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  • SFC James A. Long, 84, USA, Vietnam, Menifee/RNC: August 06, 2020

Author Topic: SFC James A. Long, 84, USA, Vietnam, Menifee/RNC, 06 Aug  (Read 2906 times)

John Gretzinger

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SFC James A. Long, 84, USA, Vietnam, Menifee/RNC, 06 Aug
« on: August 04, 2020, 09:24:53 PM »
The family of retired United States Army SFC James Allen Long requests the presence of the Patriot Guard as they accompany him on his final journey.  We are honored to be able  to attend.

SFC Long served our country in uniform for over 20 years, including tours in Vietnam.  During his time in 'Nam, he came in contact with Agent Orange which resulted in a heart transplant and other complications which finally claimed him.

After the service, James, being a life long rider, owned and operated a motorcycle shop in Colorado.  He also raced motocross where he earned the nickname Fearless Fossil.  Not too long before his passing, James purchased a motorized bicycle which allowed him to again ride. He and his wife of 58 years lived withing the Oasis Community where he would often spend time in contemplation at the POW/MIA Flags Memorial within the Community.

Jim is survived by his wife, Mary; daughter, Jacqueline; and sons Byron and Jeff.

Covid-19 Restrictions are in place.  Masks and Social distancing are in place as well.

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 mortuary to his final resting place. Please see the time table if you would like to participate.  For those who wish to meet us there, please park in Staging Area 8, or Visitor Parking - DO NOT PARK outside the entrance to the Cemetery.

NOTE: James' death is combat related from Agent Orange - tags will be available.

Time Line for Thursday, 6 Aug:

0900 - Stage - Evans-Brown Mortuary 27010 Encanto Dr, Menifee, CA 92585 --> https://goo.gl/maps/nF3NCRQg5mz3EfyG7  Please arrive quietly as services will be underway

0915 - Mission Briefing

0930 - est. Flag line as the hero is transferred to the coach and KSU to Riverside National Cemetery

1000 - est. Arrival at RNC 22495 Van Buren Boulevard, Riverside, CA 92518 --> https://goo.gl/maps/3c2NcJjcJC64ZTzj9

1015 - KSU to assigned shelter for Flag line, Service and Military Honors.


R/C Stephen "Opie" Zeeb
Ride Captain, SoCal Patriot Guard
xyzeeb@gmail.com
951-587-7560


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.

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.
John D. "Major" Gretzinger
MAJ, AVN, USA (Ret.)
61st Avn Co (AHC) - Lucky 15
Administrator - SoCal PGR Mission Ops
PGR Ride Captain