The family of Eugene (Gene) Bonas has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to accompany their Hero to his final resting place to receive his long overdue honors. We would be privileged to do so.
Gene Bonas was born in Los Angeles and grew up in the Valley, he graduated from Crespi class of '66. Shortly after graduating High School he enlisted in the US Marine Corps and became a proud Marine. He was shipped out to Vietnam and served in the Battle of Khe Sanh most notably. He served from 1966 to 1969 on active duty, was honorably discharged at the rank of Corporal, and served another 3 yrs in reserves until 1972. He was the recipient of the following: Navy Achievement Medal with Combat "V", National Defense Service Medal, Vietnamese Service Medal with 2**, Vietnamese Campaign Medal with device, Good Conduct Medal 2**, Meritorious Mast.
After the military Gene became a union painter and eventually a contractor in Orange County which he continued to do until he became ill with cancer. He loved his work and he also enjoyed fishing and boating. Mostly he loved his life and family.
When Gene passed away in 2001 his wife Lynn wasn't ready to part with his ashes and held them for many years. She then hoped they would build a National Cemetery in Orange County, but since that has never happened and LA National Cemetery has built a new columbarium, she has decided it's time he was properly laid to rest. She says "It is appropriate because my husband used to tell me when we were young that he could be buried in the Cemetery as we drove by it in Westwood."
Gene is survived by his loving wife Lynn, children Christopher, Stephanie and Kimberly. Another daughter Lauren was disabled with neurological problems and died of a seizure in 1990 at 17. Stephanie lives in Canada, Christopher & Kimberly are local, and 6 grandchildren.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran. For those interested, all PGR members are welcome, we will be accompanying the Hero and his family from the family home to his final resting place, approx 48 miles. 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.
Time table for Monday, 23 NOV 2020:0845 - Stage at Chevron, 2844 N. Santiago Blvd., Orange, CA 92867
https://goo.gl/maps/WTKqwhWqTMeGY4ot60900 - Mission briefing
0915 - KSU to family residence
0930 - Flag Line for our Hero to family vehicle
0945 - KSU to Los Angeles National Cemetery, 950 S Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90049
https://goo.gl/maps/NJANHrA591njdVMX8 (approx 48 miles)
1100 - Est arrival at LANC
1130 - Flag Line, Service and Military Honors for our Marine
R/C Rick”Moonman”Luna
SoCal PGR Ride CaptainUSMC VET 626 378 2304
lunardad@msn.com
I Ride for Fellow PGR Brothers
Vincent Hernandez USMC
Danny Hernandez USN, USARYou do not have to be a Veteran or a motorcycle rider to attend this mission. All PGR members are 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.
