The family of Staff Sgt Richard Eugene Schmalzbach requests the Patriot Guard Riders to be present to honor the memory of their father, grandfather, and friend on 21 Feb 17 at Riverside Ntl Cemetery. It shall be our honor to remember this hero.
Richard Eugene Schmalzbach, age 74, died February 7, 2017 at his home. His death is being treated as an Active Duty because of cancer associated with Agent Orange. Mr. Schmalzbach is survived by his five children: Yvonne, Richard, Robert, Lirea, and Eric. He also leaves behind 17 grandchildren Alyssa, Jarrett, Chadwick, Christopher, Evan, Eliana, Epiphany, Abigail, Audrey, Robbie, Benecia, Anthony, Andrew, Alexandria, Ryan, Camary and one on the way.
Our hero entered into the military, 1st Marine Div, in April 1966, serving our country a total of 6 years. His specialty was a cable systems technician. His awards include the Vietnamese Service Medal, Vietnamese Campaign Medal, Marksmanship Medal (Rifle), National Defense Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, and the Good Conduct Medal.
He was born August 5, 1942, the oldest son of Gene and Lillian Schmalzbach. Although originally from New York, he graduated from Del Mar High School in California. As a child, he was an avid swimmer, competing against future gold medalist Mark Spitz and setting records in the breaststroke in high school that still stand today. He was also a talented artist and was offered a job with Hallmark before enlisting in the Marine Corps.
After being honorably discharged from the Marine Corps, he worked as a flight instructor and a Los Angeles County Sheriff Deputy. An interest in computers eventually led him back to working for the Department of Defense as a civilian in the field of information management. It was here that he experienced his greatest professional success as he was able to utilize his attention to detail, perseverance, and work ethic. He retired from civil service at the National Training Center, Ft. Irwin as the Director of Information Management.
While we know he is on a new assignment to guard the pearly gates above, he will be missed as we carry on in the cadence he has set for those he loved.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran. Please see the time table if you would like to participate.
THIS IS A COMBAT RELATED MISSION, THERE WILL BE DOG TAGSTIMETABLE FOR 21 FEBRUARY 20170630: Stage at Meads Mortuary 36930 Irwin Rd, Barstow, CA (
https://goo.gl/maps/enWysHk4JGP2)
0645: Briefing
0700: KSU for Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, CA 92518
https://goo.gl/maps/EnzNSYBCX612 (if you wish to join the accompaniment while it is in progress please contact the RC at 760-953-9915 who will have BT in the helmet)
0915: KSU to assigned shelter for Flag Line, Service & Military Honors
R/C Brian “Spyderman” Zane
Sou Cal PGR Ride Capt.brianzane.bz@gmail.com
760-953-9915
You do not have to be a Veteran or a motorcycle rider to attend this mission. Everyone is 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 ride/drive safely.
