The family of MSgt Buford A. Johnson, 89, has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to attend the service of their Hero and accompany him to his final resting place. It would be our great honor to do so.
MSgt Buford A. Johnson was born in Longview, Texas on August 30, 1927, he was raised in Shiloh, Texas and graduated from Shiloh High School in 1945. He was drafted into the US Navy but soon found out that African-Americans were designated menial jobs and he wanted to make a greater contribution to the war effort. He then transferred to the US Army Air Corps which eventually became the US Air Force.
MSgt Buford Johnson was assigned to the 99th Fighter Squadron of the 477th Composite Group, who became known as The Tuskegee Airmen, he was one of the original members of that group and served as their Chief Mechanic.
MSgt Johnson served in WWII and went on to serve in Korea and Vietnam eras until his retirement from the USAF in 1966. MSgt Johnson was the recipient of the Air Force Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service on Dec 21, 1962, and the Congressional Gold Medal on April 11, 2006.
The Moreno Valley, CA branch of the Tuskegee Airman Inc. is named the Buford A. Johnson chapter 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 the hero and his family from the mortuary services to his final resting place (approx 12 miles). Please see the time table if you would like to participate. For those who would rather go directly to the cemetery, we will meet you there.
Time Table for Wednesday, 26 APR 17:1100 - Stage at Tillman Funeral Home, 2874 10th St., Riverside, CA 92507
https://goo.gl/maps/yVhjMEV3WX42 (Please arrive quietly as service will be in progress)
1115 - Mission briefing
1145 - Est Flag Line for transfer of Hero to coach
1200 - Est KSU to Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, CA 92518 (PGR to Staging area 8 if you are meeting at cemetery)
https://goo.gl/maps/fmyNCYKzN2U21245 - KSU to assigned shelter for Flag Line, Service and Military Honors.
R/C Larry Medcraft
So Cal PGR Ride CaptainCell: 808-722-5784
LMedcraf@yahoo.com
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.
