The family of Mike Rodriguez has requested the Patriot Guard Riders pay last respects to an American Hero. It will be our honor to do so.
Mike was born in 1936 when times were pretty hard. He always learned how to adapt no matter the problem. Work never scared Mike - no matter what it was. Mike was a plain simple guy who just liked to get things done, and to help everyone that he was fortunate enough to meet.
Mike went to school until 1954 and a little less than a year later he joined the Army. Mike was with the Army Airborne and he was very proud of that fact. Whenever he came across other Airborne Brothers it was like they had known each other forever, no matter the age.
Mike was in the Army from Jan 27, 1955 to Jan 26, 1963. Mike attended Jump Master School in Augsburg, Germany in 1956. During the eight years that Mike was in the service, he attained a Good Conduct Medal, Parachute Badge, Pistol Expert Medal, Rifle Sharpshooter Medal, and a Purple Heart from wounds suffered in Korea.
Upon Mike’s Honorable Discharge from the Army, he quickly went to work for an upholstery company where he worked for a number of years, then on to Toys R Us. He always enjoyed the kids coming into the store and finally went to work at Disneyland where he worked until his retirement.
Mikes hobbies were of course anything to do with Airborne, talking to anyone who would listen, and loved to share stories.
Mike passed away from a heart attack. He was preceded in death by his beautiful wife, Gloria.
Mike is survived by his children: Christina Branch, Mary Santana, Olivia Wilson, and Mike Rodriguez, Jr., as well as his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all totaling 39 kids. In addition, he is survived by his siblings, Irene and Katie.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this military veteran. For those interested, and all PGR members are welcome, we will be accompanying the hero and his family from the mortuary to the cemetery, approximately six 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 TUESDAY, 23 AUGUST 20221115 – Stage at Sunnyside Mortuary, 7651 Commonwealth Ave., Buena Park, CA.
https://goo.gl/maps/yoL7QNBbnGQVdpKg71130 - Mission briefing.
1145 - Flagline as Hero is brought out to vehicle.
1200 - KSU to Forest Lawn Cypress, 4471 Lincoln Ave. Cypress, CA.
https://goo.gl/maps/VkXFmoJTHhzBik1d71300 - Final Honors for our American Hero begin.
R/C Mike "Joker" Courtright
SoCal PGR/ Ride Captain
mokynanapo@sbcglobal.net714-321-3356
"Standing For Those Who Stood For Us"
"Patriot Guard Ride Captain" #202572
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.
