The family of Harold Powell has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to honor their hero for his service and sacrifice to his country. We are honored to do so.
Harold enlisted in the Navy in 1963 at the age of 17. He was at the Great Lakes Naval Station for boot camp and then was assigned to several ships during his enlistment, the last being the USS Edson. In 1967 he re-enlisted on board the USS Northampton. During his tour of duty he made several "West Pacs" to Vietnam and often spoke of the times that the USS Edson was taking fire from large caliber hostile artillery. During his tours he earned the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon. He also spoke of the time that President Johnson came on board his ship. He had attained the rank of Gunner’s Mate Second Class at discharge.
Following the service Harold worked for a government contractor doing weapons analysis and quality control, often going on training missions aboard ships. He loved being able to still be a part of the Navy.
He loved to camp, fish and off-roading in the desert in his 2006 Jeep CJ. He was also a Ham operator and was a member of the Moreno Valley Amateur Radio Club and a volunteer for the Moreno Valley Amateur Radio Emergency Services. He truly enjoyed listening to the radio and talking with fellow HAM's around the world.
Harold is survived by his wife Lynn. They celebrated 46 years of marriage this past March. He is also survived by daughters Debbie and Rhonda; six grandchildren and one great grandchild.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran. Please see the time table if you would like to participate.
Time Table for Tuesday, 10 May 2016:1115 Stage at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren , Riverside, CA 92518. Family at staging area #1, PGR stage north of area #8.
https://goo.gl/maps/yzJkVToRVdH21130 Mission Briefing
1200 KSU to assigned shelter for flag line and full military honors.
R/C: Vern Grimshaw
SoCal PGR Ride Captain
vgrimshaw@aol.com
562-458-4421
“Lead with Respect; Serve with Compassion"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 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. Please ride/drive safely.
Please post your condolences to the National link:
https://www.patriotguard.org/showthread.php?417181
