The family of Gilbert Guevara Jr., has invited the Patriot Guard Riders (PGR) to attend the Military Honors of their loved one as he makes his final journey.
It will be our honor to do so.
Gilbert was born on 19 June 1948 and entered into Eternal Rest on 31 May 2017.
Gilbert honorably served his country in the U.S. Air Force from 1968 to 1974. A Vietnam Veteran, Gilbert was station in Da Nang, South Vietnam for the better part of his military service. He was stationed at Vandenberg Air Force Base before making the transition to college student. He was honorably discharged as a Sergeant.
Gilbert, an alumnus of Allan Hancock College in Santa Maria, was also honored as being part of their “Distinguished Alumni” for their 75th anniversary celebration. While attending AHC, he found his voice for the community by becoming a member of the Brown Berets and leadership through MeCha. He graduated from Hancock in 1974, and went to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo earning his BS degree in Social Services in 1977.
Gilbert was a Youth Counselor at Klein Bottle in Santa Maria; this would be the beginning of his civic involvement in the communities of Ventura, Oxnard, and Santa Maria. From the Santa Maria planning commission to the Housing Authority of Oxnard to being a founding member of the League of United Latin American Citizens of Ventura County. He was a member of the Sunrisers Lions Club of Santa Maria, where he served as president for a brief time. He was also a proud member of the American GI Forum. Gilbert was active as a business consultant, helping non- profits with grants and loans.
Gilbert loved camping, fishing, golfing and playing practical jokes; but most of all he loved his family.
Gilbert is survived by his daughter Rene Guevara-Hernandez, three sisters, four brothers, and two grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his brother Victor Guevara.
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 church to his final resting place. 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.
The weather is predicted to be hot so please stay hydrated and don't forget to eat; it can make a difference with your ability to withstand the heat.
Time Table for Friday 30 June 2017 1115 – Stage at St. Catherine of Alexandria Catholic Church, 7050 Brockton Ave., Riverside, CA.
https://goo.gl/maps/pBdbuiVUifp1145 – Mission Briefing
1200 – Flag line as our Hero is moved to the coach.
1200 – KSU to Riverside National Cemetery, (Staging Area #1 for family, north of Staging Area #8 for PGR) 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, CA 92518
http://goo.gl/maps/v0K0E1300 – KSU to assigned Shelter for Flag line, Service and Military Honors
RC: Larry Medcraft
SoCalPGR Ride Captain
LMedcraf@yahoo.com
808-722-5784
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.
