Part 1 of 2 Parts
The family of Stanley Lowell Garrett has asked the Patriot Guard Riders to pay our respects to bring their loved one home. It will be our Honor to do so.
Stanley was born in Oakland, Ca. on Jan. 9, 1926. Stanley spent most of his childhood, and part of his adult life in Oakland. He was a big fan of everything Oakland. Stanley was a big baseball fan, his team was the Oakland A's of course. He would watch games anytime he could, if he couldn't go to them.
After high school Stanley joined the United States Navy, to do what he could to serve his Country. He was a very proud American. Stan served from 1943 - 1946. Upon joining the Navy, Stan, as his friends called him, was assigned to the USS Libra, (AKA-12) an Arcturus class attack, and cargo ship. The ship was named after the Constellation Libra. The USS Libra received nine battle stars for her service during WWII. The USS Libra also received the Navy Unit Citation . She earned it on 30 June 1943, while, unloading cargo at Rendova, her task group came under heavy enemy air attack. Deadly anti-aircraft fire downed 17 of the 25 attacking torpedo planes before they could launch torpedoes, but some got through passing under Libra, empty and high in the water. Later the same day, they were attacked by eight dive bombers, three of whom they splashed. Later that afternoon, the Libra returned to Guadalcanal to finish her delivery of Cargo. Stanley's ship served during WWII, primarily out of the Philippines. She was also involved in the signing of the Peace Treaty with Japan.
After the war Stan went into home construction as a lathing contractor and did that until the mid 70s. Later Stan bought a thrift store,It seems he just couldn't get his hands on enough "junk". When Stan wasn't working he loved to swing dance and did it right up until late 2017.
On the Honor Flight that left Los Angeles International Airport on Friday 13th 2018 a few of us in the SoCal Patriot Guard had the distinct Honor of meeting Stanley Garrett on the WWII initial send off for 35 of our Heroes, as this was a PGR mission.
Stan was so excited to be able to finally go with his brothers and sister (1 Wave) and his daughter. Little did we know that would be the last time we would ever see Stan again.
Stan passed away after seeing his beloved memorial for the WWII Heroes, and passed on Sunday April 15, 2018 just before the flight home. This was the final flight for all of our WWII Heroes from the Southland Hub of Honor Flight. Stan went on ahead of his brothers and sisters to commandeer the high ground.
This is the reason we are doing a 2 part mission for this Hero, he was supposed to come home with his brothers & sisters and couldn't, it's only fitting that we bring him home. The PGR in Washington, DC, and the SoCal PGR will be working hand in hand to get our Hero back home, and we are honored to do so.
"The Greatest Generation" is passing at an alarming rate. Those of us that were there to do the send off, and the arrival back home, of the Honor Flight, feel like a little bit of our heart stayed on that flight.
Stanley is survived by 2 daughters Doris and Bonnie, 1 son Richard, 5 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren
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 his family from the airport to the mortuary, a distance of approx 16 miles. Please see the time table if you would like to participate. For those who would rather go directly to the mortuary, we will meet you there.
Part 2 to be announced when all details are confirmed
Time Table for Friday April 20, 2018:2000 - Stage at Jack in the Box, 1840 E. Holt Blvd., Ontario, CA 91761
https://goo.gl/maps/iXg562u3uuH22015 - Mission briefing
2045 - KSU to arrival location
2115 - Est KSU to Acheson & Graham Garden of Prayer Mortuary, 7944 Magnolia Ave., Riverside, CA 92504
https://goo.gl/maps/gRk59Br6YnS22145 - Est arrival at Mortuary
2200 - Flag Line for dignified transfer of Hero from coach to building
R/C Mike " Joker" Courtright
SoCal PGR Ride Captainmokynanapo@sbcglobal.net
714-321-3356
This mission involves an aircraft arrival. Arrival times can change at the last minute so please check this thread for any last minute changes
before leaving.
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.
