The PGR has been invited by the family of Matthew “Matt” Arthur Unwin, 87, to attend the Military Honors for their loved one. It will be our privilege to fulfill their request.
Matthew joined the Navy after high school and was stationed in San Diego in 1956, serving as a radio operator on the USS Hooper Island (ARG-17). While aboard, he witnessed the historic underwater nuclear bomb tests conducted at Eniwetok Atoll in the Marshall Islands. He was on active duty in the Navy for two years.
After the Navy, Matt adopted San Diego as his hometown. He obtained an AA degree from San Diego City College and completed an apprenticeship at Convair to become a tool and die maker. His early work in this profession supported the Space Race, making high-precision rocket components. He then worked for 33 years at the Marine Science Development Shop at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, something he was very proud of.
In his spare time Matt enjoyed water skiing, mountain biking, jeeping, hiking and birding. Matt and Gail traveled to see the country, visit family, and enjoy places of historical interest and natural beauty. They always remembered their trips to Germany, England, and Ireland. He also volunteered his time and skills at St. Vincent de Paul as a handyman, and for San Diego Parks repairing bridges and cleaning up parks. Matt and Gail were very active in their church and Matt found time to be a Scout Leader to Troop 208.
Matt leaves behind his loving wife for over 65 years, Virginia “Gail” Unwin, and their children: Jeanette, Arthur, Dianna, Sandra, James, Christi, Steven, and John. Matt was a proud grandfather of 25 and great-grandfather of 15.
The family is requesting an accompaniment from Greenwood Memorial Park and Mortuary to Miramar National Cemetery, approx. 15 miles.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this military veteran. All PGR members are welcome. Those who wish can stage at Greenwood or meet the cortege at Miramar National. Please see the timetable, if you would like to participate.
The weather is expected to be hot so please eat something light and stay hydrated. It can make all the difference in withstanding the heat.
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Timetable for Monday 25 August 20250940 – Stage at Greenwood Memorial Park, 4300 Imperial Ave, San Diego, CA 92113
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Vs6HRMNKBaihpqZT90950 – Mission briefing
1000 – Flag Line of Honor for dignified transfer of our hero to the coach
1005 – KSU for Miramar National Cemetery
1045 – ETA Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Dr, San Diego, CA 92122
https://maps.app.goo.gl/TjhGauErYGvF6rNL71115 – Flag Line of Honor for dignified transfer of hero at committal shelter, followed by Service with Military Honors
R/C Ted Tomaszewicz “Mr. T.”
SoCal Patriot Guard Ride Captain(201) 970-5546
You need not 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 is your first mission, go to the staging area to be briefed by the Ride Captain (RC). Dress for motorcycle riding or dress casually, if driving a cage (car).
Our mission is to stand tall and silent, and with honor and respect for our Heroes. We refrain from talking, smoking, or cell phone use during the flag line or service. Please keep radios off and engine noise to a minimum. Per VA guidelines, helmets required. Observe the 15 MPH speed limit. Cemeteries are hallowed ground. Our role is to show respect to all who are there, as well as the veteran we are honoring.
