The family of Robert "Bob" Elmer Chermak has requested the presence of the Patriot Guard Riders to honor this American Hero it will be our honor to do so.
Bob as he liked to be called was born and raised in Minnesota, the third of six children.
After graduating High School, Bob enlisted in the Marine Corps serving three years from 1951 to 1954 with a tour in Korea. Bob was a field radio operator with a tactical air control party serving with the 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Battalion, seeking targets for close air strikes.
Bob discharged three years later as Corporal, earning the Korean Service Medal with 3 stars, as well as the United Nations Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and The Good conduct Medal.
Bob met the love of his life, Laura on a blind date. They didn't see each other again until six months later. They were married 3 years later on May 2, 1959.
Bob went to work with International Paper Co. where he worked for many years. He later started his own business, selling equipment and supplies to food companies.
The Chermak family joined the Lutheran Church where he became very active as usher, greeter, and men’s bible class member.
Bob joined the VFW Post 9557 in 1991 serving as Post Commander, Post Quartermaster for fourteen years. Bob loved to go on hospital visits for our Vets, at the VA hospitals particularly in Long Beach.
Bob played TAPS at the VFW ceremonies for Memorial Day and Veterans Day. His latest event was this past November 11th for Veterans Day. Bob also was featured on the cover of Fountain Valley Living Magazine.
In his off time Bob enjoyed watching the history channel, westerns, doing jigsaw puzzles, and playing cards.
Bob passed from this life on November 19 at the age of 81.
He leaves behind his wife Laura of 56 years and children Bonnie, Joyce, Diane, Kristine, Kassandra, Ronald, ten grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, sister Lois, and many nieces and nephews.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran. For those interested, and all are welcome, we will be accompanying the hero and his family from the church to his final resting place. Please see the time table if you would like to participate. For those who would rather go directly to the cemetery, we will meet you there.
Time Table for Monday 21 December 2015: 1115 – Stage at Christ Lutheran Church, 760 Victoria St., Costa Mesa, CA
https://goo.gl/maps/F81CwxyW5c621130 – Mission Briefing
1200 – KSU to Riverside National Cemetery, (Staging Area #1 for family, Staging Area #8 for PGR) 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, CA 92518
http://goo.gl/maps/v0K0E1330 – ETA Riverside National Cemetery
1400 – KSU to assigned shelter for Flag line, Service and Military Honors
RC: Michael “Joker” Courtright
SoCalPGR Ride Captain
mokynanapo@sbcglobal.net
714-321-3356
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 post your condolences for the family to this link:
https://www.patriotguard.org/showthread.php?412235Please 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. Remember, cemeteries are hallowed ground. Show respect to all who are there, not just the ones we are honoring.
Gil Zaragoza
SoCal PGR Mission Ops
SoCal PGR Ride Captain
res0oprl1@verizon.net
951-440-2136
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