The family of Donald Savacool has requested the assistance of the Patriot Guard Riders in honoring their Hero by attending his Final Military Honors at Riverside National Cemetery. We will proudly accommodate that request.
Donald served in the United States Air Force from 1966-1989. At at the time of his USAF retirement, he was a Lt. Colonel (O-5). He served at Altus AFB, Dakota AFB, Scott AFB x2, Hickham AFB and completed his career at Norton AFB here in California. He had desired to be a pilot but his eyesight didn’t meet the requirements. He was an excellent administrator rising from Squadron Commander to Assistant to a General, who was the Chief of USAF PAC COM and later the Director of Safety and Inspection. His decorations included an AF Commendation Medal, AF Achievement Medal, AF Meritorious Service Medal x5, and AF Organizational Medal x2. Those were all official medals but his favorite was the “Ole Sarge” statue, presented by his NCOs at his retirement ceremony.
Following his service to America, our hero settled in Central Texas and was enjoying motorcycling and was a member of the Central Texas PGR. When the family relocated to Redlands, California, Marty became superintendent of Redlands Golf Course until his retirement in 2008.
Our hero is survived by his childhood sweetheart, his wife of 58 years, Anita, and their two children, daughter Donna Barkley, son Michael Sevacool their spouses and three grandchildren.
Our hero’s body was donated to “Bodies for Science” at Loma Linda University Medical Center. Today, he will receive his full military honors and will be interred at RNC at a later date.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this American Hero. For those interested, and all PGR members are welcome, please see the time table if you would like to participate.
Timetable for Tuesday, 12 MAR 2024
1345 - Stage at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, CA 92518
https://goo.gl/maps/T2kTjRpwu7Egba1W81400 - Mission Briefing
1415 - Flag line for family arrival
1445 - KSU to assigned shelter for flag line and military honors
Steve “Capt. Chaos” Blumenfeld
SoCal PGR Ride CaptainUSAF 1970-1974
steveb.pgrcc@gmail.com
661-212-2284
You 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 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 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.
