The family of John Henry Smith, Jr., age 83, has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to accompany their Hero on his final journey and attend his military honors. It is our privilege to fulfill their request.
A proud member of the US Army, John served as a Specialist 4 during the Vietnam War Era. He entered military service via Fort Hamilton, NY, on 1961 Feb 24 and served for three years. He transferred to US Army Reserves, Control Gp XV USA Corps where he served for three more years and was honorably discharged on 1967 Feb 23. He earned the Good Conduct Medal and Sharp Shooter Rifle M-14 Medal.
After his military service, John began work as a Social Worker for the County of Los Angeles until he retired. He touched many kids' lives through coaching, basketball, football and bowling.
He was an avid bowler and played in a league for 12 years in the So Cal/LA area. He also loved playing card games with family (his favorite was gin rummy), cheering for the NBA Warriors and the NFL Kansas City Chiefs. He also loved Cadillacs.
John is survived by his wife, Lena Jones, and five children: Daryl, Rolanda, Jeanetta (Orlando), Lenita, John III (Eva), two step-children, Samone and Aaron, 13 grandchildren, and many great-grandchildren.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this American Hero. For those interested, and all PGR members are welcome, we will be accompanying the Hero and his family from the funeral home to the cemetery, approx 4 miles. 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 Monday, Jan. 12th, 20261130 - Stage at One and All Church, 1404 W. Covina Blvd., San Dimas, CA 91773
https://maps.app.goo.gl/7rcgzdoVJ1BmuTaF71145 - Mission briefing
1215 - Flag Line of Honor for transfer of our Hero into the coach
1240 - KSU to Forest Lawn Covina Hills, 21300 Via Verde St., Covina, CA 91724
https://maps.app.goo.gl/uGkMVxwR6xyAdf7fA1330 - ETA Arrival Forest Lawn Covina Hills
1345 - Flag Line of Honor followed by service with Full Military Honors
R/C Dennis “Navrick” Navarre
SoCalPGR Ride Captain909-262-5545
dennis.navarre@gmail.com
You 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.
