We have been invited by the family of Howard Kaye Means, 73, to attend the Military Honors of their loved one as he makes his final journey. It will be our honor to do so.
As written by his daughter, Leah:
Our Hero, my Dad, served in the Vietnam war as a Surgical Technician/Medic. He helped save many men who came in badly wounded. He was very proud of serving his country. He was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for helping to remove a live round from a wounded soldier. He volunteered to help with that mission. He also went to orphanages in his spare time and took candy to the kids and gave them their vaccinations. He loved that part of being there. He loved the people of Vietnam and he loved the food. He went sightseeing on his R&R trip and took many pictures that we have on slides. He was on a primary helicopter base. He saw many many horrible things while he was there, but came away proud and thankful and we were blessed he came home safe.
Dad worked at Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach when he returned from Vietnam; he worked there as a surgical tech for 5 years. At the same time, he worked delivering newspapers to help support his family while going to college full time at Orange Coast College receiving an AA in Art. He then worked for the City of Costa Mesa for 5 years doing maintenance. He then transitioned to being a heavy equipment operator and did that for 32 years until he retired. He loved his family more than anything and worked hard for all of us, putting us first always. He was a Christian and had a huge heart for Jesus and his church, Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa. He served in the children's ministry for over 15 years. He also did the Good News Bible Club, where he served at the elementary schools to help kids do their homework and learn about Jesus. He loved softball, running, dirt bike riding, drawing, fishing, playing games and going to amusement parks with his family. He loved Disneyland! He was playful and kind. He had the best laugh and loved to tell jokes. He was also very smart and well spoken.
He is survived by the love of his life and wife of 50 years, Cynthia Means. No man loved their wife more! He is also survived by his son, Shadrach Means, and his daughters, Kimi Jo Olsen and Leah Fleming. He has one remaining sibling, Richard Means (but had 5 brothers and one sister). He has 10 grandchildren and 5 great 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 church to the cemetery, approx 33 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.
Timetable for Thursday, 20 January 2022:1115 - Stage at Calvary Chapel Chino Hills, 4201 Eucalyptus Avenue, Chino, CA 91710 (Please arrive quietly as service will be going on)
https://goo.gl/maps/M9rNQsx5R8gPyt1s81130 - Mission Briefing
1200 - Flag line for Hero to awaiting bike
1215 - KSU to Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, CA 92518
https://goo.gl/maps/ezuivDNMHN9xcnai71300 - ETA at Riverside National Cemetery
1330 - KSU to Shelter for Military Honors
R/C Clint "Smurf" Martinlltk@sbcglobal.net
951-505-6362
Do 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 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
