UPDATE: There has been a LOCATION CHANGE for the funeral service and military honors. Please see the updated location below. STAGING remains the same. Family and friends of Sgt Philbert “Phil” N. Casem, 47, have requested the Patriot Guard Riders accompany their hero on his final journey and attend his military honors. It is our privilege to fulfill their request.
Sgt Casem served approximately 22 years combined service in the U.S. Army and California Army National Guard. He deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (2005–2006) with F Troop, 2/3 Armored Cavalry Regiment, 3d ACR, serving as loader on vehicle F-41 and completing over 300 combat missions during the fight for Tal’Afar, Iraq — including route clearance, convoy escort, and NAI 700 Overwatch operations along MSR Santa Fe. He also served in Korea (2003–2004) and in Kosovo as part of NATO peacekeeping operations. He earned the Combat Action Badge for direct engagement in ground combat, along with the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal (2nd Award), Army Good Conduct Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal w/2 Campaign Stars, Kosovo Campaign Medal w/Bronze Service Star, and Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. He is said to have been the best Mortarman in the country.
Following his stellar military service, Phil went on to work for Costco, where he dedicated nearly 20 years of his life—just two months shy of reaching that milestone.
Phil loved the open road and enjoyed taking road trips, horseback riding, whale watching, and playing his X-Box. He especially cherished spending time with friends at his favorite gathering place, The Pub at Fiddlers Green on Joint Forces Training Base, where he could often be found enjoying a Coors Light and sharing good times with those he cared about.
Phil will be immensely missed by his siblings, Gerard and GianCarlo, and his niece, Georgina, as well as by the countless friends and members of his military family whose lives he touched. He will be especially missed by his best friend, Bernadette, who shared a special bond with him and treasured the many memories they created together.
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 funeral home to the Joint Forces Training Base (JFTB), approximately 4 miles. Please see the timetable if you would like to participate.
NOTE: The weather will probably be warm. Please take precautions and eat something light and keep hydrated.
TIMETABLE FOR SUNDAY, 23 AUGUST 20261000: Stage at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Patriot’s Chapel, 4471 Lincoln Ave., Cypress, CA.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/VKBDLBZdP4bJmiQX9 1030: Mission briefing.
1100: KSU to 79th Theater Sustainment Command (TSC), 4201 Sarasota Ave, Los Alamitos, CA.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/54Q34udLhNEZJqcM91130: Arrive at TSC for funeral service and military honors.
TOM BARRY
PGR California State Captain
casc@patriotguard.org
(714) 206-1227You 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.
