In September, 2015 a U.S. Marine Vet, Jonathan Hancock, began walking from his home in Maryland to the home base of his Marine Battalion, the 2/4 "Magnificent Bastards", at Camp Pendleton, California. He has covered a distance of approximately 5800 miles, all on foot, carrying a tent, a sleeping bag, and a ruck sack. Over this distance he has met up with Gold Star families who's sons were part of the 2/4, and other Veterans of the 2/4.
Jonathan is doing this because he was deployed to Iraq with his unit and at the Battle of Ramaldi in Iraq, his unit had the highest casualties of OIF. He is doing it for those that were lost, and those, like himself, who came home, but came home suffering from PTSD, and those that have died since as "one of the 22" that take their own lives every day. Jonathan nearly joined them, and made a conscious decision to do this walk to save his own life and the life of others.
The PGR has been invited by Jonathan, and the Marine command to greet him at his arrival on base and accompany him to the Memorial Garden where the Memorial Monument honoring the war dead of the 2/4 rests. It will be our honor to do so.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this Marine unit. For those interested, and all are welcome, we will be accompanying this Marine to the Memorial Garden. Please see the time table below if you would like to participate.
Time table for Monday, 12 DEC 16: 0945 - Stage at Carls Jr., 3929 S. El Camino Real, San Clemente, CA 92672
https://goo.gl/maps/JtgmtvfSKcF2 1000 - Mission briefing
1045 - KSU to await arrival of Jonathan Hancock
1100 - Est KSU to Memorial Garden & Flag Line of honor as Jon completes his journey for his brothers.
R/C Mike "Joker" Courtright
So Cal PGR Ride Captainmokynanapo@sbcglobal.net
714-321-3356 cell
Each motorcycle rider must have registration, and proof of insurance. Also necessary are, hard sole shoes, long pants, full-fingered gloves, a long sleeve outer garment, eye protection, and a DOT helmet. A brightly colored reflective vest is no longer needed but recommended. Please have your I.D. ready when you arrive at the gate.
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 post your notes of thanks and support at the National link:
https://www.patriotguard.org/showthread.php?426224-
