The United States Navy and the family of CAPT Jason “Shady” DeGroot request the Patriot Guard be with them as they pay their final respects and say goodbye to their hero, father, husband and son.
A devoted husband, father, and distinguished Naval Aviator, Jason dedicated 25 years of exemplary service to the United States Navy.
Born on July 19, 1974, in Hillsborough, New Jersey, Jason grew up with a love for the sea and aviation. He graduated from Hillsborough High School and enlisted in the US Navy as an Aviation Electrician’s Mate and rescue swimmer. He was accepted to and subsequently attended the United States Naval Academy, graduating in 1999. His passion for flying became a lifelong commitment, earning his Wings of Gold in 2001.
Jason’s career was marked by numerous achievements and accolades. Upon completion of flight training, he was selected to fly the S-3B Viking, serving in VS-21 based in Atsugi, Japan, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. In 2005, he was hand-selected as an S-3B instructor pilot in VS-41. Following the retirement of the S-3B, Jason transitioned to the C-2A Greyhound in 2007. While assigned to VRC-30, he served as a department head and training officer in support of both Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation New Dawn. In 2010, Jason left active service and joined VR-57 as a Selective Reserve Pilot flying the C-40A Clipper. Here, Jason was chosen as the lead Instructor Pilot and NATOPS Officer. His dedication to, and knowledge of the VR and VRC communities led to his selection as the Commanding Officer of the newly formed VRM-30 and VRM-50 Reserve Detachments flying the CMV-22B Osprey. His leadership and skill were evident throughout multiple deployments and assignments. Jason’s commitment to excellence earned him numerous awards, including the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Medal with multiple Strike/Flight awards, and numerous Navy Commendation Medals with Combat V.
Following his active Navy career, Jason continued to fly as a commercial airline pilot. After initially flying for Southwest Airlines, he later joined Federal Express, flying as a Memphis-based First Officer on the Boeing 757 and 767.
Jason is survived by his beloved wife, Mia Sabatino DeGroot, whom he married on March 7, 2015; their two children, Evangeline (age 8-years old) and Harlan (age 6-years old); and his mother, Vivian DeGroot. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him.
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 this hero's family from their home to the cemetery. Please see the timetable if you would like to participate. For those who would rather go directly to the cemetery, we will meet you there.
NOTE: The weather is expected to be hot. Please hydrate and eat to reduce the possibility of heat related injuries.Time Table for Friday, 26 July, 2024:
0800 - Stage at exit gate of North Island Naval Air Station, Coronado, CA.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/8RTDu1Wsr6JTBnvJ70830 – Mission Briefing
0845 – Join the family as they exit North Island Navel Station and accompany them to Ft Rosecrans National Cemetery, 1700 Cabrillo Memorial Dr. San Diego, CA 92106
https://maps.app.goo.gl/oCnMv8k3obXWqcJh60915 – Arrive at Ft Rosecrans National Cemetery. Set up a PGR Flag Line during funeral service.
0945 – KSU for North Island Navel Station
1015 – Arrive at North Island Navel Station entrance gate and set up a flag line for arrival of family.
R/C Lorenzo Lizarraga
SoCal PGR Regional Captain619-971-2236
llizarraga@yahoo.com
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 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.
