Greetings my PGR Brothers and Sisters. I would like to start out thanking all who attended the mission for Edgar Lay today, 17 July 2018. Ed was not only my nephew's father in law but also a friend. It was a total blessing to see those of you who came out to the mortuary as well as the flag line at the RNC entrance. My family was very impressed and thankful for your presence as well. PGR has come through for my family in our hour of sorrow time and time again. There was talk of my brother in law's USMC Cpl Johnny Martinez and how you stepped up and did the honors when the honor detail failed to show. Brother Lloyd had the gear in his van, passed out rifles to a team he formed there and then, three other brothers did the folding of the flag and brother Dago played taps on harmonica. That was total PGR teamwork! There was also mention of my nephew Army PFC Joshua A R Young who was. KIA in Iraq and was buried in Oregon, of how the escort by PGR was miles long and how they did it in rain, sleet and snow! We here in California don't get much of that but we do get the heat and you my friends still carry on!
Today I mentioned how it was both a blessing and bittersweet. It has been great to see how the PGR has grown from the handful of riders covering missions from San Diego to Barstow and further, as well as every city in between to the way membership has grown to outrageous proportions not only in California but throughout the country. I said bittersweet because of health and family that my attendance has not been what it used to be, but that has not stopped the torch from being passed on and the task of honoring our nation's heroes is still carried on with pride and precision. I know how busy you all are with the many, many missions you do, every day, every week, every month, yet your spirit never tires. You men and women are awesome!
It has been a great honor to have ridden and stood the flag line with each of you and I count each So Cal PGR member as family. May the Lord bless each of you and keep you safe.
From my family to each of you, thanks again for all you do for those who have served in the community and served our great country.
Your Friend and Brother
Candelario "Candyman" Rodriguez
US Navy Vietnam Vet
Proud son of WWII Army PFC Lupe Rodriguez
Proud Brother of Retired Air Force Mst Sgt Manuel Sanchez. (Vietnam)
Proud Brother of US Army Spc4 George Rodriguez (Vietnam)
Proud Gramps to three US Navy Sailors
Proud Uncle of Army PFC, Joshua Young, KIA Iraq, 2008.
" I kneel in church, I stand for my flag"
