The friends and family of Carl William Garrett have requested the presence of the Patriot Guard to accompany and pay Honors to this American Hero. It will be our distinct privilege to do so.
Carl was born August 28,1960. Carl joined the Boy Scouts of America at a young age and continued learning things from them until he was 14. Once he became old enough to get a job he began working in a fish store. Little did Carl know that he was on the road to begin his life and passion working with fish.
Upon graduation from High School in June of 1978 Carl immediately joined the United States Air Force. Carl always thrived to do the very best he could no matter what it was, and to learn all he could about everything he was involved in.
Carl served the next 20 years in the Air Force. During that time Carl was sent to the Persian Gulf where he defended our Country against the enemy. While in the Air Force he earned, numerous awards serving his Country and received his Honorable Discharge as a TSgt (E-6).
Carl earned the National Defense Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal (SASM), Kuwait Liberation Medal & Distinguished Service Medal.
Carl also earned his 4th degree in college classes while he was serving. He was never one to slow down as long as there were things to do.
Carl received his Honorable Discharge from the Air Force June of 1998.
Carl loved to talk about places he had been, and things he had seen. Carl traveled around the United States and visited every State except 4 of them. He also traveled into numerous Countries as well. Germany was always his favorite.
In 2010 at the age of 49, Carl had a massive stroke that paralyzed his right side. He was also diagnosed with Aphasia and had to immediately accept his new life conditions. This new life forced Carl to once again put all of his efforts together to learn a new way of life and how to get around.
Carl was determined to walk again, as well as learn to write left-handed and adapt to all the new challenges ahead for him.
Carl never had a negative attitude about anything that came his way. He just saw it as another challenge to overcome. Carl learned to overcome his adversity and to put a lot of energy into his fish time, as well as being with his family watching long hours of his movies and TV shows. Carl's sister Carol said he had the largest collection of DVDs that she had ever seen by any one person.
His sister, Carol, decided it was time to have her brother move in with her. Carol decided she was going to help take care of her Hero brother. Carol and her Husband took care of Carl for the next 2 yrs until on December 31,2024, Carl passed from a heart attack.
Carol and her husband, Chris, have taken care of this American Hero and now have made arrangements to lay him to rest with military honors at Riverside National Cemetery with all of his brothers and sisters.
Carl is survived by his siblings Diane, Sharon, and Carol. Children: Amanda and Carl IV, and 1 Grandson.
The family will be flying in and will be awaiting their Hero at Riverside National Cemetery. The family has asked, if we could accompany their Hero from the Mortuary to Riverside National Cemetery. We will do that. A Hero does not need to travel alone, and we will make sure that doesn't happen.
If you want to do a flag line at Riverside National Cemetery that will be fine. I think the family would really love to see our Nations Colors flying high for their Hero as we arrive.
(The Ride Captain will be sending a Glympse out to the Riverside crew so you will know where we are.)
Note: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this American Hero. For those interested and all PGR members are welcome. We will be accompanying the Hero from the Mortuary to the cemetery, approx. 26 miles. Please see the timetable if you would like to participate. If you prefer to meet the procession at the cemetery, please feel free to do so.
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 Ride Captain (RC). 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.
Time Table for Friday March 28, 20251115 - Stage at Memorial Funeral Services, 1111 South Street, Hemet, Calif. 92543 (
https://maps.app.goo.gl/aGokyxP41N6hRARL6)
1130 - Mission Briefing
1145 - Flagline as Hero is brought out to awaiting coach
1200 - KSU to Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd. Riverside, Ca. 92518 (
https://maps.app.goo.gl/e3sWx57d3JkbaE9j7)
1300 - ETA to Riverside National Cemetery
1330 - Services for our American Hero.
R/C Mike "Joker" Courtright
SoCal PGR / Ride Captain
mokynanapo@sbcglobal.net
714-321-3356
"Standing for those who stood for us
" Patriot Guard Ride Captain" #202572
Orange County, Calif.
Only 2 defining forces offered to die for you:
Jesus Christ, and the American Soldier:
One died for your soul, the other one died for your freedom.
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.
