The Family of Martin Samaniego has asked the Patriot Guard Riders to bring their American Hero Home. It will be our Honor to do so.
Martin was born on June 13, 1959 to Eugene and Lydia Samieniego in El Paso Texas. Martin passed on Dec. 20, 2021 at the age of 62.
Martin worked jobs mostly with trucks while he was in school. Once he graduated he waited until he was 21 yrs old before going into the Army.
Martin joined the United States Army in 1980. Because of his fascination for trucks the Army had something right up his alley. On Martins first enlistment he served as a 12C Bridge Crewman for 2 yrs and 8 months. When that enlistment was up he reenlisted in the Army reserves. It was then that he was assigned as an 88mm wheeled motor operator. Upon learning what is new MOS was going to be, he excelled in it.
Martin was then deployed to the middle East and conducted operations in Desert Storm and Desert Shield. During his time of deployment he was hit by and explosive device that sent him to a MASH unit. It was at that time they shipped him back to State side. Unfortunately Martin lost the use of both of his legs.
Martin was Honorably Discharged in 1994 after 14 yrs of service for his Country. Martin was at that time made eligible for the Purple Heart. Martin received his Discharge at the rank of Sgt.
Getting back to civilian life was a chore to say the least. With him having the injuries he sustained everything was a new and different day. But Martin mastered it with gracefulness, and drive. Martin found a new bunch of friends and gained a new direction to head. He linked up with the "Lowrider Club" and loved going to rides with them and doing charity events for everyone.
Martin's son Paul took up the gauntlet left by his Hero Dad and has served in the Armed Forces and is now serving with the United States Army National Guard and has attained the rank of Sgt.
Martin leaves behind 8 children: Liza, Martin Jr., Ruben, Arthur, Lidia, Paul, Lynda, Lillian and 11 Grandchildren.
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 mortuary to cemetery (approximately 59 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.
NOTE: Please observe the latest COVID restrictions and have a face covering/mask, if necessary.
Time line for Thursday, January 20,2022:0815 - Stage at Guerra Guiterrez Mortuaries, 5800 E Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, Ca. 90022
https://goo.gl/maps/osbY641X714EagLG60830 - Mission Briefing
0845 - Flag line as Hero is brought out to awaiting coach
0900 - KSU to Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, Ca. 92518
https://goo.gl/maps/i1dznUkm5GNj5Twf81015 - ETA to Riverside National Cemetery.
1030 - KSU to assigned shelter for Flag Line, Service and Military Honors
R/C Mike "Joker" Courtright
SoCal PGR / Ride Captainmokynanapo@sbcglobal.net
714-321-3356
"Standing for those who stood for us"
Only 2 defining forces offered to die for you:
Jesus Christ, and the American Soldier:
One died for your soul, the other one died for your freedom.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.
