The family of Lt. Commander Michael N. Scuro has invited the Patriot Guard Riders (PGR) to attend the Military Honors of their loved one as he makes his final journey. It will be our honor to do so.
LCDR Scuro earned a degree in Industrial Arts Education in 1967 while simultaneously attending Aviation Officer School in Pensacola, Florida, where he began flight training in T-34s, T-28s. He received his wings as a Naval Aviator specializing in Helicopters in 1968.
In 1968, LCDR Scuro was first assigned to Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 6 in San Diego, CA, whose primary mission was anti-submarine warfare. The secondary mission was that of search and rescue of shot-down airmen or anyone in need of assistance or supplies. Later that year, the squadron was deployed off the coast of North Vietnam to protect the seventh fleet and provide search and rescue for those in need. After an eight-month deployment and return to the U.S., LCDR Scuro was selected as part of the Apollo 14 moon mission recovery team and flew as co-pilot of the Swim One Helo, recovering Alan Shepard and his crew. Upon return, LLDR Scuro was designated as an aircraft commander and began training new pilots under his command.
In June of 1971, he left active duty and joined the Navy reserves. He began teaching at Coachella Valley, Indio, and Palm Desert High Schools, as well as architectural drawing and automotive repair at the College of the Desert. After completing his Master’s degree in Education in 1976, LCDR Scuro was assigned as the Commandant of Coachella Valley H.S. California Cadet Corps and was awarded Teacher of the Year for the school district. He continued participating in international military exercises. In March 1990,
LCDR Scuro retired from the Navy after serving 23 years of honorable service, with his last assignment as Helicopter Co-Coordinator for the Marine Amphibious Assault Group.
LCDR Scuro continued to fly light aircraft into his early 70s. He was active in several ministries in his church and had been a past Scout Master and Director of several youth flying programs.
He earned the Vietnam Service Medal, Meritorious Service Award, Unit Citation, numerous Air Medals, and credit for seven life-saving recoveries.
He is survived by his wife, Judy, his three children, Michael, Angie, and Christopher, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
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 Riverside National Cemetery, approximately 60 miles. 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.
TIMETABLE FOR THURSDAY, 07 NOVEMBER 20240730 - Stage at Forest Lawn Cypress 4471 Lincoln Avenue, Cypress, CA 90630
https://maps.app.goo.gl/EbqekWKVJyXBNjd360745 - Mission Briefing
0830 - KSU for Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Boulevard, Riverside, CA 92518
https://maps.app.goo.gl/kNjYNuEv1KAo8aqDA1000 - Approximate arrival at Riverside National Cemetery
1010 - KSU to Shelter & Flagline as Hero is brought into shelter
TOM BARRY
California PGR State Captaincasc@patriotguard.org
714-206-1227
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.
