The family of Gilbert Villa, 87, has invited the patriot Guard Riders (PGR) to attend the Military Honors of their loved one as he makes his final journey. It will be our honor to participate.
Gilbert Villa was born in El Paso, Texas on November 20, 1929. He passed away on July 12, 2017.
He was a proud Marine, a Korean War Veteran, serving his country with distinction from 1949-1953 as a Staff Sargent in the 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division. Gilbert was among the few brave men to fight their way out of the "Chosin Reservoir".
He suffered frostbite during this battle and as a result was not fond of cold weather, even in El Paso, and made the decision to move to Southern California because its warm here.
He was awarded:
Purple Heart Medal, National Defense Service Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, Korean Service Medal with four battle stars, Combat Action Ribbon, United States Service Medal, Korean Presidential Service Unit Citation Medal, Navy Commendation Ribbon, Marine Corps Presidential Unit Citation with one star, and Republic of Korea War Service Medal.
His activities included coin collecting and watching all sports on TV, especially American Football.
Following his wartime service to his country he worked for A H Flores as a heating and air conditioning installer for 21 years retiring in 1992.
Gilbert was member of American Legion Post 193 in Van Nuys and the VFW.
Gilbert's foremost love was for his family. Loving father to 2 from his previous marriage, Robert John Villa and Elizabeth Jayne Towles.
He married his second wife on March 17, 1962, the love of his life, Virginia Villa, faithfully married for 55 years.
They were the proud parents of 3 children, Gilbert Villa Jr., Phillip Villa, and Linda Diaz.
Gilbert was grandfather to 10, Stephen, Valerie, Kristina (deceased), Karl, Timothy, Kimberly, Ashley, Alexis, Alyssa, and Adrian and Great Grandfather to 3, Daniel, Isabel, and Celeste and loving brother to older sister Elvira Escajeda.
His son Robert John Villa was also a proud Marine, serving in the 80's.
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 chapel to the graveside.
Time Table for Saturday, 29 July 2017:1315hrs - Staging at:
Eternal Valley Memorial Park & Mortuary
23287 North Sierra Highway
Newhall, CA 61321
661-259-0800
https://g.co/kgs/hvAYLh(Please arrive quietly as our hero's memorial service will be in progress at the chapel.)
1330 - Mission briefing.
1400 - est. Flag Line for dignified transfer to the coach
1415 - est. KSU to Flag Line, graveside services, and Military Honors
Extreme Heat Notice: Please be prepared by hydrating, keeping sunblock applied, seeking shade when possible. Keep an eye out for heat stress in others and don't be ashamed to take a knee if necessary.
R/C Steve Blumenfeld
SoCal PGR Ride CaptainCanyon Country, CA
SSgt USAF 1971-74
661-212-2284
steveb507alrpgr@gmail.com
You do not have to be a Veteran or 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 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.
