NOTE: The subject for this mission posting originally had the date listed as 26 AUG. The mission will be Tuesday, 29 AUG as stated correctly in the time table. The family of
Chief Petty Officer Joseph (Joe) Norton has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to be present to honor this hero for his service to his country. It will be our privilege to do so.
CPO Joe Norton served his country in the US Navy. He joined the Navy at 17 and was assigned to his first ship a destroyer as a sonarman. He made several “Med” cruises and saw post-war Europe firsthand. He would serve 20 years (1947 to 1967), retiring at the rank of Chief Petty Officer.
In his post military career Joe worked 20 years in the civil service, a career that began at the Naval Rework Facility (North Island) to the Naval Oceans System Center (Pt. Loma) working on submarines, to finally NAS Miramar as a C.O.T.R. in charge of the F-14 flight simulator for Top Gun.
Chief Norton is survived by his wife of 50 years, his 4 sons, his sister, 7 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren.
The family has requested we be present outside the church as Chief Norton receives his final honors. Following honors we will accompany to Legacy Funeral Care in La Mesa. In keeping with his love of the sea and the Navy, Joe will be buried at sea from a US Naval ship and a plaque will be placed at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in his honor.
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 this hero from the church services to the mortuary. Please see the time table if you would like to participate.
NOTE: We have 4 San Diego missions on Tuesday, 29 AUG. Please try to attend as many as you can. It is possible to attend the Veterans Without Family and the Flag Line Only missions at Miramar National Cemetery that morning and this mission immediately following. Time Table for Tuesday, 29 August 2017:1300 – Stage at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church 2766 Navajo Rd., El Cajon, CA 92020
https://goo.gl/maps/ozu4qu2qhJR2 (Please arrive quietly as service will be in progress)1330 – Mission Briefing
1345 – (Est) Flag Line as Hero and Family Exit Church
1400 – Flag Line as Hero Receives Final Honors
1430 – (Est) KSU for Legacy Funeral Care 7043 University Ave., La Mesa, CA 91942
https://goo.gl/maps/27cpW2Z1RKJ2 1500 – Flag Line for Dignified Transfer into Mortuary
R/C John Roche SoCalPGR Ride Captain
206-930-2191
Johnroche2@cox.net
CPO Joseph Norton (Ret) 2/10/1931 - 8/17/2017You 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.
