The PGR has been invited to honor a WWII Hero for a very special mission, we will be honored to do so.
Edwin Phemister Matthews, 79, served in the U.S. Army in WWII. Edwin joined the US Army on June 17, 1942, was a Communication Technician, achieved Rifle and Carbine marksmanship awards and received an Honorable Discharge from the US Army on January 11, 1946 at the rank of Technical Sergeant.
In March of 1996 he passed away and was buried in the Lucerne Valley Cemetery in an unmarked grave.
Frank Guevara, a retired Colonel, Veterans Affairs Director for San Bernardino County became aware of this terrible situation and has found a way to make it right.
Guevara serves veterans in the largest geographic county in the continental United States and steps forward to accept the remains of unclaimed veterans who are left at the county coroner’s office without next of kin and ensures they receive a proper burial. In his position, he is also the next of kin to the veterans in unmarked graves and is able to get grave markers for them.
“When I was told there was a veteran in an unmarked grave, I knew that something had to be done to remember him and honor his legacy. We are here to serve our veterans in life and in death,” said Guevara. “When they do not have a family or a next of kin, we are their family and their next of kin. We will keep their legacy alive and ensure they are not forgotten.”
We will be there with the County members and local residences acting as family for this Hero as he is given a marker and a ceremony of honor is performed.
Edwin was preceded in death by his wife Beulah May Matthews in 1991 and has no other surviving family.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran.
Time table for Thursday, 05 NOV 15: 1000 - Stage at Valero Gas Station, 32687 CA-18, Lucerne Valley, CA 92356
https://goo.gl/maps/h2Lg6VxM9Sq 1030 - Mission briefing
1045 - KSU to Lucerne Valley Memorial Park
https://goo.gl/maps/QSajsV127Ku R/C Ernie "Casper" Kopasz
SoCal Pgr Ride CaptainUSAF/CANG Vet/LEO (Ret)
erniepgr@aol.com
760-963-8971
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 post your condolences to the National link:
https://www.patriotguard.org/showthread.php?410567
