The family of Norman J. Matthews has requested the Patriot Guard to pay Honors to this American Hero. It will be our Honor to do so.
Norman joined the United States Navy in 1976, and discharged in 1980. Petty Officer Matthews was stationed aboard the Destroyer, USS Proteus (AS-19) in Guam. Petty Officer Matthews later served with HS-4 (Helicopter Squadron) "The Black Knights", and deployed to the Western Pacific aboard the Aircraft Carrier, USS Ranger (CV-61). Norman was honorably discharged as a YN3 (Yeoman 3rd. Class)
After Norman's time in the Navy he held several different jobs. His favorite and most notable work was in the emergency medical field. He served on ambulance crews as an "Emergency Medical Technician" and as a "field supervisor". When Norman was off duty, he continued to serve his community by sharing his medical knowledge with various groups as a certified CPR instructor.
Norman was an avid football fan and die-hard Redskins fan. Norman had an old-school defensive mentality and his favorite player of all time was Redskins’ linebacker, Chris Hanburger. Norman was also a big Angels fan and had his own successful baseball run as a catcher, from his childhood all the way through High School. As an adult, Norm loved to play in his recreational softball leagues. Norman had a passion for coaching little league baseball and Pop Warner football. He always led with his heart and passed on both sports and life lessons to our youth.
Much like our father, Norm’s advice was always simple yet powerful and always everlasting. Norman surprised his family by learning to hunt and fish, as well as a love for firearms. He loved his beer and he loved sharing a few with his friends and family, usually while listening to his favorite band, Queen.
Norm was a very simple, yet incredibly complex man. He was a true Patriot and had an unyielding love for family and Country. For those of us that he was dedicated to, his love and loyalty were his finest and most cherished attributes.
Norman leaves behind his wife Debra, Daughters Amanda and Stephanie, Sons Garrett and Joe
He also leaves behind his Grandchildren: Savannah and Giovanni (2) brothers and (2) sisters.
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 to his final resting place. 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 27 May 15: 0815 - Stage: Rite- Aid parking lot 8030 Dale Street, Buena Park, Ca. 90620 ( Stage by Rite-Aid sign) Corner of Dale and La Palma
https://goo.gl/maps/XEO9c 0830 - Mission Briefing
0845 - R/C goes to pick up Hero and meet with family. ( 3 min. away)
0900 - Depart with Hero and Family to meet PGR at Rite- Aid
0915 - KSU to Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, Ca. 92518
https://goo.gl/maps/zim18 1030 - ETA to Riverside National Cemetery (Family staging area #4, PGR staging area #8)
1045 - KSU to assigned shelter for Flag Line, Service and Military Honors
R/C Mike "Joker" Courtright
SoCal PGR - Ride Captainmokynanapo@sbcglobal.net
714-321-3356
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 at the National link:
https://www.patriotguard.org/showthread.php?403845
