The family of our own Ride Captain, Vince Hernandez, has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to accompany our Hero and the family from the funeral home in Cathedral City to Riverside National Cemetery for his service and military honors. It would be our honor to do so.
Vincent Hernandez Sr, known by us that knew and loved him as Vince, enlisted in the US Marine Corps in March, 1970 right after graduating High School. Vince served proudly until his honorable discharge in July 1971 as a Private First Class. He was very proud of being a Marine.
After the military, Vince went to work at San Bernardino Community Hospital where he worked as an Orthopedic Technologist for 20 years until his retirement. He then took up a 2nd career in medical sales and soon became a Spine Specialist in the Western Region for Medtronic Sofamor Danek. He did this for 26 yrs and worked with many fine people.
After Vince retired from medical sales he decided to start giving back to the military community by volunteering at the Loma Linda VA, and joined the American Legion in Banning (and became the BBQ chef on steak night). He also was honored to become, what would become his passion, a Patriot Guard member. This became his most important avenue of giving back and honoring those who served and he quickly stepped up to become a Ride Captain to further serve. Vince loved the people he worked with, in the American Legion and the Patriot Guard, who became his brothers. Vince was known to ride 100 miles, one way, to lead a mission frequently, the distance meant nothing, honoring the Heroes meant everything.
Elaine, Vince’s wife, shared some lovely stories with us about our friend:
Riding his Harley was sheer joy for Vince. He was never a fair weather rider. Vince loved the freedom of touching the wind with his face. Whether it be a turnaround trip with a buddy to San Francisco for breakfast in rain and snow, or a 3 day trip to Zion with another buddy for a hike on a trail. Even, what I called the ‘gastronomic’ day rides with the ‘Hogs’, involved stops at someone’s favorite place to eat on the way and on the road home. It always revolved around food. Sometimes, when Vince’s back was bothering him, he therapeutically took rides to nowhere just to relax his sore muscles. At least this is what he told me! I rode with Vince until I had back surgery, so I know the euphoria he felt while on his Harley. Nothing but euphoria... and the sun shining on his face...
Vince’s dream as a young boy was to own some sort of ranch with horses, chickens, dogs and cats, pigs, etc. The ranch idea became an alpaca ranch due to my love for alpaca fiber. We also cared for a few chickens for some homegrown eggs. Vince loved his eggs! Each morning you would find us working in the barn feeding, caring, and scooping poo from pens and stalls. Not a favorite for my little Mexican but such a great ranch hand. Shearing time was a busy time as not only did the critters get haircuts, they also had a pedicure and dental work. Vaccines and deworming also were given to keep them healthy.
Vince enjoyed being outside sitting in the rocker behind the barn sometimes smoking a cigar, watching the alpaca grazing or just enjoying the babies pronking across the pasture. This was usually at the end of the morning when chores were finished at which time his day actually began...
Vince is survived by his loving wife of 38 years Elaine, His children Vincent Jr (wife Kirsten), Meghan (husband Ricardo), and Aaron (fiancee Tiffany) who were so proud of their compassionate dad, as were his 3 grandchildren, Matteo and Liam (who also accompanied their ‘poppy’ on 2 missions), and the sparkle of his eye, Leighton.
Vince is also survived by his Patriot Guard family here in So California, he will ride on with us, never forgotten, always missed, brothers and sisters forever.
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 to his final resting place, a distance of approximately 61.3 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.
IMPORTANT: If you are meeting the procession at the cemetery and would like to stand a Flag Line at the gate for arrival, please stage at 1145 approximately 30 minutes prior to the procession's arrival at the cemetery.
Time Table for Tuesday, 09 JAN 18:1000 - Stage at Forest Lawn Mortuary, 69855 Ramon Rd., Cathedral City, CA 92234
https://goo.gl/maps/EDfddrbJ3Yx1015 - Mission briefing
1045 - Flag Line as Hero is moved to transport vehicle
1100 - KSU to Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, CA 92518
https://goo.gl/maps/2jEitZaLvXt1215 - ETA at RNC
1300 - KSU to assigned shelter for Flag Line, Service, and Military Honors
R/C Craig (Gunny) Donor
GySgt USMC (ret)
Cell 909 208 7703
pgrgunny-001@yahoo.com
PGR SoCal State CaptainMember since 31 May 2006
PGR # 36750
Dream like you will live forever.
Live like there is no tomorrow.
When the world calls 911
The American Military answers the call.
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.
