The family of John L. DeWitt, 79, has requested the presence of the PGR as he receives military honors and is laid to rest. It will be our honor to do so.
John served in the US Army from 1960 to 1966, which also included time in the Reserves. He served in both Korea and Vietnam. In Vietnam, he was a shooting instructor to the Vietnamese Army before the Vietnam War escalated. He was called The Rice Paddy Daddy. John was a PFC E3 at the time of his Honorable Discharge.
After his military service, John worked for Hughes Aircraft; Northrup Grumman; Tri State Trucking (DoD Contract); and later a driver for RTD. John also volunteered search & rescue as a mounted posse rider for the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department.
He loved riding horseback and motorcycles. When asked by his son if he would like a PGR accompaniment, he answered “Yes.”
John is now reunited in Heaven with his wife of 55 years, Heide, who passed on 09/29/13. He is survived by his sons Kirk, John, Roy, and Adam, three grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran. For those interested, and all PGR members are welcome, this is a flag line only mission at Riverside National Cemetery. For those who would like to participate, please see the timetable and we will meet you there.
NOTE: Please observe the latest “COVID-19” restrictions and have a face covering should the need arise.
WEATHER IS EXPECTED TO BE WARM. PLEASE STAY HYDRATED.TIMETABLE FOR FRIDAY, 10 SEPTEMBER1000 – Stage at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, CA 92518 (PGR Staging on E. Normandy, near the first roundabout)
https://goo.gl/maps/NkYYNvyWRdV7atim71015 – Mission briefing.
1045 – KSU to to shelter for Military Honors.
R/C Clint "Smurf" Martin
lltk@sbcglobal.net
951-505-6362Do not follow where the path may lead...Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.-Courage
You 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 Ride Captain (RC). 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.
