Family and friends of Ernesto Vega, Jr., age 84, have requested the Patriot Guard to accompany our Hero to his final resting place. It will be our honor to fulfill their wishes.
Ernesto, aka Junior, was born in San Antonio, Texas in 1941. His early years were spent in California in the Pacoima and San Fernando area. The family moved to Corona in 1957 where Ernesto graduated from Corona High in 1960. After graduation, he worked in restaurants until 1963 when he joined the Army. He volunteered an extra year to attend electronics school and was assigned to the communications division. He proudly served a tour in Vietnam where exposure to Agent Orange affected his health. After three years, he returned home. He was discharged as a Sp 5. He was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal with two bronze stars and the National Defense Service Medal.
Back in Corona, he worked for an aluminum manufacturing plant and then for 23 years with the Corona Norco Unified School District until his retirement. He also owned and operated a car wash. After retiring, he gave his time to St. Edwards Church with his brother, Joe. He showed kindness to everyone, even helped a homeless man by offering him work and a phone. Ernesto will be remembered for his humility, generosity and strong faith. His absence leaves a quiet space in the Vega families heart, alongside his brother, Joe, who passed earlier this year.
Ernesto was never married but is survived by a son, Paul, and three siblings: Wencelado Vega, Andrea Marrero and Pete Vega.
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 church to the cemetery, approximately 6 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.
TIMETABLE FOR THURSDAY 13 NOV 2025:1100 - Stage at St. Matthews Catholic Church, 2140 W. Ontario Ave., Corona, CA 92882
https://maps.app.goo.gl/KCGsQPE5mmf7YvCFA1120 - Mission briefing
1145 - Flag Line for dignified transfer of Hero to coach
1200 - KSU to Corona Sunnyslope Cemetery, 1125 Rimpau Ave., Corona, CA 92879 for Flag Line and Military Honors
Craig Lane, aka Jip-C, USMC
PGR Ride Captainbigredroadglide@yahoo.com
760-900-0388
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.
