The family of Lonnie Clairborne, Sr, 90, has requested the Patriot Guard Riders accompany their hero to his final resting place. It will be our honor to fulfill their wishes.
Lonnie joined the Army shortly after graduating from high school, serving from 1953 to 1973. His first duty station was in Reno, NV. He would deploy to Vietnam for one of his three tours: October 1966 to September 1967, November 1968 to November 1969 and his last tour from March of 1971 to January 1972. Lonnie was stationed at several bases in his 20-year career: Ft. Riley, Ft. Stewart, Ft. Campbell, and the Army base in Germany.
Among his many awards were the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with palm, along with the Vietnam Service Medal, Bronze Star, The Meritorious Unit Citation and Expert Infantry Badge. Lonnie retired at the rank of E-8, First Sergeant (1SG).
After his military service, Lonnie he worked at the Long Beach shipyards as a painter and for the City of Los Angeles in the Parks and Recreation Department.
Lonnie loved golfing, fishing and going to Las Vegas. Lonnie also loved a good cigar and watching football. Lonnie never missed the opportunity expressing his pride for his military service and for all veterans.
Lonnie leaves behind his son, Mark, a brother and two sisters, and five grandchildren. He will be missed by all who knew him.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this military veteran. For those interested, and all PGR members are welcome, we will be accompanying the hero and his family from the mortuary to the cemetery, approximately 3 miles. Please see the timetable if you would like to participate. For those who would rather go directly to the cemetery, we will meet you there.
WEATHER NOTE: The temperature is expected to be hot so please eat something light and stay hydrated. It can make all the difference in withstanding the heat.TIMETABLE FOR FRIDAY, 15 AUGUST 20251230: Stage at Breakthrough Church of God, 22620 Goldencrest Dr., Moreno Valley, CA. Please arrive quietly as service will be ongoing.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/q4rrukVhNAKjsxCw71245: Mission briefing.
1300: Flag line and dignified transfer of hero from the church to the coach.
1310: KSU to Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd, Riverside, CA.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/UAoAQTYkLzPAM6nn71320: ETA to staging at RNC.
1345: KSU to assigned shelter for flag line and military honors.
Craig “Jip-C” Lane, CPL USMC
SoCal PGR Ride Captain
bigredroadglide@yahoo.com
(760) 900-0388You 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.
