The Family of Rodrigo “Rigo” Guerra, 33 yrs old, has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to attend the Military Honors of their loved one as he makes his final journey. It will be our honor to do so.
Rigo served in the USMC from 2006-2010 and was first stationed at Camp Pendleton completing the Machine Gunner Course (24 weeks, in October 2006). He was proud to be a 0331 Machine Gunner. In March 2007 he deployed to Iraq (Al Anbar Province) with Bravo Company 1st Battalion, 4th Marines. He was hit by a roadside bomb during a foot patrol on Aug 31, 2007 and sustained a severe cut to an artery in his left leg. While in Iraq the doctors completed a vein graft surgery to fix the artery, his wound was not able to be closed at that time. They transported him to Germany where he had additional surgeries to keep his leg clean as it was still an open wound. It took one week until he was back in San Diego at Balboa Naval
Medical Center where he had a series of surgeries and one final skin graft surgery to close his leg.
Rigo remained at Balboa Naval Medical Center recovering and was then transitioned to the Wounded Warrior Battalion-West at Camp Pendleton. He had hopes of fully recovering and returning to his unit. He planned to become a Drill Instructor. He was the Guest of Honor at the 2007 Marine Corps Ball for his unit. He was medically discharged in 2010 with the rank of Lance Corporal. Rigo received the following medals/badges: Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Purple Heart, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Iraq Campaign Medal (w/1 Campaign Star), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Letter of Appreciation, Rifle Marksman Badge, Pistol Sharpshooter
Badge.
Rigo’s hobbies included working on the family home, taking pride in his yard work particularly in
planting/caring for his flowers He recently got into smoking meats with his new smoker. He enjoyed working out which consisted of lifting weights in the family home gym. He prided himself on being so strong, he could bench about 400 pounds at one point. He was always working on himself and figuring out what life would look like for him after being medically discharged from the military.
He was accepted to Cal Baptist University and was working on his BA degree in Organizational Leadership. He was year a shy before finishing the program. He began to use his leadership skills while working at Scott Engineering Inc. and was able to promote his way up to Plant Manager. He was very proud of his accomplishments and the level of responsibilities he had reached within the company.
Outside of work, he loved to travel with his family, host bbqs, and spend time with family. He loved to sing to his daughter, read her books and attempt to teach her words in Spanish. He will always be known as the most loving man, caring, and had a positive outlook on life despite his previous challenges. He was very focused on bettering himself and setting goals for himself.
Rigo is survived by his wife, Laura, his 1 year old daughter Emilia, mother Imelda Morales, and sister Monica. His grandparents had a big part in raising him.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran. For those interested, and all PGR members are welcome, we will be accompanying the hero and his family from the church to his final resting place (approx 12 miles). Please see the timetable if you would like to participate.
NOTE: Please observe the latest “COVID-19” restrictions, MASK/FACE COVERINGS REQUIRED AND PLEASE MAINTAIN 6 FT DISTANCING AT ALL TIMES.
Time Table for Tuesday, 19 January 2021:1145 - Stage at Cosecha Companerismo Cristiano, 8880 Magnolia Ave. Riverside, CA 92503
https://goo.gl/maps/sg3vKj8FffQoouBVA (NOTE: Please arrive quietly, the service is outdoors. Also, stage in the front parking lot)
1215 - Mission Briefing
1245 - Flag Line for dignified transfer of Hero to the coach
1300 - KSU to Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Boulevard, Riverside, CA 92518
https://goo.gl/maps/NoK5ruaCVdYKoySi81330 - ETA arrival at Riverside National Cemetery
1400 - KSU to assigned shelter for Flag Line, Service and Military Honors
R/C Brenda “Pebbles” Bixler
So Cal PGR Ride CaptainBixler.brenda@yahoo.com
951-522-6847
You do not have to be a Veteran or a motorcycle rider to attend this mission. All PGR members are 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.
