The family of Floyd Esmond Brooks has requested the Patriot Guard Riders to honor and accompany their hero to his final resting place. It will be our privilege to do this for an American Hero of our nation’s greatest generation.
Floyd served in the United States Army from 21 MAY 43 - 3 JAN 46. Our hero was a Survey and Instrument Man (MOS 228) and was a .30 cal rifle sharpshooter. He was a proud member of the 30th Infantry Division that landed at Normandy 5 days after D-DAY. They were engaged in some of the fiercest fighting. Their progress took them from Normandy - Northern France - Ardennes -Rheinland and ended in Central Europe. He ended his Honorable Service following an injury sustained when his convoy vehicle was involved in an accident. This resulted in a broken back and left our hero with a paralyzed arm. Floyd received the ETO Campaign Ribbon with 5 battle stars and his fabled “Old Hickory” division was finally awarded the Presidential Unit Citation 70 years after the battle that saved Mortain, France. The French Government also awarded the men of this unit the Chevalier dans l’ordre de la Légion d’honeur. Both of these awards were not previously presented to a unit as large as a division. At the time of his honorable discharge our hero was a Corporal who spent 14 months in harm's way in Europe.
After Floyd’s military service, his path led him to a 28-year career as a County Survey Engineer for LA County. Following his county retirement, our hero was a sales representative for a survey equipment manufacturer for the remainder of his working career.
Floyd’s pastime was woodcarving and was an avid fan of formula one racing. Mario Andretti and Michael Schumacher were his lifelong favorite drivers. He was able to enjoy viewing the Miami Grand Prix race on TV with his daughter, Lori, just a few days before he passed.
Floyd was preceded by his wife of over 60 years, Elizabeth (Betty) and leaves behind their three daughters, Judy, Lori and Tria and four grandsons.
TIMELINE FOR MONDAY,10 JUNE 20241200 - Stage at Evans-Brown Mortuary, 27010 Encanto Dr., Sun City, CA.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/VHiQ74o2CTMSJkBS61215 - Mission briefing.1245 - Flag line as hero is brought out to awaiting coach.
1300 - KSU to Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, CA.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/V8PdbyhZ4JbDBQTH61330 - ETA Riverside National Cemetery.
1345 - KSU to assigned shelter.
1400 - Final service for our American Hero begins.—
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 his final resting place. For those who would rather go directly to the cemetery, we will meet you there.
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R/C Steve “Capt Chaos” Blumenfeld
SoCal PGR Ride CaptainSSGT USAF 1970-1974
steveb.pgrcc@gmail.com
661-212-2284
