The family of John H. Tashjian 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.
Major John H. Tashjian, 101 1/2 passed away peacefully on November 24, 2022. He was born on July 10, 1921, in Fresno, California to John and Arax Tashjian. He joined the United States Navy on December 9, 1941, as a Naval Aviator and then transferred over to the United States Marines to become a Marine Fighter Pilot in 1943. Mr. Tashjian would serve 2 tours during World War II in the Marshall/Gilbert Islands.
After World War II, Mr. Tashjian was a part of the United States Marine Reserves and became a Fire Fighter with the Oakland Fire Department. He served with them for both over 20 years. Mr. Tashjian met his wife, Katy while serving as a Fire Fighter and they married in 1964 in California. They had two sons, John T. Tashjian of San Marcos, California and Peter Tashjian of Vista, California.
Mr. Tashjian's real passion was herpetology. He loved photographing amphibians and reptiles. He would travel around the world photographing some of the rarest species and had the largest photography collection. Many Zoos and colleges would ask for photos of his work to teach others about these reptiles they may never have the chance of seeing.
In 2016, it was discovered that Mr. Tashjian was 1 of 2 living pilots to have flown Planes of Fame's F4U-1A Corsair. He reunited with that plane and for his 100th birthday they surprised him with a special birthday flight in the very plane he flew when he was just 23 years old during World War II in the Marshall / Gilbert Islands.
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 VFW Post 3795 to his final resting place, approx. 31 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 Friday 17 FEB 230830- Stage at VFW Post 3795 212 W Mission Road, San Marcos, CA 92069
https://goo.gl/maps/McXCec7D2Q53bTVt5 0845 – Mission Briefing
0900- KSU for Miramar National Cemetery
https://goo.gl/maps/DJmt83qWjQnifdof7 1000- (Est) Arrive at Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Drive, San Diego, CA 92122
https://goo.gl/maps/DJmt83qWjQnifdof7 1030 - Flag Line, Funeral Service with Military Honors Miramar National Cemetery
Stacey McCarthy “Lil Bit”
SoCal Patriot Guard Ride Captain(619)277-5176
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.
