The family of Antonio Mario Valdez has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to be present to honor this Vietnam Veteran for his service to his country. It will be our privilege to do so.
Antonio Valdez or “Tony” as he was known to family and friends was an E4, US Army Veteran. A “Tunnel Rat, Demolition Expert” Tony served in the 1st CAV Infantry 8th Battalion Engineer Unit and was active from April 26, 1967 to April 25, 1969. He earned the Vietnam Service medal, w/ 2 bronze medals, Vietnam Companion medal, National Defense Service medal, Army Commendation medal, Army Air medal and a Purple Heart.
In his civilian life Tony was a retired railroad man who worked for Pacific Railroad.
Tony is survived by his wife Lydia Valdez, sons Sal (Bo) Botello and Michael Valdez; daughters Marla Gallegos and Rachel Botello-Degraw; brothers Philip Valdez, Mundo Valdez and David Valdez; sisters Stella Valdez, Rita Gonzales, Rosetta, Margie and Laura.
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 services to his final resting place. Please see the time table if you would like to participate. For those who would rather go directly to the cemetery, we will meet you there.
Time Table for Wednesday, 23 APRIL 14:1215 – Stage at Mark B. Shaw Mortuary 1525 N. Waterman Ave. San Bernardino, CA 92404
https://goo.gl/maps/GM2fw Please arrive quietly as service will be in progress.
1230 – Mission briefing
1245 – (approximate time) Flag line for dignified transfer to coach
1250 – KSU to Riverside National Cemetery 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, CA 92518
https://goo.gl/maps/IEyHS1400 – Graveside service with Full Military Honors (Staging area 1)
Mike "Joker" CourtrightSoCalPGR - Ride Captain
mokynanapo@sbcglobal.net 714-321-3356
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 to post your condolences for the family at this link:
https://www.patriotguard.org/showthread.php?389328
