The family of Robert Wilkins has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to participate in their hero’s final farewell. We are honored to fulfill this request.
Robert Wilkins, a part of the Greatest Generation, enlisted in the US Army in June, 1945 and was honorably discharged at the rank of Sergeant in February, 1947. He spent the majority of his enlistment in Italy as an infantryman.
As a civilian, our hero spent most of his days farming and later as a general contractor. Through his son, Jerry, a 15-year PGR member, he attended may Veterans Without Family services at Riverside National Cemetery. Per Jerry,
"Dad did not talk about his military service, I will never forget when Dad attended Veterans without Families @ RNC. He met other WW II vets, he talked more about his service with the other Vets than he did his family."Robert is survived by his bride of 71 years, Ruth. He leaves behind three children: Ruth, Ron, and Jerry, as well as three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He is also survived by two siblings.
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 mortuary to the cemetery, approximately 15 miles. Please see the time table if you would like to participate. For those who would rather go directly to the cemetery, we will meet you there.
TIMETABLE FOR THURSDAY, 01 SEPTEMBER 20221015: Stage, Thomas Miller Mortuary, 4933 La Sierra Ave., Riverside, CA. (Please arrive quietly as services will be in session.)
https://goo.gl/maps/SjRXvLYMPJiwq2HA91030: Mission briefing.
1045: Flag line as our hero is moved from the chapel to the coach (casket).
1100: KSU to Riverside National Cemetery (15 miles).
1130: Estimated time of arrival to RNC and cortège.
12:00: Shelter for military honors and family service.
R/C Billy (BillyJean) Morgan
SoCal High Desert Ride Captain
US Army, Vietnam 69-70“One straw at a time”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 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 the ones we are honoring.
