The family of John Richard Bledsoe has requested the Patriot Guard Riders to accompany their hero on the occasion of his final journey and Military Honors. We are honored to participate.
John, who was known as "Jack" was born in August of 1932 to Clyde and Mavis Bledsoe in Phoenix, AZ.
Jack enlisted in the U.S. Navy 18 January 1951 where he served Honorably until his discharge, 10 December 1954. At the time of his separation he was an MM2, Machinist Mate, Petty Officer 2nd Class. He served on the USS CACAPON (AO-52), a Cimarron-Class Oiler in the Seventh fleet during the Korean War. For his service he received the National Defense Service Ribbon, China Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, and United Nations Service Medal.
Following his service to his country, Jack was a heavy equipment operating engineer for over 35 years, until his retirement. He loved entertaining his family members in his garage "man-cave" here in Newhall, CA.
Our hero was predeceased by his loving wife of 64 years, Donna Bledsoe, who passed in late 2020. Jack is survived by his four adult children, Patty, Tom, Jake and Jimmy. He is also survived by three daughters-in-law, one son-in-law, as well as eight grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and countless nieces, nephews and adoptive 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 from the Church to the cemetery, approx. 7 miles. Please see the time table if you would like to participate. If you prefer to meet the procession at the cemetery, please feel free to do so.
NOTE: PLEASE OBSERVE ALL COVID-19 REQUIREMENTS, HAVE MASK/FACE COVERING AVAILABLE IF NEEDED. Time Table for Saturday, 12 March 2022:1245 - Stage at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 23233 Lyons Avenue Santa Clarita, CA 91321. Please arrive quietly as funeral Mass will be ongoing.
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https://goo.gl/maps/yH8GftkLrrrqSXxj6)
1300 - Mission briefing
1315 - Flag line for transfer of hero to awaiting coach.
1330 - KSU to Eternal Valley Memorial Park, 23287 Sierra Hwy, Newhall, CA 91321, (approx. 7 mi)(
https://goo.gl/maps/4feqELacCftahyu1A)
1345 - Flag line and Final Military Honors.
R/C Steve Blumenfeld
aka Captain Chaos
SoCal Ride Captain
661-212-2284
Steveb507alrpgr@gmail.com
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.
