The family of Phillip Eugene Waln, 78, have invited the Patriot Guard Riders along with the American Legion Riders in an accompaniment of their hero on his final journey. It is our privilege to attend his military honors and fulfill their request.
Phillip enlisted into the United States Army 08 November 1966. He completed basic training at Fort Ord, California and then eight weeks of advanced training at Fort Polk, Louisiana. He was then deployed to An Khe, Vietnam where he served as a member of the elite airmobile infantry known as Bravo Company, 2ndBattalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). He served for six months before taking R&R in Hawaii with his wife Nancy. Upon his return, his army platoon known as the Aztecs were one of the first groups sent to secure the area in Dak To (known as the Battle of Dak To). On 19 November 1967, he was wounded with a gunshot wound during intense fire from enemy forces and was transferred to Japan for surgery. Subsequently, he was sent to Fort Ord to recover and finish out his final two years of service.
Phillip was awarded the National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Sharpshooter Badge (Rifle), Combat Infantry Badge, Good Conduct Metal, Air Metal and the distinguished Purple Heart.
After his military service, Phil worked as a general contractor for over 50 years building custom homes in Antelope Valley. He also worked in commercial building and constructed such monuments as the California Poppy Reserve, the old Antelope Valley Bank on the boulevard and the medical building on 10th and Lancaster Blvd, amongst many other structures.
Phillip loved spending time with family. He and his wife liked to travel the US and collect early 1900s Depression glass. His biggest passion was the American Legion Riders and the
Patriot Guard Riders. Phil’s calling was supporting veterans and providing support for hundreds of missions.
Phil will be missed by his wife, Nancy; children, Brent and Julee; six grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He also leaves behind one sister and two brothers.
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 American Legion Post 311 to the cemetery, approximately 70 miles. Please see the timetable if you would like to participate. For those who would rather go directly to the cemetery, we will meet you there.
NOTE: The weather will be warm. Please take precautions and eat something light and keep hydrated.
TIMETABLE FOR FRIDAY, 28 AUGUST 20260820: Lancaster PGR/ALR to stage at American Legion Post 311, 44355 40th St E, Lancaster, CA.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/7P51YisBougFPKwf60840: Mission briefing.
0850: KSU to Bakersfield National Cemetery, 30338 E Bear Mountain Blvd, Arvin, CA.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/qXohk5RcwH42g59w71015-1030: ETA to BNC.
1045: Flag line and military honors.
Steve Swartzwelder
Patriot Guard Rider
American Legion Rider
Sswarty1@sbcglobal.net
(661) 317-4626
