The Patriot Guard has been invited by the family of SSgt. Duane Henry Ritz to attend his services. We are privileged to attend.
Our Country has lost another hero of "The Greatest Generation" that has set the path for our freedom in the United States.
Duane joined the United States Army Air Corp on Feb 23,1946 and served 22 yrs. retiring on Feb. 28,1968. Duane's service changed hands when the U.S. Army Air Corps was changed to the United States Air Force as we know it today. During his time in service Duane served in World War II, then onto Korea, and finally ending up in Vietnam. In that 22 years, Duane achieved the rank of Staff Sargent and was very proud to have served. During Duane's time in service to his country he received the following awards: WWII Victory Service Medal, Occupational Medal of Germany, Good Conduct Medal, and National Defense Medal.
After retiring from his career in the Air Force, Duane took up bowling, joining various leagues. He also loved the outdoors and he did a lot of fishing, and in his off time he enjoyed playing cards with his friends.
Duane was preceded in death by his wife Kaye Ritz and his daughter Kaye Ann. Later on Duane married his second wife Lily. He his survived by his wife Lily, sons Duane & Terry, brother Donovan, 9 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren.
This service will be graveside only. The family had not heard of the Patriot Guard before, and they are glad we are coming to honor their hero. If you can, please come and help honor this hero from the "Greatest Generation" that helped pave our way to freedom.
Note: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran. For those interested, and all are welcome, please see the time table if you would like to participate.
Time Table for Tuesday 10 Sept 20131215 - Stage at Riverside Nat'l Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren, Riverside, CA, (PGR Staging Area 8, Family Staging area 5)
http://goo.gl/maps/2654W1230 - Mission Briefing
1300 - KSU to graveside for flag line and military honors
R/C Mike "Joker" Courtright
Ride Captain
Orange County, CA
You do not have to be a Veteran or a motorcycle rider to attend this mission. Everyone is 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 to share your condolences with the family at this link:
http://www.patriotguard.org/ALLForums/tabid/61/forumid/11/view/topic/postid/2136500/Default.aspx
