The family of Patrick John Connelly, Tech Sergeant, E6, United States Air Force, June 08, 1966 – January 29, 2024, has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to accompany their HERO to Desert Memorial Park, Ridgecrest, CA on Saturday, February 24, 2024. We are honored to accompany him and his family.
“The longer I am around here, I know that being a Veteran is the best thing I ever did.” - Patrick J. Connelly
On Monday, January 29, 2024, Patrick J Connelly passed on and joined his parents and sisters — Eileen and Kathleen, in heaven. Born June 8, 1966, to Aaron and Joan Connelly in Ridgecrest CA, Patrick was the only son in his family of seven. After graduating from Burroughs High School in 1985, Patrick enlisted in the Air Force to follow in the footsteps of his father. He served his country for 22 years and earned a multitude of awards—including the Air Force Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster, and the Joint Service Achievement Medal. Throughout his service, Patrick circled the world three times over, gaining an abundance of knowledge along the way. Everyone that knew him could speak to the impressive capacity of his mind. Names, dates, stories, both historical and personal, were all just a breath away for Patrick.
He retired in 2007 and moved to Vallejo CA, where he shared a home with his sister Eileen. He worked at Travis Air Force Base in Fairfield CA for the next 10 years. From then on, Patrick spent his days delving into the things he loved. From classic cars to historical research and traveling when he could—Patrick found intrigue in everything. He was proud of his friends. He was proud of his country and his service to it. He was proud of his car collection and his football team (Go Niners!) … and most of all, he was proud of his family.
Patrick Connelly is survived by his sisters, Jan Moline (Daryl), Noreen Haws and Connie Sweet; along with their children: Briana (Leland), Travis, Daryl .Jr, Nathan (Emily), David, Jennifer (Daniel), Arynn (Kris), Michael (Beth), Chelsea (Marcus), Tyler and Analeah.
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 church to the cemetery. 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 SATURDAY, 24 FEBRUARY 20240815 – Stage at Holland and Lyons Mortuary, 216 S. Norma St. Ridgecrest, CA.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/FXXkQEVBo1nRZcHG90830 – Mission brief.
0855 – Flag line for dignified transfer of HERO from mortuary to coach.
0900 – KSU to Church of St. Ann, 446 W. Church Ave. Ridgecrest, CA.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/6ee2vBomLpQUiHeNA0910 – Arrival and flag line for dignified transfer of HERO from coach to sanctuary.
1000 – Mass.
DISMISSED UNTIL 11001110 – Flag line for dignified transfer of HERO from sanctuary to coach.
1130 – KSU to Desert Memorial Park, 801 S. San Bernardino Rd., Ridgecrest, CA.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/dNUnbrbggmdrXFbP91145 – Arrive at cemetery.
1150 – Flag line for dignified transfer of HERO from coach to service position.
1200 – Graveside service.
1230 – Dismissed.
*NOTE – ALL TIMES ARE APPROXIMATE.Scoti Tomlinson
SoCalPGR Ride Captain
760 499-4950
tomlinsonscot@yahoo.com
IWV Patriot Guard Riders on FBYou 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.
