Part 1 of 2 PartsThe family of LCpl Dylan R. Merola, 20, and the US Marine Corps, have invited the Patriot Guard Riders to accompany the Hero and his family from the Hero's arrival to the mortuary, we will be honored to do so.
Dylan Merola was from Rancho Cucamonga and graduated from Los Osos High School 2 years ago. He enlisted in the Marine Corps shortly after graduating, and was serving with his beloved Corps in Kabul, Afghanistan when he was sadly killed by a suicide bomber on 26 Aug 2021 along with 12 other Heroes.
His mother, Cheryl Rex says "Dylan always had a smile on his face and loved everyone with the most loving and caring heart. He was the kindest person anyone had ever met," said Rex.
Rex said her son always wanted to be a U.S. Marine.
"Ever since he was a young child, he would watch the military channel, wear military attire and wanted nothing more than to become a Marine," she added. "The day Dylan stood in front of my face and said the recruiter is coming to the house to sign those papers was when reality hit me that my baby boy was 18 years old and the time had come to do what he always wanted to do, becoming a United States Marine," said Rex.
LCpl Merola is survived by many family members, friends, his fellow Marines and his entire community of Rancho Cucamonga who mourn this horrific loss and will never forget him.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this American Hero. For those interested, and all PGR members are welcome, we will be accompanying the hero and his family from the airport to the mortuary, approx 17 miles. Please see the time table if you would like to participate. For those who would rather go directly to the mortuary, we will meet you there.
NOTE: COVID-19 restrictions may apply, please have masks/face coverings available if needed.Time Table for Tuesday, 21 SEP 2021:1600 - Stage at Parking Lot South of Ontario Airport, on corner of E Avion St & E Avion Pl, Ontario, CA 91761
https://goo.gl/maps/1NADb1PG2d99LxTH9 (IMPORTANT!!! PGR STAGE ON EAST SIDE OF PARKING LOT/OTHERS STAGE ON WEST SIDE)
1645 - Mission briefing
1730 - EST departure to Forest Lawn, 21300 Via Verde St., Covina, CA 91724 (approx 17 miles)
https://goo.gl/maps/3iS1hJzFx6JE7gDb8 1815 - EST arrival at Forest Lawn
1820 - Flag Line for dignified transfer of Hero from coach to building
R/C Craig (Gunny) Donor
GySgt USMC (ret)
California State Captain
Patriot Guard RidersCell 909 208 7703
pgrgunny-001@yahoo.com
Member since 31 May 2006
PGR # 36750
Dream like you will live forever.
Live like there is no tomorrow.
When the world calls 911
The American Military answers the call.
This mission involves an aircraft arrival. Arrival times can change at the last minute so please check this thread for any last minute changes
before leaving.
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 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.
