The family of Thomas Dale Slaughter, age 74, has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to be present for his service and military honors at Miramar National Cemetery, we will be honored to do so.
Tom Slaughter was known by all of us in the PGR as "TKool", he was extremely instrumental in helping to establish the PGR in the San Diego area back in the beginning in 2005. He was one of our first Ride Captains here in So California, and was the Regional Ride Captain in San Diego for many years until he got so busy with other activities he elected to step back from that position. He did, however, remain a member, and would show up at missions to the delight of all of us from time to time.
Tom served in the US Navy in the 1960s during the Vietnam Era. His military service was very important to him, and his devotion to the Veterans and the troops was never wavering. He also was a long time member of Vietnam Vets, Chapter 472 in San Diego.
After the military Tom became a Security Officer with SPAWAR Systems Command, Department of Defense, from which he retired. SPAWAR is the Navy's Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command. As a result of his involvement in Law Enforcement he joined a motorcycle club, The Blue Knights International, LEMC, where he was a member for 17 years, and had just attended a rally of the Blue Knights in Arizona. He was also a member of the American Legion Riders, post 149 in Escondido for many years.
Tom was also involved in the Boy Scouts of America for most of his adult life. He was a family man and was very involved in his children's lives. Guiding them and mentoring them as he did everyone he encountered in all his many activities. Tom had a magnetic presense, people were drawn to him and this quality served well in his efforts to recruit others for the worthy causes he was involved with.
Tom is survived by his devoted wife Carol, his daughter Susan, his son Chris, and 2 grandsons. He is also survived by his PGR family, his Blue Knight family, his Vietnam Vets family, his Boy Scout family, and the many friends who will never forget this amazing man.
"Ride on TKool!!"NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran.
Time table for Tuesday, 02 APR 19:0800 - Stage at Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Noble Dr. San Diego, CA 92122 (Please park your bikes on the left side of Flag Row of Shelter C)
https://goo.gl/maps/PWvSL72eArG2 0830 - Mission briefing
0900 - Flag Line for arrival of Tom and family
0910 - Flag Line for honorable transfer of Hero from coach to carriage
0930 - Flag Line, Funeral Service, with Full Military Honors
R/C Lorenzo Lizarraga
SoCal PGR Regional Ride Captain619-971-2236
lliarraga@yahoo.com
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 feel free to attend any portion of this mission you can. Please ride/drive safely.
