The Patriot Guard have been invited to attend the funeral service and military honors of their hero. It is our honor and privilege to fulfill their request.
Charlene was born in Indiana where she graduated and continued her education earning a nursing degree.
Charlene proudly served America for 30 years in the United States Air Force. During the Vietnam War, she served on reserve duty along the East Coast, caring for the infirmed and injured soldiers returning home.
From 1988 to 1992, she was the Commander of the 68th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron of approximately 300 troups at Norton Air Force Base. She served as a flight evacuation nurse on C141s providing critical care to wounded service members in flight. Charlene also worked as a nurse at Kaiser Permanente.
During the Gulf War, Charlene achieved a historic milestone, she became the first female full-bird colonel in the reserves, becoming Colonel Marjorie Charlene Merrill.
Col Merrill was recognized for her service to her country with the following medals and commendations to name a few: Meritorious Service Medal w/1 Oak leaf; Air Force Commendation Medal 1 Oak Leaf; Presidential Unit Citation; Combat Readiness Medal w/3 oak leaves; AF Outstanding Unit Award w/2 oak leaves; National Defense Service Medal w/Bronze Star. She was recognized for duty during the Vietnam War and Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm.
Beyond her military career, Charlene was steadfast in her faith and her church. She her lived beliefs through her daily life in service, kindness, and love for her family and community.
Charlene neither married nor had children; however, she is survived by many loving nephews, nieces, great-nephews and great-nieces, as well as other family members.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this military veteran. For those interested, and all PGR members are welcome, this is a flag line only (FLO) mission at Riverside National Cemetery. For those who would like to participate, please see the timetable and we will meet you there.
TIMETABLE FOR THURSDAY, 26 FEBRUARY 20261145: Stage at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd, Riverside, CA. (Lemay Blvd near the restrooms on the right).
https://maps.app.goo.gl/UAoAQTYkLzPAM6nn71200: Mission briefing.
1230: Await arrival of motorcoach with hero and family and KSU to assigned cortège.
1245: KSU to assigned shelter for flag line and military honors.
Steve “Capt Chaos” Blumenfeld
SoCal PGR Ride Captain
SSGT USAF 1970-1974
steveb.pgrcc@gmail.com
(661) 212-2284You 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
