!!! TIME TABLE BELOW HAS BEEN UPDATED WITH A FUEL STOP !!!The family of COL Raymond M. Stewart has asked that the PGR attend and escort this WWII hero to his interment at Riverside National Cemetery we have accepted this honor on behalf of the California Patriot Guard Riders.
March 1943 Col Stewart was inducted into the U.S. Army in Riverside CA. After training at Ft. MacArthur California, Ft. Benning Georgia and Louisiana as a jeep driver he ended up in Europe in April 1945 at Port LeHavre France. He convoyed just behind Gen Patton from France to Germany. His memories of the streets lined with American Flags was his proudest moment in life as they rolled through the cities and country sides of France. He joined the US Army Reserves in 1950 and shortly later he received his commission as 2nd Lieutenant. He remained and retired from the US Army Reserves in 1981 after 38 years of serving the United States of America, with the rank of Colonel.
His medals and awards are limited because of lack of official paperwork.
Meritorious Service Award and European North African Middle Eastern Campaign Badge.
Group Good Conduct Medal.
Raymond M. Stewart, 91 years of age, died peacefully in his Bear Valley Springs home on June 4, 2016.
Ray was born July 18, 1924, to Harry W. Stewart and Mildred E. Stewart (née: Luce) in Alliance, OH, and the family moved to Riverside, CA, in 1936. In 1942, following his graduation from high school, he joined the Army and proudly served in Europe. After the war he attended UCLA, earning his Bachelor's degree in Bacteriology in 1948, and his Master's degree in Microbiology in 1952. Ray married the love of his life, Yolanda Thorson, on June 20, 1948. He was hired as Chief Chemist for the Los Angeles Sanitation District and retired in 1983. Ray had remained in the Army Reserve and retired as a Colonel in 1975.
Ray was passionate about classical music, bridge, church and travel. Ray served on the Environmental Control Committee (ECC) for Bear Valley Springs for six years. He resigned in 1989, when Yolanda retired, so that they could travel, spending the summer in Europe. Together they cruised the world.
Ray was preceded in death by his beloved Yolanda, and his sister, Roberta Smith. He is survived by his four children, Kathy Staten, Elaine Lynes, Barbara Armer, and Chuck Stewart; nine grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; seven nieces and nephews; his brother-in-law, Stan Smith; and his sister-in-law, Dorothy Evans.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran. For those interested, and all are welcome, we will be accompanying the hero and his family from the mortuary to his final resting place. (Approx 145 miles/2hrs25 min) Please see the time table if you would like to participate. For those who would rather go directly to the cemetery, we will meet you there.
NOTE: IF YOU ARE MEETING THE PROCESSION AT RNC PLEASE STAGE JUST NORTH OF STAGING AREA #8 NO LATER THAN 1015 (UPDATED).
UPDATED Time table for Wednesday, 15 JUN 16:0700 - Stage at Wood Family Mortuary, 321 West F St., Tehachapi, CA 93561
https://goo.gl/maps/ar5ha6144MR20715 - KSU to Pilot Travel Center, 5725 California 58, Boron, CA 93516
https://goo.gl/maps/Ar9JRgNL8rn0815 - Arrival Pilot Travel Center for 20 min fuel stop
0835 - KSU to Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, CA 92518 (we will depart sharply at 0800)
https://goo.gl/maps/1tMQ4aHbwcS2 2hrs 25 min/145 miles1015 - Est arrival at RNC
1100 - KSU to assigned shelter for Flag Line, Service and Military Honors
R/C Jim Jacobs
Ride CaptainTehachapi CA.
jj33503@comcast.net
541-915-0877
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 initial 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 (car). Please feel free to attend any portion of this mission you can. Please ride/drive safely.
