - Prepare for Flag Line as procession arrives from LAX
2230 - Flag Line for Hero
RC John Archuleta (Milkshake)
ALR 26 Bakersfield
PGR Assistant State Captain So.Central Ca.US Army 62/65
(805) 441-8506
45jarchuleta@gmail.com
Staging 3: NEWBURY PARK2130 - Stage at Denny's, 2830 Camino Del Rios, Newbury Park, CA 91320
https://goo.gl/maps/MtAsHtZan9eqFRTg92145 - Central Cal PGR arrives
2230 - Flag Line as PGR arrives from LAX
2245 - KSU to Magner-Mahoney Funeral Home, 600 E. Stowell Rd, Santa Maria, CA 93454
https://goo.gl/maps/Jnn6LjKbPJmgP5sy70100 - ETA at Funeral Home
0105 - Flag Line as Hero is moved from coach to building
RC John Archuleta (Milkshake)
ALR 26 Bakersfield
PGR Assistant State Captain So.Central Ca.US Army 62/65
(805) 441-8506
45jarchuleta@gmail.com
This mission involves an aircraft arrival. Arrival times can change at the last minute so please check this thread for any last minute changes
before leaving.
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 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.
