Help On The Homefront (HOTH) has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to be part of the accompaniment to celebrate the Key Ceremonies for a brand new, custom home for a combat-wounded Navy veteran, USN Hospital Corpsman Second Class Miguel DeLeon. Miguel and his wife Araceli, and their two children, will be receiving a mortgage free home in Lancaster which has been specially adapted to his needs. The home is now completed and keys will be presented to this Hero.
HC2 Miguel DeLeon joined the military in July 1999 out of Oakland, California because he wanted to travel the world and make a better life for himself. After serving his country for over 14 years, he was honorably discharged in September 2013. During his years of service, Hospital Corpsman DeLeon was exposed to challenging and life threatening situations, causing him physical and psychological injuries. On one occasion in 2000, while serving as a Marine RECON Corpsman, he suffered a bilateral shoulder dislocation while taking part in the rescue operations on board the USS Cole. The ship had been attacked by explosive devices while in
route to the Persian Gulf, killing 17 sailors and injuring nearly 40 crew members.
Then, during his deployment in 2009-2010 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), he was part of a Military Transition Team MTT-12, which trained and oversaw detention facilities. As the senior medical advisor and acting medical officer, it was his priority to ensure the well being of his fellow Marines, and to make sure they came home alive.
Navy HM2 DeLeon suffers from severe PTSD, anxiety, depression from the experiences that he faced, in addition to a leg injury.
For his service to his country, HM2 DeLeon has been awarded the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal (Octo-Nov 2010), Iraq Campaign Medal (Jan 2010),Global War On Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War On Terrorism Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (3rd Award), NATO Medal (Afghanistan), Navy Rifle Expert Medal, Navy Pistol Expert Medal and the Fourth Navy Good Conduct Award For Period Ending 8 Jul 2011.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this American Hero. For those interested, and all PGR members are welcome, please see the time table if you would like to participate.
NOTE: Temperatures are forecast to be warm, so please stay hydrated and don't forget to eat. It can make a difference with your ability to withstand the heat.
TIMELINE FOR THURSDAY, 12 SEPTEMBER 20240830 - Stage at McDonalds, 43645 Challenger Way, Lancaster, CA 93535
https://maps.app.goo.gl/uabEFgYB4jdAnLQ5A0845 - Mission briefing
0915 - KSU to procession staging area, Fire Station 135, 1846 E. Ave K4, Lancaster, CA 93535
https://maps.app.goo.gl/9Rc4e8AtW5rcUDPa80920 - Arrival at procession staging area for meet and greet with the Veteran
0955 - KSU for procession to lead the Veteran and his family to their new home (address to be provided during the procession staging briefing)
1000 - Flag line for Hero and family as they receive the keys to their new home
Phillip Waln
Lancaster Areawan2@email.com
(661) 209-8006
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 R/C (Ride Captain). 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.
