The family of Colonel Michael Albert Ewens, age 79, US Army (RET) has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to assist in honoring him at his funeral, we would be honored to do so.
Colonel Ewens enlisted in the US Army in February, 1963 and served 31 years active duty and reserves until his retirement in February, 1994. He served during many wars including Vietnam, Persian Gulf, Desert Shield and Desert Storm. He was highly decorated for his service including receiving the Purple Heart and Army Commendation with 3 Oakleaf Clusters and many more.
During the first few years of his service he was sent to Germany assigned to Hercules Military Battery and involved in controlling nuclear weaponry in underground bunkers in preparation for the possibility of Russian attack. He was in Germany when the Berlin Wall went up and was involved in guarding Checkpoint Charlie as a part of Artillary Battery, 8th Infantry Division. He was then deployed to Vietnam where he was a part of Artillary Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division and took great pride in helping the South Vietnamese people, overseeing medical health operations, schools and refugee camps. In his reserves career he commanded various Units in Santa Barbara, Los Alamitos and Pasadena, then in 1987 he was asked to serve as special assistant to Secretary of the Army in the Reagan Administration. In 1990 he went back to active duty during the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, he was assigned to the Pentagon and helped to build the 500,000 man force for General Schwartzkopf during Desert Shield/Desert Storm. In 1991 he deployed to Saudi Arabia and managed the return of 100's of thousands troops and over 125,000 pieces of equipment.
In his civilian career he was a business teacher at Ventura College for 34 years, a reserve LEO for 5 yrs, a National Parks Ranger in Wyoming for a time, Safety Manager in the oil industry, and Manpower programs Chief in the County Government. He was also very active in volunteer work with the Boy Scouts for 60 yrs and the American Red Cross for 60 yrs, along with volunteering with the Salvation Army and very active in his church.
He was quite the outdoorsman, loved hunting, fishing, hiking, camping, especially with his family. He was a "larger than life" man who was loved by all who knew him, he lived a full and meaningful life and leaves a great legacy to so many.
COL Ewens is survived by his wife Lydia (COL US Army RET), sons Scott (TSgt USAF RET) and Matt (Maj USA), 2 grandchildren and many extended family.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran.
Time table for Friday, 12 OCT 18:1145 - Stage at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, CA 92518 (PGR to North of Staging area #8)
https://goo.gl/maps/2ET5Uq8eWjK21200 - Mission briefing
1230 - KSU to assigned shelter for Flag Line, Service and Military Honors
R/C Larry "Blaze" Medcraft
So Cal PGR Ride Captainlmedcraf@yahoo.com
951-897-6635 cell
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.
