The family of Herman Hodge has invited The Patriot Guard Riders to accompany him on his final journey. It will be our honor to do so.
Herman led a life dedicated to public service joining the LAPD in 1950 where he served for 2 years before joining the Army in 1952. Herman served in both Korea and Vietnam and retired at the rank of Captain. After retiring from the Army, Herman went back to work for the LAPD serving for many more years and then transferred to Long Beach PD before retiring again.
After retirement, Herman was very active in Veteran groups such as the DAV, VFW, American Legion and the Tuskegee Airmen. He also became a chaplain and was named Bishop Herman Hodges as Chaplain of the DAV Chapter 23. During this time, he provided guidance to many veterans with their disability claims. He would travel all over Southern California to help veterans, mostly at his own expense.
Herman sadly passed away on December 19, 2020. He is survived by his wife Dessely, his children: Pearl, Joy, Herman, Deborah, Gloria, Regina, Tina, Lakita, Shandarosa, Rebekah, Herman Paul and Hawthorne and a host of grand and great grandchildren.
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 funeral home to the cemetery, approximately 40 miles. Please see the timetable if you would like to participate. For those who would rather go directly to the cemetery, we will meet you there.
NOTE: PLEASE OBSERVE ALL COVID-19 PRECAUTIONS, MASKS/FACE COVERINGS MUST BE WORN AND 6 FT DISTANCING REQUIRED AT ALL TIMES
TIME TABLE for Thursday, 21 JAN 2021:0830 - Stage at Forest Lawn West Covina, CA 21300 Via Verde Street, Covina, CA
https://goo.gl/maps/vUB5zMwDemJM67jYA0845 - Mission Briefing
0900 - Flag Line for dignified transfer of Hero to coach
0915 - KSU to Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, CA 92518
https://goo.gl/maps/EgY1cAXeLcgHoT2Q71015 - ETA Riverside National Cemetery
1035 - KSU to assigned shelter for Flag Line and Military Honors
R/C Tom Barry
So Cal PGR Ride Captainadmin@armobility.com
(714) 206-1227
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.
