The Family of Angel Sanchez, Sr., age 96, has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to honor him for his military service. It is our honor to do so.
Angel Sanchez Sr. passed away Friday, 16 August 2019 and joined his beautiful wife Jeanette in heaven. He was born in Eastland, Texas on 2 August 1923, then moved to California in 1935 with his parents and 14 siblings.
Mr. Sanchez was a decorated war hero who served his country proudly as part of the U.S. Army from 1944 to 1946 in the 128th Infantry Regiment, 32nd Infantry Division HRS Reenacted during World War II from the New Guinea Campaign in 1944 to Japanese Occupation. He was part of the last units to clean Guinea and on 14 November 1944 he landed on the eastern beaches of Leyte. Through 20 November 1944 they began an aggressive assault under heavy opposition on Corkscrew Ridge. They continued fighting in intense battles on the Island until relieved by the 77th Division on 1 January 1945. They regrouped and prepared for the Luzon campaign against 150,000 Japanese. On 27 January 1946 the 32nd Division went ashore in the Lingayen Gulf Beaches.
His records show that he fought with valor, courage, and loyalty. He was recipient of numerous recognitions including multiple bronze stars for valor and his unit was recognized with several Presidential Unit Citations. He was a machine gunner who rose to the rank of Tech Sergeant and fought bravely in New Guinea and the Philippines. After the Japanese surrender, he served as part of the disarmament program in Japan, where he grew to love and admire the Japanese people and their culture.
Following the war, he spent 38 years with United Insurance where he met then later married Jeanette. The two of them raised two sons, Jeffrey (deceased), Angel Sr. and one daughter, Kimberly, in Riverside. They have six grandchildren. After retiring from United Insurance, he grew restless and worked a few odd jobs (including being a rancher) before going to work for the City of Riverside, CA - City Government Public Utilities department where he worked in their We Care program for over 20 years.
He will be best remembered for his commitment to the community and his love for the city. His primary focus was always on serving others and he worked with numerous non profit groups including Rebuilding Riverside together, Neighborhood Watch, City of Riverside, CA - CERT, and the Jurupa Valley Adopt a Family Program. He was also very engaged in community politics and once he chose a candidate for office he worked tirelessly to help them get elected. He was also an active member of St Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church for over 80 years.
Note: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran. For those interested, and all are welcome, please see the time table if you would like to participate.
Note: The weather is predicted to be hot so please stay hydrated and don't forget to eat; it can make a difference with your ability to withstand the heat.
Time Table for Friday, September 6, 2019:1245 - Stage at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd, Riverside, CA; (Staging Area 3 for Family, Staging Area 8 for PGR) -
https://goo.gl/maps/bg3GZfczNnGrNrun81300 - Mission Briefing.
1330 - KSU to Assigned shelter for Flag Line, Service and Military Honors
R/C Brenda BixlerAka “Pebbles”
(951)522-6847
bixler.brenda@yahoo.comYou 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.
Please remember that our mission is to stand tall and silent, and with honor and respect for our Heroes. No talking, smoking, or cell phone use during the flag line or service. Please keep radios off and engine noise to a minimum. Observe the 15 MPH speed limit. Remember, cemeteries are hallowed ground. Show respect to all who are there, not just the ones we are honoring.
