The family of Robert B. Heer has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to participate in the services of their loved one. We will be honored to do so.
Robert B. Heer was born 11 Nov 1921 in Dubuque, Iowa. He was the second child born to Earl and Bessie Heer. He had a younger brother and sister in addition to his older sister. Robert finished the first 2 years of high school before sneaking away to visit a friend who had moved to Riverside, CA. He hitch hiked and hopped trains to get there. Although he told his younger sister of his intentions, she told no one. It wasn’t until his parents received a post card from him post marked Waseca, Minn. explaining himself that his parents were able to call off the 2 week old police and fire department searches for him or his body. His folks made arrangements for him to stay in Riverside as long as he finished his last two years of school and they paid his room and board. He graduated from Riverside Polytechnic H.S. in June 1940.
In June 1940 there was a nationwide Army Air Corps recruiting program that encouraged him to enlist with the understanding he could attend a local college for 2 years, and with good grades, he would quality as a flying cadet, a status he never achieved. So on June 7, 1940 Robert enlisted at March AFB and was assigned the M.O.S. DSO (squadron carpenter).
After several transfers to different bases, Robert was aboard a troop transport on 4 Oct 1941 headed to Clark Field in the Philippines. 8 Dec 1941 Japanese bombers destroyed Clark field. A large contingent of his unit was moved to the island of Mindanao where U.S. and Philippine forces surrendered to the Japanese on 10 May 1942.
A detailed tale of his movements as a POW with the Japanese can be found at
www.axpow.org/heerrobert.htm .
Robert was repatriated after 39 months in captivity and returned to the States from Japan. He was transported to the Army’s Schick General Hospital to recuperate from a multitude of diseases and injuries. After a 90 day furlough, he was Honorably Discharged from the Air corps.
After his military service Robert took a photojournalism class and was part-time employed as a photographer and at Sears, Roebuck. In 1946 he met and married Joan Curtis, a union that produced two daughters and a son. That marriage ended in divorce.
In November of 1950 Robert joined the Air Force Reserves and was promoted to the rank of Technical Sergeant. In 1951 he was activated and assigned to the Long Beach AFB. He was honorably retired from the Air Force on 1 Jan 1966. Robert was awarded the American Defense Medal w/1 Bronze Star, WWII Victory Medal, the Philippine Liberation Medal w/1Bronze Star, The POW Medal and a Purple Heart among many other awards.
Robert met his second wife, Karen Harper, and shared 27 years together before his passing.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran. Please see the time table if you would like to participate.
Time Table for Wednesday, 22 JUN 20161200 - Stage at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd, Riverside, CA; (staging area 4 for family, staging area 8 for PGR)
1215 - Mission Briefing.
1245 - KSU to Flag Line, Service and Military Honors
NOTE: The weather is expected to be warm, so please stay hydrated and don't forget to eat; it can make a difference with your ability to withstand the heat.
R/C Chip Williams aka “Dezperaado”SoCal PGR Ride Captain
ALR/SAL Chapter 132, Orange, CA
dezperaado@aol.com 760-662-9095
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.
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