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  • CSM Jonathan M. Church, 77, USA (ret), Goleta: July 07, 2023

Author Topic: CSM Jonathan M. Church, 77, USA (ret), Goleta, 7 July 0915hrs  (Read 2590 times)

John Gretzinger

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The PGR has been invited by the Family to Honor their  Hero, and it is our privilege to do so.

Jonathan M. Church was a highly decorated combat veteran and avid surfer who passed away peacefully at the age of 77. He had an impressive 26 year military career, rising to the esteemed rank of Command Sergeant Major of the 425th Civil Affairs Battalion.

He loved to surf. He won his age group in the 25th Annual Rincon Classic; C Street Classic; and in the ASP Rabbit Kekai Invitational 2006 Costa.

Jon served the Nation with distinction in and out of uniform. He was the beloved Honorary Command Sergeant Major of the University of California, Santa Barbara Army ROTC. Jon additionally served the community as the Commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1649 and the Commander of the Military Order of the World Wars.

He became a supervisor at the US Postal Service. He devoted significant time to training and mentoring others, leaving a lasting impression on his colleagues.

He fought California wildfires by fearlessly transporting crucial water supplies.

In his personal life, he was married to Wendy Church for 11 Years. They became inseparable. Jon was a treasured member of the Yoon family, Wendy’s own family. He became a father to Gia and Marlin, who cherished and loved him.

NOTE:  This mission posting facilitates your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran. For those interested, all PGR members are welcome. Please see the timetable if you would like to participate. For those who would rather go directly to the cemetery, we will meet you there. Please be at the cemetery Not Later Than 1230hrs.

Time Table for Friday, 7 July 2023:

0915 - Stage at Pappys Dinner 1275 Betteravia Rd, Santa Maria, CA 93454 https://goo.gl/maps/pv7qgccPSwKhFYx7A

0930 - Mission Briefing

0940 - KSU

1030 - Staging area 2 - Meet riders from Lompoc at the Gaviota Rest Stop https://goo.gl/maps/dMF9Ls5DFyC6FMbd7

1045 - KSU to Cody's Cafe 4898 Hollister Ave. Santa Barbara Ca. 93111 https://goo.gl/maps/ZC4PHicEU9eWQYQ67

1200 - Final Staging at Cody's, Mission Briefing

1230 - KSU to Goleta Cemetery https://goo.gl/maps/gDJBUy6gJ8wEL5xLA

1300 - Flag Line, Military Honors, Goleta Cemetery, Goleta, CA 93117 https://goo.gl/maps/gDJBUy6gJ8wEL5xLA


In Honor
RC
John Archuleta

PGR Regional Asst. State Captain So Central Ca.

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.
John D. "Major" Gretzinger
MAJ, AVN, USA (Ret.)
61st Avn Co (AHC) - Lucky 15
Administrator - SoCal PGR Mission Ops
PGR Ride Captain