The family of Colonel Joseph Potter 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.
Joseph served 28 years of active service with the U.S. Air Force and retired as a Col. (O-6), having served three (3) combat tours in Vietnam as a FAC (Forward Air Control) pilot with over 400 combat flight missions, and was awarded the Silver Star for Gallantry in Combat, with numerous other military awards and decorations, including three Distinguished Flying Crosses, the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, The Air Force Commendation Medal, among many others. He was a Command Pilot, and also wore the Master Parachutist Wings. His three tours of duty in Vietnam were all voluntary and spanned the years 1967-1972. Prior to volunteering to fly as a FAC pilot in Vietnam, he was a jet fighter pilot, assigned to the 437th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, based in Oxnard, California. After his three tours in Vietnam, he was assigned to the Air Force Academy as the Staff Inspector General. Joe also later was the Senior Air Force Officer, as a Colonel, assigned to the Joint Task Force in Panama, directly involved in the planning and implementation of Operation Just Cause, which involved a huge military combat operation to overthrow and capture of the corrupt Dictator, Noriega, who was subsequently convicted of facilitating illegal drug smuggling, and is currently serving a life sentence in the United States.
In His civilian life Joseph obtained two master’s degrees and a doctorate degree. He also had a black belt in Judo and so many flying hours that he just stopped counting. He leaves behind a wife and daughter and several grandchildren.
NOTE: This mission posting facilitates your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran. For those interested, and all PGR members are welcome, we will be accompanying our hero and his family from the church to his final resting place, approx. 5 miles. Please see the timetable if you would like to participate. We will meet you there for those who would rather go directly to the cemetery.
Time Table for Tuesday August 9th, 20221230 - Stage at Our Mother of Confidence Catholic Church, located at 3131 Governor Drive, San Diego, 92122
https://goo.gl/maps/D48VZfuRVkREh9N791245 - Mission Briefing
1315 - Flag line to transfer hero to family car
1330 - KSU for Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Drive, San Diego, CA 92122
https://goo.gl/maps/t5iZZCgsD9k 1400 - Estimated arrival at Miramar
1430 - Flag Line, Funeral Service with Military Honors
R/C Stacey McCarthy “Lil Bit”
SoCalPGR Ride Captain
(619)277-5176You 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 is your first mission, go to the initial staging area, and you will be briefed by the R/C (Ride Captain). Dress for motorcycle riding or wear casual attire while driving a cage (car). Please feel free to attend any portion of this mission you can. Please ride/drive safely.
Remember that our mission is to stand tall and silent 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. Show respect to all who are there, not just the ones we honor.
