The family of
George Harry “Sonny” Lay, US Navy and Vietnam veteran has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to be present to honor him for his service to our country. It would be our honor to do so.
George did two stints in the US Navy, serving from 1967 to 1971 and again from 1973 to 1975. He obtained the rank of Aviation Ordnanceman 2nd class (AO2). George served two tours of duty in Vietnam with HA(L)-3 and “Seawolves”. This was an all-volunteer USN light-attack helo squadron formed in 1967, operating until 1972. They were assigned to provide close air support for Navy SpecOps, Riverine Operations boats and SEAL units in country. When the call went out fleet-wide for volunteers, Sonny volunteered and was one of the eighty chosen and served as a door gunner.
George’s awards include the Navy Commendation Medal with Combat “V”, Air Medal with 23 Flight/Strike numerals, one Gold and one Bronze star for 6 individual awards, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal and National Defense Medal.
George made his living as a truck driver for most of the rest of his life. He enjoyed all sorts of outdoor activities, especially fishing and big game hunting. Active in The First Step Club, an Alcoholics Anonymous organization, George had sponsored many others in the program. When he passed he had been clean and sober for 26 years. He also had a great love for motorcycles.
George leaves behind his children: Dawn Gillard (Lay) and Adam Lay and siblings: Jackie, Scott Lay and Tommie Lay.
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 family home 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 Friday, May 4, 2018:
0930 - Stage at Vey’s Powersports, 690 N 2nd St, El Cajon, CA 92021
https://goo.gl/maps/2MkuX6g1Yeo 0945 - Mission Briefing 0950 - KSU to the family home
1000 - Flag Line for Dignified Transfer to the transport vehicle
1015 - KSU to Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Dr., San Diego, CA 92122
http://goo.gl/maps/rAfUs1045 - Approximate arrival at Miramar National Cemetery
1100 - Flag Line, Funeral Service with Full Military Honors
R/C Cal Braley
So Cal PGR - Ride Captain
braley56@gmail.com
619-805- 6541
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.
