The family of Arnold F. Van Den Bosch, 92, has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to attend the military honors of their loved one. He will be interred along with his wife, Colleen Van Den Bosch. It will be our honor to do so.
Arnold served in the USAF from 28 Jul 1952 to 27 Jul 1956. He served overseas during the Korean War as a Nuclear Weapons Specialist with the 3082nd Operations Squadron (AMC). He was honorably discharged as a SSgt (E-5).
Post-military life, “Van” known by family and friends, worked for The Department of Defense as a contract negotiator with the Defense Logistics Agency. He later became a minister under church appointment with the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Community of Christ Church).
Van enjoyed woodworking, mechanics, and travel. He was known for his humor and to be “such a giving man” and “give the shirt off his back,” per his daughter. She recalls the time he came upon a family who was stranded on the side of the road due to their car breaking down. He took the family home with him where they spent the night. The next morning, Van took the father back to the car to get it fixed and the family was eventually able to get back on the road and be on their way. Neither Van spoke Spanish nor did the father speak any English.
Van was married to his wife, Colleen, for 52 years. She passed away in February 2014. Both will be interred together on this day. He is survived by two daughters, Betty Jo and Brenda; three grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. He comes from a family of six siblings and survived by two sisters, Thelma and Betty.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran. For those interested, and all PGR members are welcome, this is a flag line only (FLO) mission at Riverside National Cemetery. For those who would like to participate, please see the timetable and we will meet you there.
TIMETABLE FOR THURSDAY, 07 MARCH 20240915 - Stage at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd Riverside, CA. (Lemay Blvd near the restrooms on the right).
https://maps.app.goo.gl/UAoAQTYkLzPAM6nn70930 - Mission briefing.
0945 - Await arrival of Hero and family. KSU to assigned corteg.
1015 - KSU to assigned shelter for flag line and military honors.
Steve “Capt Chaos” Blumenfeld
SoCal PGR Ride Captain
SSGT USAF 1970-1974
steveb.pgrcc@gmail.com
661-212-2284You 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 will be your first mission go to the initial staging area and you will be briefed there by the Ride Captain (RC). 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 remember that our mission is to stand tall and silent, and 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. Observe the 15 MPH speed limit. Remember, cemeteries are hallowed ground. Show respect to all who are there, not just the ones we are honoring.
