Per request of our good friend and PGR member Gregg “Digger” Walker (Walker Family Funeral Services), the family of Herman Phillip Wiggins has invited the Patriot Guard Riders (PGR) to attend the Military Honors of their loved one as he makes his final journey. It will be our honor to do so.
Herman was born in Portsmouth, Virginia on 05 November 1940 and peacefully died at home after a brave battle with cancer on 02 December 2019.
After High School, Herman enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1960, receiving his basic training at MCRD, Parris Island, South Carolina. His MOS after his basic was 0311-Rifleman. His awards/citations included the National Defense Service Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Bronze Star Medal, Good Conduct Medal w/2 stars, Army Commendation Medal w/V device, Vietnam Service Medal w/5 stars, Navy Unit Citation, Vietnam Campaign Medal w/device and Rifle Sharpshooter Badge. Some of Herman’s training included Amphibious Recon School, Camp Pendleton, Instructor Training, Coronado, Special Navy Gun Fire/Air Support, San Diego and Airborne Course, Ft. Benning, Georgia. Additional MOS’s that he acquired were 8531-Ballistic Expert/Marksmanship Instructor, 8654-Reconnaissance Marine Parachute/Combat Diver and Police Academy Instructor. After ten years of service, Herman was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant (E-6) in 1970.
Following his honorable discharge from the Corps, Herman became a Police Officer in San Diego where he continued to protect and serve the public for five years. After leaving the Police Department, Herman went to work in the Industrial Supply Industry as a Salesman for twelve years before his retirement.
Herman is survived by his wife Edwina and two daughters Tasha and Ivory. He leaves behind four grandchildren. He is also survived by his beloved dog Moki.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran.
Time Table for Wednesday 18 December 2019 1030 – Stage at Riverside National Cemetery, (Staging Area #2 for family, north of Staging Area #8 for PGR) 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, CA 92518
http://goo.gl/maps/v0K0E1100 – Mission Briefing
1115 – KSU to assigned Shelter for Flag line, Service and Military Honors
RC: Ray “T-Bone” Gould
SoCalPGR Ride Captain
951-634-4112
ray@gouldgps.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.
