The family of Thomas Arthur Peckham has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to honor him for his military service. It is our honor to do so.
Tom served with the United States Army from 12 June 1968 until his honorable discharge 14 January 1970. He was in Vietnam with the 9th Infantry Division, 3rd squadron, 5th Cavalry Regiment, D Troop Air Cavalry Lighthorse 69. He primarily was a lineman and a few times worked as a door gunner. It was one of those times that he earned his Purple Heart. They went in to get a few guys out and ended up taking fire. In the process of getting the gun out of the helicopter, Tom's arm was shot and ripped open pretty badly requiring hospitalization when they got back to base. They gave Tom the Purple Heart for that. He didn't feel he deserved it and never told anyone about it until a few years ago when he was in a VA facility and he shared that story with his sister. The family found the Purple Heart with his other medals, which consist of National Defense Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and Vietnam Service Medal in his toolbox after he died.
In Tom’s civilian life Tom worked as a heavy equipment operator for many years for a South Dakota mining operation. He also served as Sergeant of Arms for the Abate Motorcycle Org., and was involved in many charities they worked with. He later moved to California and worked for Chevron refinery as an operator until he retired on disability in the early 1990s.
Tom is survived by his sons Beau Peckham, Corey Peckhamn daughter in law Danielle Peckham, grandchildren, Luke, Troy, and Ella Peckham grandchildren, siblings: Mimi Beck, Audrey Karinen and Ron Peckham, 6 nieces and nephews and 3 great-nieces and nephews.
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 mortuary 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.
NOTE: Tom’s death is combat related from Agent Orange, Dog tags will be available.
CORRECTED Timetable for Friday, 07 August 2020:0920 - Stage at Sierra Memorial Chapel 4933 La Sierra , Riverside CA 92505
https://goo.gl/maps/CX8ageZo1aC6rK8c90950 - Mission briefing
1010 - Flag line as our Hero is brought out of the family vehicle then returned to the family vehicle
1030 - KSU to Riverside National Cemetery 22495 Van Buren Boulevard, Riverside, CA 92518
https://goo.gl/maps/1Pq3ai9d6iMg7GKX91110 - ETA arrival to Riverside National Cemetery
1130 - KSU to assigned shelter for Flag Line, Service & Military Honors
R/C Brenda Bixler
AKA Pebbles
SoCalPGR – Ride Captain(951)522-6847
bixler.brenda@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.
