The family of James L. Wecker have invited the Patriot Guard Riders to Honor their Loved one, we are honored to do so.
James Lawrence Wecker (Jim Wecker), 76, passed away on 13, April, 2014 in Ridgecrest, California.
Jim grew up in Granite City, Illinois. After high school he:
· joined the United States Marine Corp in 1954 and served for 24 years. He served multiple tours in Vietnam and was the recipient of Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Good Conduct Medal W/5*, Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Commendation and Rifle Expert Badge. He retired from the service in 1978, achieving the rank of GySgt - EOD Tech.
· He then relocated his family to Ridgecrest in 1982 and worked for Naval Air Weapons Station as a contractor where he worked for 30 years. He was an explosive ordinance disposal technician and Program manager for multiple defense contractors. He retired in 2012.
Jim married Jessie in 1961 in National City, California. They were happily married for 52 years. Jim was a member of the Masons and enjoyed mineral claim prospecting, spending time with his family, children and grandchildren, sports events and annual trips to Kansas and Missouri.
We will miss our hero: the man that exemplified honor, courage, strength and unconditional love. The gentle giant who touched more people’s lives with his quiet wit and commanding presence than there is room to write. The man who's absence leaves an unbearable void. The man who gave us everything.
A memorial service will be held at All Faith Chapel – China Lake Naval Air Weapons Station – 1 Administration Circle at 11:00 AM, Friday April 18, 2014. Burial will follow at Grant County Cemetery – Ulysses, Kansas.
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 the mortuary. Please see the time table if you would like to participate.
Time table for Friday 18 Apr 2014:0930: Stage Holland & Lyons Mortuary………
http://goo.gl/maps/LP3gk0945: Mission Brief
1000: (approx.): KSU for China Lake All Faith Chapel on Naval Weapons Station China Lake
( all riders must have proper Military PPE as required).
1015: Flag line for Hero from coach to Chapel
1100: Church service
1200: KSU (approx.): to Holland & Lyons Mortuary
RC Greg "Drifty" VincentPatriot Guard Ride Captain
e-mail: slick333@msn.com
Cell: 760-371-5467
Each motorcycle rider should have registration, proof of insurance. You should also wear hard sole shoes, long pants, full-fingered gloves, a long sleeve outer garment, eye protection, and a DOT helmet. A brightly colored reflective vest is no longer needed but recommended. Have your I.D. ready when you arrive at the gate.
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 post your condolences for the family at this link:
https://www.patriotguard.org/showthread.php?389118 
