We have been invited by the family of TC McGehee, Jr., 96, to attend the Military Honors of their loved one as he makes his final journey. It will be our honor to do so.
TC had accomplished much throughout his life. TC was a determined young man. He wanted to serve his country and decided that he would join the Navy at the young age of 17. He graduated early so he could enlist and get to work. He served on the USS Sumter, known as an attack transport, delivering and picking up troops to various war time locations. He served on over 150 missions. He was a decorated World War II Navy Veteran, earning the World War II Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign w/4stars, the Philippine Liberation Medal, and World War II Victory Medal. Having served overseas during the war left him with a great sense of pride for his country. He was a dedicated and determined young man who had a mission and he was determined to fulfill that mission. TC loved being part of a great veteran family. The honor and respect he had for those that served alongside him was enormous. He felt that he had joined a family that truly was dedicated to each other and the great American cause of Freedom.
Upon his return from World War II, he went on to really enjoy much of life and all the freedoms he helped defend. He enjoyed anything and everything that had to do with being outdoors whether it be riding his motorcycle out on the open road, going out on the cool water for a boat ride, or going hiking, or horseback riding, or just driving and taking in the beautiful American countryside. He really enjoyed being active throughout his life. He was blessed with health and strength to do many things. He cared deeply for others and took every opportunity to help someone in need. TC was an animal lover and had plenty of faithful dogs throughout his life.
One of his more memorable trips was the Honors Air Flight to Washington D.C. in 2018 during the Trump administration. It was an honor bestowed upon veterans who met the special criteria, of which he surpassed. TC was thrilled to be able to go to Washington D.C. and see the monuments and feel that special feeling of reverence and awe. He stated that he” felt like a celebrity.” He felt it was a great honor to have been given the respect and honor shown to them and brought tears to his eyes, remembering all those who had served with him. He stated: “I will be forever grateful for such an honor and privilege.”
TC McGehee is survived by his daughters, Catherine, Cynthia, and Lori and their families; and sons, Dennis and Todd and their families. TC is also survived by his brother Paul and his family.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this military veteran. For those interested, and all PGR members are welcome, we will be accompanying the hero and his family from the mortuary to the cemetery, approximately 20 miles. 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.
TIMETABLE FOR MONDAY, 25 JULY 20220930 - Stage: Norco Family Funeral Home, 2645 Hamner Ave, Norco, CA.
https://goo.gl/maps/dUD5cAZcjEYHiehy90945 - Mission briefing.
1000 - KSU to Riverside National Cemetery 22495 Van Buren Blvd, Riverside, CA
https://goo.gl/maps/g46CpnjAzdud2R46A1040 - ETA to Riverside National Cemetery.
1115 - KSU to committal for military honors.
R/C Clint "Smurf" Martin
SoCal PGR Ride Captain
lltk@sbcglobal.net951-505-6362
Do not follow where the path may lead...Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.-CourageYou 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 to all who are there, not just the ones we are honoring.
