LtCol Andrew Mettler, 39, USMC (Active Duty), San Diego, 28 Sept, 0945, pt. 1

[John Gretzinger]

This is Part 1 of a 2 Part Mission

The United States Marine Corps and the family of LtCol Andrew J. Mettler have invited the Patriot Guard to be with them for his service and Military Honors at Ft. Rosecrans and we are honored to accept.

Lieutenant Colonel Andrew John Mettler passed away tragically in the early morning of August 25, 2023 when his USMC F/A-18 jet crashed near MCAS Miramar.

LtCol Mettler was born on February 7, 1984 to Cheryl and Mike Mettler in Detroit, Michigan. At his birth his Uncle Craig declared that he was destined for great things! As a young boy, he enjoyed neighborhood play, Lego creations, pickup baseball and eating almost exclusively PB&J. His family later relocated to Marietta, GA where he attended Wheeler High School playing in the band and on the baseball team. He attended Georgia Tech and received a BS in Mechanical Engineering with high honors.

In 2007 he joined the Marines and headed to the sky. He flew with VMFA-323 Death Rattlers deploying on the USS Nimitz for 10 months and a few years later to Japan. Andrew was next stationed in Okinawa, Japan and a few years later returned to San Diego where he joined the VMFA(AW)-225 Vikings deploying again to Japan. He later served as an instructor pilot with VMFAT-101.  Last year Andrew received orders to VMFA(AW)-224 Bengals taking him and his family back east to South Carolina.

U.S. Marines from Marine All Weather Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA(AW)) 224 held a memorial ceremony for Lt. Col. Andrew Mettler at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, South Carolina, Sept. 22, 2023.  https://www.dvidshub.net/video/898115/lt-col-andrew-mettler-memorial-ceremony

LtCol Mettler is survived by his wife, Nancy Elizabeth and their three children Luke William (7), Hannah Katherine (5), and Ethan John (1). Also by his parents Cheryl Sutter Mettler and Michael John Mettler, his brother Matthew Charles Mettler and sister Emily Elizabeth Mettler and countless other cousins, aunts, uncles, family and friends who love him dearly.

NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran.  For those interested, and all PGR members are welcome,  please see the timetable.

Time Table for Thursday, 28 September 2023:

0945 - Stage at El Camino Memorial - Sorrento Valley and Memorial Park 5600 Carroll Canyon Rd, San Diego, CA 92121 https://maps.app.goo.gl/pQ9hvK7VbW5FrrCP6

1015 - Initial mission briefing

1030 - Flag Line as LtCol Mettler is moved from the facility to the coach.  KSU to La Jolla Presbyterian Church 7715 Draper Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037 https://maps.app.goo.gl/T24kZRhDfkoCFgLg7

1100 - est. Flag Line as LtCol Mettler is moved from the coach to the church.

1110 - Flag Line for the family entering the church

1130 - Church Service Begins

1200 - Stage at La Jolla Presbyterian Church for briefing on movement and parking at Ft. Rosecrans.

1230 - Flag Line as LtCol Mettler is moved from the church to the coach.

1245 - Coach departs for Ft. Rosecrans National Cemetery 1700 Cabrillo Memorial Dr, San Diego, CA 92106 https://maps.app.goo.gl/zw8vg4CvLiQNJXHz7

1315 - Arrive at Ft. Rosecrans and prepare for Flag Line

1345 - Be in position for Flag Line.

1425 - Military Honors and service

1515 - Prepare for Flag Line and accompany back to the mortuary.

Ride Captain
John D. "Major" Gretzinger
MAJ, AVN, USA (Ret).
61st Avn Co (AHC) - Lucky 15
RVN, 1970, 1971
Assistant State Captain SoCal PGR
Administrator SoCal PRG Mission Operations
818-314-5039
jdgretz@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 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.