Part 2 of 2 missionsThe family of Cpl Ian “Frank” Tortorici has asked the Patriot Guard Riders to be present for his military honors. It will be our privilege to fulfill their request.
Ian was born in Oceanside, CA and moved with his family to Lake Forest, in Orange County, when he was 5 or 6, according to his father. While attending Laguna Hills High School, he joined the wrestling team and was a two-time CIF runner-up.
Upon graduation in 2009, Ian enlisted in the Marine Reserves to help pay for his college education. Ian served in the Reserve as a data systems technician beginning in 2009 and left as a Corporal in 2016. During that time, he was activated for 10 months at Miramar, California, where he was part of Marine Wing Support Squadron 473 but was never deployed.
He went on to study teaching at Seattle Pacific University but later went to work for Microsoft. Unhappy with the office environment, he became a law enforcement officer and paramedic for the U.S. Park Service. After three years as a park ranger, he went to work for ICE and was stationed in Philadelphia.
Whenever he had time off, he would travel to Europe to go backpacking and exploring. It was there that Ian met a young Ukrainian woman, who would become his girlfriend.
When Russia’s war in Ukraine began in February 2022, Ian’s girlfriend urged him to provide humanitarian aid rather than volunteer on the front lines, but instead he signed up with the Ukrainian International Legion, a group of foreign citizens fighting for Ukraine.
His father, a former Marine and a retired U.S. Marshal, was opposed to Frank joining the Ukrainian military and told him so. However, Frank told his father “I’ll come home when it’s over.” Sadly, on June 27, while Ian was eating in Kramatorsk, a Russian missile struck the restaurant and he was killed along with 11 other people.
In addition to his father, Ian is survived by his mother, Sochitl Frank; two brothers, Anthony Tortorici Frank and Taylor Frank; and two sisters, Celia Garcia and Mary Ellen Soto.
NOTE: Weather is expected to be hot. Please stay hydrated and don't forget to eat as it can make a difference with your ability to withstand the heat.TIMETABLE FOR MONDAY, 31 JULY 20231145 - Stage at St Andrew Orthodox Church 4700 Canyon Crest Dr, Riverside, CA.
https://goo.gl/maps/56DyM1pnidhUHjHW81215 - Mission briefing.
1245 - Flag line as hero is brought out from the church to the coach.
1300 - KSU for Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd, Riverside, CA.
https://goo.gl/maps/ihFRi7s4hSRTLMa2A1320 - Approximate arrival at Riverside National Cemetery to assigned cortege.
1415 - KSU to shelter for flag line and military honors.
R/C Tom Barry
California PGR State Captain
casc@patriotguard.org
714-206-1227
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.
