The family of Timothy David Gomez, 44, have invited the Patriot Guard Riders to accompany their hero on his final journey and attend his military honors. It is our privilege to fulfill their request.
Tim enlisted in the United States Army on 03/28/2001 and served nearly 20 years active duty before retiring and honorably discharged on 03/31/2021 at the rank of Master Sergeant. He was deployed to Iraq three times, to Qatar, and then to Afghanistan between August 2007 through December 2016. He became a Cyber Security Expert who also worked at the Pentagon and the White House during his military career.
Over the course of his military career, Tim received multiple awards and commendations to include Army Commendation Medal, Combat Action Badge, Iraq Campaign Medal with Star, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Valorous Unit Award, Bronze Star Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Stars, NATO Medal to name a few.
The following was provided by his Aunt Jami:
“With the onset of the 9/11 attack on the United States, Tim felt a strong need to defend America and felt that his skills in cyber security would benefit in the very best way possible. After finishing bootcamp and with his deployments, he gained rank by proving to be instrumental in cyber command center set up and retrieval of intelligence in the battlefield. Tim was committed to America his entire adult life and he kept a 3” binder of his certificates and awards as he progressed in his military career. His favorite holiday was the 4th of July and all that it stood for in our country. His mom told him once how angry it made her when people would not stand for the pledge of allegiance to the flag, and his response was, “Mom, that is why I fought for them to have the right to not stand. It’s ok.”
Tim’s dedication to providing the freedom that we all live and enjoy was admired by his Infantry units who tagged him to be known as “Captain America”. He was both amused and proud of this title. He was a leader, a big brother, and a provider and father to 4 sons. He loved fishing with his brother Kreg, skateboarding, building aquariums filled with colorful fish and would watch them for hours, and of course, he loved technology and working on computers.
Captain America, rest well - mission accomplished.
STAY GOLD!”Tim will be forever missed by his sons, Mason, Owen, Lucas, and Evan; two brothers, Kreg, Joseph; sister, Olivia; and his mother, Suzette, as well as other family members and friends.
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 a staging location in Downey to Riverside National Cemetery, approximately 60 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 hot. Please take precautions and eat something light and keep hydrated.
TIMETABLE FOR FRIDAY, 28 AUGUST 20261130: Starbucks, 9002 Firestone Blvd, Downey, CA.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/gTk2yvFiwg7zVLNr61145: Mission briefing.
1200: KSU to meet family at SpringHill Suites by Marriott Los Angeles Downey, 9066 Firestone Blvd, Downey, CA.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/cRMRmNoiQ4VdQbC9A1215: KSU to Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd, Riverside, CA.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Yi714q7wtmv54tgh71400: ETA to RNC and move to staging lane.
1430: KSU to assigned shelter for flag line 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. Observe the 15 MPH speed limit. Remember, cemeteries are hallowed ground. Show respect to all who are there, not just who we are honoring.
