The family of John Lopez has requested the Patriot Guard to pay Honors for this American Hero. It will be our privilege to do so.
This request comes to us by way of one of our own PGR Members, Daniel Hernandez (LoLo) who is also our Heroes Nephew.
John was born 86 yrs ago into what would become a family of war Heroes and defenders of the United States.
John's commitment to Duty, Honor, and Country was exemplified time and time again by the number of times he was willing to put himself in harms way. His family seems to have always done that. It is men like this that have given us the freedoms we have today.
John's time in the Army did not go unnoticed. During his time in the Army from Dec. 1950 to his Honorable Discharge date of Nov. 1954, John earned the rank of PFC and honors for his time served.
John went to jump school where he earned his jump wings and was assigned to the 11th Airborne Division. He then went to Infantry school at Fort Benning Ga. and became a Heavy weapons Infantryman.
During Johns time in Korea the 11th Airborne & the 82nd Airborne became the 187th Airborne & fought side by side.
Johns medals consist of Korean War Combat Medal, National Defense Medal with 1 bronze star, Purple Heart, Combat Infantry Badge, Parachute Badge, Korean Service Medal with 1 bronze star, United Nations Service Medal, Commanding General Unit Citation.
After being discharged from the Army, two years later John went into the California Army National Guard and was assigned with the 40th MP'S Infantry Div.
When John finally decided his time in the Army was done, John became a Police Officer with the Los Angeles Police Dept. Central Division. John was with the LAPD for 20 years and retired.
John then went to work for the old RTD bus line in Los Angeles as a Investigator/Sergeant and retired after 15 years. John Lopez was also in the Watts Riot of 1965 with the LAPD, and activated for ISLA VISTA Riots in 1970 with the California Army National Guard.
In John's off time he loved traveling & dancing with his partner in crime Louise Acosta.
John passed away on January 30, 2018, leaving behind his sister Esther Andrade, 3 sons: John, Eddie, & Chris, 2 daughters: Julie, & Laura.
John is preceded by Heroes in his family: 2 brothers, Erlindo WWII, Freddie WWII, Korea,& Vietnam, & his brother in-law Victor WWII, who have all passed. All American Heroes!
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring these Military Veterans. Please arrive quietly as services will already be in progress.
Time Table for Friday, 09 Feb. 2018:0945 - Stage Church of Our Heritage, Forest Lawn Covina Hills, 21300 Via Verde Drive, Covina, Ca. 91724
https://goo.gl/maps/8xb9cxtqf6w1000 - Mission Briefing
1030 - Flagline as Hero is brought out from church to coach
1045 - KSU to Final resting place for our Hero on the grounds at Forest Lawn where we will do a Flag Line for our Hero and he will receive his military honors.
R/C Mike " Joker" CourtrightSoCal PGR - Ride Captain
mokynanapo@sbcglobal.net
714-321-3356
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. Remember, cemeteries are hallowed ground. Show respect to all who are there, not just the ones we are honoring
