The family of Cpl Louis (Louie) Henry Cardenas (71) has invited the Patriot Guard Riders (PGR) to attend the Military Honors for their loved one as he makes his final journey. It will be our honor to do so.
Louie served honorably in the United States Marine Corps as an infantryman during the Vietnam War from July 11, 1967 – June 6, 1969. When his initial enlistment was up, he loved the Marine Corps and his country so much that he re-enlisted on March 29, 1972. He served a total of 4 years, 7 months active duty and 2 years, 10 months of inactive reserve. Louie was honorably discharged on March 29, 1975 as a Corporal. After his service, he experienced many of the challenges a vast majority of combat veterans returned home with, but being the good Marine, Louie always suited up, showed up, and took care of his family and those that asked for his help.
Louie was the recipient of many awards and citations including the Navy Achievement Medal w/Combat V; The National Defense Service Medal; Vietnam Service Medal w/4 Bronze Stars; Combat Action Ribbon; Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon w/1 Bronze Star; Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon w/1 Bronze Star; Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation; Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal; Rifleman Marksmanship Badge; and the Army Presidential Unit Citation.
Louie met his wife, Josie, in 1974. She had three children and one step-child; together they had a daughter. Louie began working at the Metropolitan Water District on July 14, 1975, retiring on July 14, 2005.
His hobbies included taking care of his family and the brothers in his Vietnam support group; fishing; barbequing; and spending time around his pool.
Louie battled a pneumonia/respiratory problem, which he acquired during his deployment in Vietnam. It weakened him, making him vulnerable to the COVID-19 virus, which eventually took our beloved Marine.
Louis Henry Cardenas is survived by his wife, Josie, 7 children, 21 grandchildren, and 14 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 church to his final resting place. Please see the timetable if you would like to participate. For those who would rather go directly to the cemetery, we will meet you there.
NOTE: Please observe the latest “COVID-19” restrictions.TIMETABLE FOR TUESDAY, 20 OCTOBER 2020: 1130 – St. Justin Martyr Church - 2050 W Ball Rd, Anaheim, CA 92804.
https://goo.gl/maps/yxVJX2JZgv8JQUfc91145 – Mission Briefing.
1215 – Flag line as our Hero is moved to the waiting coach.
1230 – KSU to Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, CA 92518
https://goo.gl/maps/juA1Qjkb3LeE7gUm91345 – KSU to the assigned gravesite for Flag line, Service and Military Honors
Scotty “Tailgate” Wiles
SoCal PGR Ride Captain
(626) 922-6304
PGR# 108920
I ride in honor of HN Daniel "Doc" Noble and his three Marine brothers, KIA 24 July 2007, Diyala Province, Iraq
Corporal James H. McRae
Corporal Matthew R. Zindars
Lance Corporal Robert A. Lynch
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.
