The family of
Gunner's Mate Chief Petty Officer Donald F. Chaffin (Ret) has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to honor their hero for his service and sacrifice to his country. We are honored to do so.
GMC Chaffin's lengthy 32 1/2 years of service in the US Navy extended from August 1975 to January 2008. Active duty assignments 1975 to 1979 included assignments aboard the USS Gray and USS Knox. He served in the Naval Reserves from 1979 to 2006 in a variety of assignments; then volunteered for active duty in support of Operation Noble Eagle/Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. His rank at time of discharge was GMC (Gunners Mate Chief Petty Officer).
Medals and awards earned were numerous. They include Joint Service Commendation medal, Navy Commendation medal, Army Commendation medal, Navy Achievement Medal (2), Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Navy Unit Commendation (2), Meritorious Unit Commendation (3), Navy "E" Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (2), Navy and Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon (3), Armed Forces Reserve Medal w/"M", Device and Silver Hourglass.
Following his extensive military service Donald worked for the Corona Unified School District. He was very active in his local American Legion Post and loved golf.
Donald is survived by his mother, one sister, six children and three grandchildren.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran. For those interested, and all are welcome, please see the time table below if you would like to participate.
Time Table for Wednesday, 25 May 2016:1300 Stage at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren, Riverside, CA 92518. Family at staging area #4, PGR stage north of area #8.
https://goo.gl/maps/UrB1Nj2CuiR21315 Mission Briefing
1345 KSU to assigned shelter for flag line and full military honors
R/C: Vern GrimshawSoCal PGR Ride Captain
vgrimshaw@aol.com
562-458-4421
“Lead with Respect; Serve with Compassion"
You do not have to be a Veteran or a motorcycle rider to attend this mission. Everyone is welcome. We encourage those who do not ride to attend in your car. If this will be your first mission go to the staging area and you will be briefed there by the R/C (Ride Captain). Dress for motorcycle riding or dress casually if you are driving a cage. Please ride/drive safely.
Please post your condolences for the family at the following link:
https://www.patriotguard.org/showthread.php?418121
