!! DATE CORRECTED, THIS MISSION IS SATURDAY, 05 MAY 18 !!The family of Basilio Verdeflor Pandes has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to honor the memory of their loved one and his service to our Country by standing a Flag Line at his celebration of life memorial service, to ride with him one last time to his eternal resting place at Ascension Cemetery and to again stand a Flag Line at his committal service. It will be our honor to do so.
Chief “Bill” as he was fondly called, entered into Eternal Rest on 27 April 2017.
Master Chief Pandes served proudly enlisting as a Steward at the Treasure Island Naval Station in 1945 and retiring at the Cubi Point Naval Air Station, Philippines in 1976.
Master Chief Pandes was hand selected in 1973 for duty in Washington, D.C. to work directly under the Chief of Naval Operations. He was promoted to Master Chief Petty Officer (E-9) by Admiral Elmo “Bud” Zumwalt,Jr.
Master Chief Pandes was a WWII, Korea, Vietnam War Veteran whose earned awards/citations included the WWII American Campaign Medal, WWII American Defense Medal, WWII Victory Medal, and the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal.
Master Chief Pandes was a proud member of the American Legion, Fleet Reserve Association and was a financial supporter of the USO and the U.S. Navy Memorial Foundation dedicated in 1987 in Washington, D.C.
After his retirement he worked in maintenance for different Vons/Pavilions grocery store locations in Orange County for fifteen years and then retired for good.
He was a big boxing fan and will be fondly remembered as an excellent swing, tango and big band era dancer.
Master Chief Pandes was predeceased by his wife Lorenza in March of 2016 two months short of their 60th wedding anniversary.
Master Chief Pandes is survived by his children Ruben, Arthur, Ellen, Henry and Jeanne. He also leaves behind fifteen grandchildren.
NOTE: Please arrive quietly as services will be in progress.
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 Saturday 05 May 2018 0915 – Stage at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 51 Marketplace, Irvine, CA
https://goo.gl/maps/FVoZowHYWPA2 0945 – Mission Briefing
1000 – Flag line as our Hero is moved to the coach.
1015 – KSU to Ascension Cemetery, 24754 Trabuco Road, Lake Forest, CA
https://goo.gl/maps/o7wpDGs11zA2 (7.9 Miles to Cemetery)
1100 – Arrive assigned gravesite for Flag line, Service and Military Honors
RC: Tim Self
SoCalPGR Ride Captain253-304-1833
american_patriot21@yahoo.com
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 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.
