The family of Veteran James Gonzales has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to be present to honor their hero, for his service to his country. It will be our privilege to do so.
Mr. Gonzales served his country in the United States Marines 1988 through 1994, and he also served in the United States Navy from 1999 through 2000. James served in the Naval Media Center, US 3rd Fleet Public Affairs Support Element West U.S. Pacific Fleet Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. For his service, James was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal (3), and the Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal (2). Upon James honorable discharge he had attained the rank of Commander.
James worked at Mira Mesa College where he was director of Student Life & Leadership. He graduated from Santa Clara University with a bachelor’s degree in History, and then earned a master’s degree in History at the University of San Diego. James had completed all of his course work towards a PhD in Leadership Studies in Higher Education and had partially competed his PhD dissertation when he was diagnosed with cancer, which derailed his ability to complete his dissertation.
James is survived by his wife Joanne, his daughters Elizabeth and Sophia, his parents Ben and Marie, and his siblings Steve, and Christina, and his twin brother John.
NOTE: This mission posting facilitates your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran. For those interested, and all PGR members are welcome, we will be accompanying our hero and his family from the church to his final resting place, approx 6 miles. Please see the timetable if you would like to participate. We will meet you there for those who would rather go directly to the cemetery.
Time Table for Thursday 07 April 2022:1015 – Stage at St. Francis Church, 525 W. Vista Way, Vista, Ca. 92083
https://goo.gl/maps/iVgqetqEDD1gnbCR81030 – PGR Briefing
1100 – Dignified Flag Line, as hero is carried to family vehicle
1105 – KSU to Mission San Luis Rey Cemetery, 4050 Mission Ave., Oceanside, Ca 92057
https://goo.gl/maps/vQgAM6CKRAz8uC7m71120 – Arrival at Mission San Luis Rey.
1130 – Dignified Flag Line, Military Honors, and Funeral Service for our hero.
R/C Jeff "TriGeezer" Werner
So Cal Patriot Guard Ride CaptainCarlsbad, Ca
Cell: 503-989-5315
Pgrtrigeezer@Yahoo.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 is your first mission, go to the initial staging area, and you will be briefed by the R/C (Ride Captain). Dress for motorcycle riding or wear casual attire while driving a cage (car). Please feel free to attend any portion of this mission you can. Please ride/drive safely.
Remember that our mission is to stand tall and silent 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. Show respect to all who are there, not just the ones we honor.
