The family of Michael "Mike" Raymond Plaziak has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to be present to honor their hero for his service to his country. It will be our privilege to do so.
Lieutenant Colonel Plaziak joined the United States Marine Corps in 1995 and was honorably discharged in 2012 serving for 17 years. During his time, Mike was the Recipient of several Bronze Star Medals; Defense Meritorious Service Medal; Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal; Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal; Global War On Terrorism Expeditionary Medal; Selected Marine Corps Reserve Medal; SEA Service Deployment Ribbon; National Defense Service Medal; Presidential Unit Citation; Meritorious Unit Commendation; Letter of Appreciation; Certificate of Commendation (Individual Award).
A disability claim was submitted to the Department of Veteran Affairs shortly before Mike passed away for exposure to burn pits, fuels/exhaust, diesel, hydraulics, TCE, solvents, particulate matter, degreasers, synthetic oils. He was diagnosed with Triple Hit Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma in August 2023.
In his civilian life Mike was a geologist, wind turbine operator, assistant executive officer and later executive officer for the Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control in South Lake Tahoe.
Mike had many hobbies such as Ham radio operator, avid hiker (summitted over 300 peaks), enjoyed running and mountain biking and exercise in general, loved riding his motorcycle, loved to read especially about the history of different countries and politics, watched the news daily, knew the history of our country and other countries very well, LOVED serving our country, skilled at home renovations, enjoyed cooking the same 3-4 meals, listened daily to Father Mike Schmitz (Catholic Priest).
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this military veteran. For those interested, and all PGR members are welcome, please see the timetable if you would like to participate. This Mission is an accompaniment from the family home to Miramar National Cemetery, approx. 15 miles.
Timetable for Thursday 08 May 20250930 - Spanish Landing North Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA
https://maps.app.goo.gl/6xL66BMiK3SyPYHMA 0945 - Mission Briefing
1000 - KSU for family home
1015 – Approx. arrival at the family home
1030 - Flag Line of Honor for transfer of our hero to family car
1045 - KSU for Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Dr, San Diego, CA 92122
https://maps.app.goo.gl/AJPcMFVxf4uHyHPD8 1100 – Arrival at Miramar National Cemetery
1130 - Flag Line of Honor, Funeral Service with Military Honors
R/C Stacey McCarthy “Lil Bit”
SoCal PGR Regional Captain(619) 277-5176
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 is 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 wear casual attire while driving a cage (car). Please feel free to attend any portion of this mission you can. Please ride/drive safely.
Remember that our mission is to stand tall and silent 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. Show respect to all who are there, not just the ones we honor.
