The family of John W. Scanlon, 89, has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to be present to honor their hero for his service to his country. It will be our privilege to do so.
John served in the United States Marine Corps from 1950 to 1956. He left high school and had to have his parents give permission to join the Marines. John did this because his father was very ill with tuberculosis and the family struggled financially. He sent each of his paychecks home during his time in Korea. John was in the 1st Battalion 7th Marines 1st Division. He served in the Korean war where he was wounded, and almost lost his life by a grenade that landed close to him during combat. John returned to the battleground and continued fighting although he was medically cleared to return home. In addition to the Purple Heart he was awarded, he also received the Korean Service Medal w/3* and the United Nations Service Medal.
Following his military service, John worked as the head engineer overseeing the manufacturing plant at an aerospace company. John enjoyed cooking for all of his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren during the holidays and family gatherings. John loved to take his grandkids camping and fishing. He loved to stay busy doing some of his favorite hobbies: painting, woodwork projects, working on cars, doing extensive research on his ancestors via the internet, and gardening. He was most proud of his service, his family, and the legacy that he will leave.
He is survived by his wife, Virginia Scanlon, children: John W. Scanlon III, James Scanlon, Karen Scanlon, Deborah Tuck, Kimberly Clark; 4 grandchildren: Jennifer Hansen, Eric Caruso, Richard Caruso, Stephen Caruso; 11 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild.
The family has requested an accompaniment from CSI Cremation in Vista to Miramar Cemetery.
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 chapel service to the cemetery, a distance of approximately 26 miles. 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, 10 November 2021:0830 - Stage at CSI Cremation and Burial, 2570 Fortune Way, Vista, CA 92081
https://goo.gl/maps/ThL5QjrKn4Rv8iwg60845 - Mission Briefing
0915 - Flag Line for Dignified Transfer to Coach
0945 - KSU for Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Dr., San Diego, CA 92122
https://goo.gl/maps/t5iZZCgsD9k1030 - (Est) Arrive at Miramar National Cemetery
1115 - Flag Line, Funeral Service with Full Military Honors
R/C Stacey McCarthy “Lil Bit”(619)277-5176
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.
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.
