The family of
EN1 Gilberto (Pops) Olivas, USN (Ret) has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to be present to honor him for his service to our country. It would be our honor to do so.
Engineman Petty Officer First Class (EN1) Olivas joined the United States Navy in 1974 and served until his retirement, October 31, 1994. During his twenty years of service, Pops served aboard many ships including the USS Fanning (FF-1076) and the USS Acadia (AD-42). He made several Western Pacific deployments or “West-Pacs”. As a “Snipe” or part of the engineering division, Pops was an Engineman by trade, working on diesel engines and their systems.
There are many time honored traditions in the Navy, one of them being known as a “Golden Shellback” for crossing over the Equator several times. He was also “Davy Jones” during the traditional ceremonies and shenanigans that occur during each crossing. Pops was also a “Blue Nose” for crossing the Arctic Circle. Pops visited several countries during his deployments. He often brought home souvenirs from his travels. Pops was a kind, loving and generous man. All who knew him loved him.
EN1 Olivas awards include the Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Navy “E” Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal (4), National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (4).
After retiring from the Navy, Pops worked as a long haul truck driver for C.R. England, drove a tow truck for Clancy’s, worked the warehouse for Qualcomm, and worked for Geo services assisting the Border Patrol before retiring full time. His hobbies and interests were first and foremost his wife and family; he was a devoted family man. He loved fixing things, listening to country music, classic western movies, the rodeo, and Harley’s. He loved the Navy, Navy football and all branches of the military. He loved watching the Padres, San Diego Chargers and San Diego State football. Pops was a fierce patriot and had an undying devotion to America, Law Enforcement, FIRE Services and a strong love for POW’S. His father was a POW.
Pops is survived by his loving wife Emily and his nine children, Richard, Patty, Emilia, Moses, Lupita, Gracie, Charlie, Danny & the baby, Maria and their respective spouses. What’s amazing about this, is that when he met and married Emily she had eight children. He became an awesome father to all of them. He is also survived by 26 grand kids and 6 great grand kids. Pops was funny even silly at times but he personified what it meant to be a husband, father, family man and patriot.
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 doing a flag line for our hero at Miramar National Cemetery. Please see the time table if you would like to participate.
Time Table for Friday, July 13, 2018:1000 – Stage at Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Dr., San Diego, CA 92122
http://goo.gl/maps/rAfUs1015 – Mission Briefing
1030 – (Approximate) Flag Line for arrival of the hero and his family
1100 – Flag Line, Funeral Service with Full Military Honors
R/C Cal BraleySo Cal PGR - Ride Captain
braley56@gmail.com
619-805-6541
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.
