The Patriot Guard Riders have been invited to attend funeral services and military honors for SP5 Santos Castro Jr, US Army and Vietnam Veteran.
It will be our honor to fulfill his family's request.
Santos Castro Jr, aka Saint, was born on December 18, 1947, in Tyler Texas, the eldest son of Bertha & Santos Castro Sr.. Santos grew up in Venice, CA, where he played little league baseball with his brother Robert. He graduated from Venice High School and enlisted into the Army with his best friend Jimmy Zazueta.
Santos entered military service in 1966. He proudly served his country during the Vietnam War with the 101st Airborne Division. He was honorably discharged from service in 1969. During his three years in the Army, Santos earned the following awards: National Defense Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Metal w/two Bronze Service Stars, Purple Heart, Combat Infantryman Badge, Parachutist Badge, and Sharpshooter (rifle) badge.
Following his military service, Santos worked in construction most of his life as a Carpenter. He coached pop warner football in his spare time. He enjoyed playing bones, cards, pool and spending time with his family.
He was 75 years old at the time of his passing.
Santos joins his Mother Bertha, Father Santos Sr, Brother Robert & Son David at his final resting place at our Holy Cross Cemetery.
Santos is survived by his sister Diana, daughter Tava & three Sons, Michael, Jason & Andrew as well as 8 grandchildren.
Timetable for Thursday, 10 AUG 2023:This is a Flag Line Only, at the Cemetery1030 - Gather at the cemetery main entrance, off Slauson, Holy Cross Cemetery, 5835 west Slauson Ave Culver City, Ca (
https://goo.gl/maps/WTpZY7JmrFgLAa3F8)
1045 - Mission Briefing
1100 - Proceed to shelter site and standby for family arrival
1130 - Scheduled shelter time
1145 - Final Military Honors
PGR dismissed immediately following honors.
Weather forecast is mid 70's and cloudy but be prepared for heat as this is August.
R/C Lester “Rottndog” Forsythe
SoCal PGR Ride Captain
MM2/SS U.S. Navy Submarines
pgrrottndog@gmail.com
714-743-3574
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 R/C (Ride Captain). Dress for motorcycle riding or wear casual attire 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 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. Remember, cemeteries are hallowed ground. Show respect to all who are there, not just those we honor.
