The Patriot Guard has been invited by the family of a great lady and World War II Veteran," The Greatest Generation".
Margaret Barker was 99 years young. We have been asked to honor her at her funeral services. Margaret was 1 month shy of her 100th birthday.
This mission will be our Honor to pay the respect and dignity to this American Hero, that has been rightfully earned.
Margaret was born August 12,1917. Margaret signed up for the Women's Army Corps (WAC) in 1942 when it was not acceptable for most young ladies to serve in the military. She was a trailblazer and way ahead of her time.
Margaret along with a girlfriend of hers, enthusiastically signed up for the military during WWII as a member of the Women's Army Corps. Her sisters thought she was crazy as women just didn't run off to war! Women were not recognized for being in the Army until the time she joined the service. Margaret started as a private, and rose to Sergeant very quickly and became a drill instructor. Margaret was a DI for one of the first all African American Women's Platoons in boot camp. Her unit supported the processing center which provided clothing, transportation, and assistance to Soldiers coming home from overseas and transitioning to civilian life . Margaret was Honorably Discharged in 1945 at the rank of Sgt.
Margaret's commitment to our Nation's Veterans has extended fully into her life she has shared that love and encouragement with her family to also serve Veterans.
After her time in the Army, Margaret became actively involved in managing, with her daughter, the thrift store for the non-profit "Patriots and Paws" for Veterans and was also acting mascot. She was the oldest member of DAV. Margaret was also a member of the AVVA Chapter 1024 "Associates of Vietnam Veterans of America", who as a group of people are dedicated to advancing the work of Vietnam Veterans of America,, and to continue legislative efforts to ensure the rights of, and benefits for, all veterans and their families. Margaret was also a member of the Blind Veterans Association and was active in her local Senior Center in Garden Grove where she did ceramics for 30 years.
Born in the North End of Boston (the Italian section) Ms Barker was one of 9 children and served with 3 of her brothers in WWII.
Margaret was an honored attendee of the Circle at Orange on Wednesday nights for many years, right up to a few weeks before her passing, and an inspiration to all who knew her.
Margaret was called home on July 17, 2017. She will deeply be missed.
Margaret leaves behind her daughters Gayle, and Bev, and grandson Dennis.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran. For those interested, and all are welcome, we will be accompanying the hero and her family, approximately 46 miles, from the mortuary services to her final resting place. 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.
Time table for Friday 28 July 2017:1100 - Stage at Dimond & Shannon Mortuary, 10630 Chapman Ave., Garden Grove, CA 92840
https://goo.gl/maps/xLs1w41UfGG21115 - Mission Briefing
1145 - Flagline as our Hero is brought out to the awaiting coach
1200 - KSU to Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, CA 92518 (Family staging area #6 , PGR just north of #8)
https://goo.gl/maps/R84oNKFKcKR21400 - KSU to assigned shelter for Flag Line, Service and Military Honors.
Note: Please arrive quietly as services will be in progress. Also there can be no video of Mission Briefings as there sometimes is information that is shared that is not for public knowledge out of respect for the families.R/C Mike " Joker" Courtright
SoCal PGR - Ride Captainmokynanapo@sbcglobal.net
714-321-3356
"Standing for those who stood for us"
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.
