This is Part 2 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 as he begins his final flight home and eternal rest. We are honored to be there with them.
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-ceremonyLtCol 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. If you wish to go directly to the Air Cargo Terminal, please be there Not Later Than 0500, and we will meet you there.
Time Table for Tuesday, 03 October 2023:
0345 - Stage at El Camino Memorial - Sorrento Valley and Memorial Park 5600 Carroll Canyon Rd, San Diego, CA 92121
https://maps.app.goo.gl/pQ9hvK7VbW5FrrCP60400 - Mission Briefing
0415 - Flag Line as LtCol Mettler is transferred from the facility to the coach and KSU to San Diego International Airport Cargo Facility 2955 N Harbor Dr., San Diego, CA 92101
https://maps.app.goo.gl/B5jhaMJBXQWqtqZy60500 - Flag Line as LtCol Mettler is transferred from the coach to the facility.
Ride Captain
Stacey “Lil Bit” McCarthy
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 the radios off and engine noise to a minimum.
