The family of
Master at Arms Chief Petty Officer Ralph D Flores, 74, has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to be present to honor this hero for his service to his country. It will be our privilege to do so.
Chief Flores served his country in the US Navy from 1960 to 1986, time that included 3 tours in Vietnam with Riverine Forces (brown water navy). Riverine Force was the most highly decorated unit of the war and also had the highest casualty rate, with 1 in 3 personnel wounded or killed. Chief Flores was a 2-time Purple Heart recipient.
For his service Chief Flores was awarded Navy and Marine Corps Medals, Bronze Star w/ Combat "V", the Combat Action Ribbon, Combat Small Craft Insignia, PUC Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Pistol Expert Medal, NDSM Philippine Presidential Unit Citation, RVN Armed Forces Meritorious Unit Commendation (RVN Gallantry Cross), RVN Meritorious Unit Citation (civil actions col. w/Palm), Vietnam Service Medal w/ Silver Star, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Battle E Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, six Good Conduct Awards, and two Purple Hearts.
After retirement Ralph enjoyed running a nonprofit animal rescue where he rescued stray dogs from Puerto Rico. He also enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson Motorcycle and was a member of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association (CVMA). He is survived by his sister Alice, Children Yolanda, Ralph, Ronald, Nanette, Natalie and Daniel, 19 Grandchildren and 5 Great Grandchildren.
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 performing a flag line at the cemetery. Please see the time table if you would like to participate.
Time Table for Thursday, 13 April 2017: 0945 – Stage at Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Dr, San Diego, CA 92122
https://goo.gl/maps/QLJeCUfJZuC2 1015 – Mission Briefing
1100 – Flag Line and Funeral Service with Full Military Honors
R/C Lorenzo LizarragaSoCal PGR Ride Captain
619-971-2236
llizarraga@yahoo.com
MAC Ralph D Flores (Ret) 06/21/1942 - 03/30/2017 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.
