The family of Robert Francis 'Buck' Rogers has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to attend his funeral service and honor him, we are privileged to do so.
Robert ‘Buck’ Rogers, a war hero who bravely served his country as a WWII, Korean and Vietnam veteran, age 91, died peacefully in his home Saturday, August 17, 2019 after a long battle with complications due to his combat service.
Robert was born June 22, 1928 in a small coal mining town in Wilkes-Barre, PA to Sidney and Viola Rogers. From an early age, Robert had a love for God and country. In his teen years, he was a decorated Eagle Scout. During this time, he pursued a calling as an episcopalian priest. However, due to the second world war draft, the trajectory of his life changed when he joined the military at age 16 with his parents’ consent.
His 29 year military career began the day after his high school graduation, when he arrived at Paris Island for boot camp. Robert served honorably under the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing; MOS Air Crew 1945 - 1974 as Crew Chief with more than 30,000 flight hours in the following aircraft: R4D, R5D, C-130, R4Q, R5C, R5O. One of Robert’s fondest memories was serving as an Honor Guard for President Harry Truman’s inauguration.
While in Korea, Robert was escorting a group of Marines to their guard post when a fellow marine said, “There goes ‘Buck Rogers’ and his Space Marines!” Through Robert’s tour of duty and still to this day, the nickname ‘Buck Rogers’ is used by many.
During the Vietnam War, Buck served as a temporary Officer from 1966 – 1970. His highest grade was Chief Warrant Officer (CW2). CW2 Robert Rogers earned the following distinguished medals for his military service: 5 Air Medals, Commendation Medal with Combat, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal 1 Silver Star and 3 Bronze Stars, World War II Victory Medal, American Defense Service Medal with clasp, National Defense Service Medal with 1 bronze star, Korean Service Medal with 1 Silver Star, United Nations Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 1 Silver Star, Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon with 2 Stars, Navy/USCG Unit Commendation Ribbon with 1 Star, Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon with 1 Star, Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Expert Rifle, Navy Expert Pistol, Republic of Korea War Service Medal, Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal 1960 Device, Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross Medal Color w/Palm), Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Civil Actions Medal, First Class Color w/Palm), Combat Aircrew Insignias with 3 Stars.
After retiring from the military, Robert worked 24 years for the Academy of Defensive Driving (AODD). While at AODD, he also ran the tuning and testing at the OC International Raceway, as well as training police officers in vehicle control and high-speed pursuits. Promoted to Director of AODD, he oversaw the drinking driving school and drug diversion.
Buck served his community and fellow veterans throughout his retirement. He was active in PTSD awareness. He attended Prop 63 meetings, helping to bring education and awareness of PTSD among veterans. He served as treasurer for the North Orange County, Vietnam Veterans chapter #1024. As a member of the VVA Chapter, Buck and his fellow Vietnam veterans reached out to the community and all war Veterans, helping to ensure that no man was left behind. In 2011, Buck and his wife, Karin, received an appreciation award from Sentor Lou Carrera for distinguished families who have given back to the community. In 2012, Buck received Veteran of the Year award in Sacramento for his district.
Robert is survived by his wife, Karin, his son, Rich and four grandchildren: Shawn, Rachel, Sarah and Claire Rogers, and his sister Dorothy Grivner. Preceding Robert in death are his first wife, Geraldine, his daughter Barbara Ann and brother Donald Rogers.
He will be fondly remembered as a humble man of the greatest generation who always did the right thing. Semper Fi.
NOTE: There will be dog tags for the attendees on this mission. There will also be beautiful challenge coins provided to attendees at no cost to the riders. This is a special momento in memory of her husband provided by Karin, his wife.
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 services 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.
Time table for Saturday, 31 AUG 19:1015 - Stage at Church of Latter Day Saints: 674 S. Yorba Street, Orange Ca. 92869
https://goo.gl/maps/naFArghfiJ9WxBgh9 (Please arrive quietly as service will be in progress)
1030 - Mission briefing
1100 - Flag Line for dignified transfer of Hero from Church to coach
1115 - KSU to Holy Sepulcher Cemetery: 7845 E. Santiago Canyon Rd. Orange Ca. 92869
https://goo.gl/maps/kc4FkF2G8XJeRtXi71130 - Est arrival at Cemetery
1200 - Flag Line, Graveside service & Military Honors
R/C Mark "Papabear" Wayland
PGR Ride Captainmarkwayland547@gmail.com
714-743-7717 cell
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.
