We have been invited by the family of Edwin Hisashi Okada, 75, to attend the military honors of their loved one. It will be our privilege to fulfill their request.
Edwin served in the USA, active duty from 23 Nov 1967 to 13 July 1969 and then Army Reserve from 14 July 1969 to 27 November 1973, obtaining the rank of PFC. He received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and U.S. Army Marksman Badge. Cause of death was not service related.
After leaving the Army, he was employed by Compton College working in the print shop. His hobbies were many. He enjoyed the peacefulness in fishing and loved an assortment of card playing games. In some of his downtime, he would pick up a book for reading to relax. He spent numerous hours volunteering with the youth activities at the Ontario Elks Lodge #1419 and was also involved with the Ontario American Legion Post 112.
Edwin is predeceased in death by his wife Sara-Lee. He is survived by his three (3) children – Eric, Joshua, and Jason. He also has one grandchild named Noah. Edwin has four (4) siblings, Roy, Paul, Susan, and Wendy.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your volunteer 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 family residence in Redlands to RNC (approximately 40 minutes). Please see the timetable if you would like to participate. For those who would rather to go directly to the cemetery, we will meet you there.
TIMETABLE FOR MONDAY, 23 JANUARY 20230700 – Stage at Circle K parking lot (1598 N Orange St, Redlands CA; C/O Orange St and San Bernardino Ave)
https://goo.gl/maps/6Gvu56XqyD7KkMQh70730 – Mission briefing.
0740 – KSU to family of Hero’s home for flag line (less than 1 mile).
0750 – Arrive at family home for flag line.
0800 – KSU for accompaniment to Riverside National Cemetery (22495 Van Buren Blvd, Riverside, CA
https://goo.gl/maps/jAdN7HndPeEsby6PA0845 – Approximate arrival time at RNC.
0900 – KSU to shelter for flag line and military honors
Lillian Riddell
SoCal PGR Mission Ops/Ride Captain
lilygirl54@roadrunner.com(909) 855-2623
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 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 the 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-mile speed limit. Remember, cemeteries are hallowed ground. Show respect to all who are there, not just the ones we are honoring.
