The family of William Edward Smith III has requested the Patriot Guard Rider to attend the honors and celebration of life of their hero. He was a long-time resident of Saugus and passed away in his sleep at his home on November 21, 2022. We are honored to attend.
Bill served in the United States Army from 7 November 1966 until January of 1970. He received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal and Vietnam Service Medals while serving in the Infantry. At the time of his honorable discharge, he was a Private.
Following his service, he was a master level craftsman in the trade of masonry. Highly skilled in laying brick, block and stone, he was a 45-year member of the BAC Local 4 union. His notable works include the hands-on installation and foreman-level coordination of the USC Galen Center exterior brick relief sculpture, as well as exterior terra-cotta installations at various stores on Rodeo Drive and UCLA's historic Royce Hall.
Ever the "Social Butterfly," he was a lover of fun, recreation and riding his Harley. He was a frequent pool player at his Local American Legion Post 507.
William is survived by his son Michael, Daughter Jessica, and five grandchildren, his two brothers Richard and Randy and was preceded in death by his brother.
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 meeting our hero and his family at the American Legion Post 507. Please see the timetable if you would like to participate.
Time Table for Saturday, 28 January 20231615 - Stage at American Legion Post 507, 24527 Spruce St. Newhall, CA, 91321
https://goo.gl/maps/ERccgG2mXQCurQmY6 1630 - Mission Briefing
1700- Flag line and honors in the American Legion 507 Hall.
R/C Steve Blumenfeld
SoCAL Patriot Guard Ride Captain
aka Captain ChaosSSGT USAF 1970-1974
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 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.
