Linked Events

  • SSgt. Richard K. Akuna Sr., 78, USMC (ret) Oxnard: September 12, 2014

Author Topic: SSgt. Richard K. Akuna Sr., 78, USMC (ret), Korea, Vietnam, Oxnard,12 Sept. 14  (Read 611 times)

John Gretzinger

  • Administrator
  • Member
  • Posts: 401
    • Gretzinger Photography
The family of Richard Akuna Sr. has asked the Patriot Guard to participate in the accompaniment and memorial service for their loved one and to honor this American Hero, we are honored to do so.
 
Mr. Akuna joined the U.S.Marine Corps on February 11, 1953 until 1966.  In 1967 he was 100% disabled and retired at the rank of SSgt.  He served in Korea, Santa Domingo, Vietnam and other South and Central America conflicts.

He was severely wounded in May of 1966 during a battle at Chu Lai, Vietnam.  Consequently he was medically retired and faced years of rehabilitation in various hospitals.  His military history, awards and medals can be seen at the website http://www.akalltheway.com/409197524.

After his retirement from the U. S. Marine Corps he spent 20 years working for the City of Oxnard as a waste water engineer and was given a key to the city by former mayor Tsujio Kato for his service to the community.  He was also a lifetime member of the DAV, VFW and the Catholic Church.
 
SSgt Akuna is survived by his brothers Patrick and Peter, sisters Daisy, Rita, Lono, Mei-Ling, Mary, Philomena and Nalani, four sons Richard Jr., Akui, Joseph and Michael, 3 daughters, Melani, Mei-Ling and Monika, 17 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.
 
On Friday, 12 September we will form a flag line for the arrival of the family and friends at the Garcia Mortuary Chapel, 629 So. A St., Oxnard, CA 93030.  After the memorial service we will accompany our Hero to the Santa Clara Cemetery for Military Honors and interment.  His last wish was to be buried beside his 4th son Robert, Sgt USAF, who preceeded him in death, who is buried at Santa Clara Cemetery.
 

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 church services to his final resting place. 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.
 
Time table for Friday 12 Sept 14
 
0845 - Stage at PetSmart 2141 No. Rose Ave, Oxnard, CA 93036
            (in the Shopping at the Rose center) - https://goo.gl/maps/w7d11
 
0900 - Mission briefing
 
0915 - KSU to Garcia Mortuary Chapel 629 So. A , Oxnard, CA 93030 - https://goo.gl/maps/5ZkWl
 
0945 - Flag line for family
 
1000 - Memorial service
 
1115 - KSU accompaniment to Santa Clara Cemetery 2370 No. H St.
            Oxnard, CA  93036 - https://goo.gl/maps/nh2jl
 
1200 - Approx time for Military Honors and interment.
 
 
R/C David L. Pinckney
Aka "Mr. Clean"
SoCalPGR Regional R/C
Mr.Clean2@Verizon.net
805 796-9894 (cell)

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.

Please share your condolences with the family at --> https://www.patriotguard.org/showthread.php?394550
John D. "Major" Gretzinger
MAJ, AVN, USA (Ret.)
61st Avn Co (AHC) - Lucky 15
Administrator - SoCal PGR Mission Ops
Assistant State Captain, Southern California PGR