The family of Robert W. Antell has requested that the Patriot Guard Riders be there to honor their Hero at his service and military honors, we would be honored to do so.
Robert Antell or 'Lode' as he preferred to be called was a Native American born on Red Earth Reservation in Minnesota in July, 1921. His father was a WWI veteran so in 1942 he enlisted in the U.S. Army, first serving in the US Army Air Corps, then transferring to the US Army. He was assigned to the U.S. Army Signal Corps as a radioman and was stationed on a ridgeline in the Philippines handling communications between the various troops in the area while their position was under heavy fire from Japanese aircraft. He served in this position until Japan surrendered when he was honorably discharged.
After getting out of the Army he returned to San Diego to rejoin his wife, who he married in 1943, and his two children. He also returned to school, obtaining his bachelor's degree in physics from San Diego State University, and eventually obtained his master's. He did this while having two more children and working in the aerospace industry in Orange County, where the family relocated. Lode was very proud of his contribution in designing aircraft for the military, and helping to design the orbital maneuvering system used on the Apollo and many other space shuttles.
Lode and his wife enjoyed attending Pow Wows and other Native American celebrations, camping, and he loved sailboats. Lode owned several boats and especially loved sailboat races.
He was a brilliant and extraordinary man who was the nicest guy you ever met and a friend to all.
Lode is survived by his wife of nearly 71 years, June, two daughters Judy Fuller and Carol Hauser, and son Ben Antell, 17 grandchildren, and numerous great grandchildren.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran
Time table for Tuesday, 15 APR 14: 1145 - Stage Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, CA 92518.
http://goo.gl/maps/g3lwI(family to staging area #3, PGR to staging area #8 north of the sign closer to the circle)
1200 - Mission briefing
1230 - KSU to assigned shelter for Flag Line, Service, and Military Honors.
RC Paul 'Peacekeeper' AndersonPatriot Guard Ride Captain
panderson15680@aol.com
310 717 3656 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.
Please post your condolences for the family at this link:
https://www.patriotguard.org/showthread.php?389038
