The family of Bruce Bechtel has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to participate in their hero’s final journey. We are honored to fulfill this request.
Our hero was inducted into the USMC in April of 1972 and honorably discharged in April of 1974 at the rank of E-3. While in the USMC, Bruce served in Vietnam as a helicopter door gunner and also served aboard the USS Tripoli. He was awarded the National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service and Campaign Medals and the Rifle Marksman Badge.
As a civilian, Bruce worked in storage management as a truck driver. He enjoyed music and spending quality time with his family.
Our hero is survived by his wife, Patricia, and children, Robert, Amber and Arron. He will also be missed by five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this military veteran. For those interested, and all PGR members are welcome, we will be accompanying the hero and his family from the family home to the cemetery, approximately 64 miles. Please see the time table if you would like to participate. For those who would rather go directly to the cemetery, we will meet you there.
TIMETABLE FOR MONDAY, 6 NOVEMBER, 2023 0930: Stage at Stater Brothers Market, 21602 Bear Valley Rd., Apple Valley (corner of Bear Valley Rd and Navajo).
https://maps.app.goo.gl/1HZ9G98xu3zr6yBg80945: Mission briefing.
1000: KSU to family residence for flag line.
1015: Accompany family to Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd, Riverside, CA.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/fTJWuJfBsSVhg4Sq61145: Approx arrival to RNC and move to the assigned cortège.
1230: KSU to shelter for flag line and military honors.
Billy (BillyJean) Morgan
SoCal High Desert Ride Captain
US Army, Vietnam 69-70
949-939-7282“One straw at a time”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 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.
