Per the request of our good friends at Risher Mortuary and the family of Maj. Gary Frank Medrano, USMC(Ret), the Patriot Guard Riders (PGR) have been invited to attend the Military Honors of their loved one as he makes his final journey. It will be our honor to do so.
Gary was born on 26 March 1940 in Salida, Colorado, and entered Eternal Rest on 28 November 2022 in Downey.
Gary proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corps for over twenty years, which included combat during the Vietnam War. His awards/citations included the Navy Commendation Medal with Combat “V” and one Gold Star in lieu of Second Award, Navy Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Good Conduct Medal w/3 Stars, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal w/8 Stars, Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation Gallantry Cross with Palm and Frame, Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Unit Citation, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal With Device. Among his other assignments, Gary was a Supply Officer for eleven years. His assignment at his retirement was at Headquarters Marine Corps, Arlington, Virginia
After the military, Gary was a manager for over twenty years for a stationary supplier.
Gary enjoyed his early morning 5:00 am visits to the doughnut shop where he would catch up with his friends. He loved Westerns, driving around in this car, listening to Julio Iglesias, and reminding his family that he was in charge. He was the leader of his family up to the end of his days.
Gary is survived by his wife of fifty-eight years, Rose, sons Gary Jr. and John, and his daughter, Maureen. He also leaves behind his grandsons, Michael and USMC Sergeant Jonathon Medrano, brother Robert Medrano, and many nieces and nephews. Gary is preceded in death by his brothers, Richard and Adrian Medrano.
NOTE: This mission posting will facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran. For those interested, and all PGR members are welcome, we will accompany the Hero and his family from the mortuary to his final resting place. 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.
If you cannot accompany this Hero, please consider meeting us at the Cemetery entrance with a flag line as the Hero arrives.
NOTE: Please observe the latest “COVID-19” restrictions.
Time Table for Monday, 12 December 20220900 – Stage at Risher Mortuary, 1316 Whittier Blvd., Montebello,
https://goo.gl/maps/M5dn5VLBTj6m8Yop60930 – Mission Briefing
0945 – Flag line as our Hero is transferred to the coach.
1000 – KSU to Riverside National Cemetery 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside,
http://goo.gl/maps/v0K0E (PGR Staging area, north of the first Rest Room as you come into RNC. This will allow a Flagline as the accompaniment enters the Cemetery)
1130 – KSU to assigned Shelter for Flag line, Service and Military Honors
R/C Rick “Moonman” Luna
So Cal PGR Ride Captain
lunardad@msn.com
626-378-2304
I Ride for my Brothers
Vince Hernandez USMC
Danny Hernandez USN, USAR
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 wear casual attire 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 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. Remember, cemeteries are hallowed ground. Show respect to all who are there, not just those we honor.
