The family of Patrick “Paddy” McDowell has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to accompany their hero to his final resting place and attend his final military honors. We are honored to fulfill their wishes.
Paddy served in the United States Navy from 1970-1974 during the Vietnam Era. At the time of his Honorable Discharge, he was rated as a Tradevman TD3 (E-4).
Following his service to America, our hero was the IT director for a nationwide law firm. He enjoyed guns and motorcycles. During the growth years of the PGR in California, Paddy was one of the earlier Ride Captains for that organization in the Los Angeles. Following his move from the Los Angeles area to the Inland Empire, his interest included supporting the American Legion and the American Legion Riders. He was a rider with the ALR from 2011-2023. Members of those organizations will be joining us on this event. Paddy was easy to spot riding his Air Force tribute motorcycle with sidecar. He will be riding on that vehicle for his final ride to RNC.
Paddy is survived by his daughter, Shelly Marie, son-in-law, Mick Sobczak, and siblings, Melanie, Michael and Pamela. He was also the proud grandpa to five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren with another to arrive soon.
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 mortuary to the cemetery, approximately 30 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 THURSDAY, 07 DECEMBER 20231045 - Stage at England Family Mortuary, 27135 Madison Ave, Temecula, CA.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/fAr78xFqkGrybDou71100 - Mission briefing.
1115 - Flag-line for transfer of hero to awaiting family vehicle.
1130 - KSU to Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, CA.
https://goo.gl/maps/T2kTjRpwu7Egba1W81210 - Arrive at Riverside National Cemetery.
1245 - KSU to assigned shelter for flag line and military honors.
Steve “Captain Chaos” Blumenfeld
SoCal PGR Ride Captain
SSGT USAF 1970-1974
661-212-2284
steveb.pgrcc@gmail.comYou 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.
