The family of AFCM Larry Deskins, age 77, has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to be present to honor their hero for his service to his country. It will be our privilege to do so.
Larry Deskins served in the United States Navy from Dec. 4th 1961 to Jan. 1 1992 (31 years!) where he obtained the rank of Master Chief Aircraft Maintenance man (AFCM). He served many of his last years right here at "Top Gun", Miramar. He was awarded the Boola Boola award three years in a row. (The Boola Boola award is given on the west coast for Air Warfare Excellence).
He was part of squadron VF-2 in the late 1980’s and was attached to the hanger that they used in the filming of the Top Gun movie. Larry met Tom Cruise, but his biggest complaint was that they needed to hurry the production of the movie so that his guys could get back to work! Although Larry was small in Stature, he was known to be quite intimidating and ran a “tight ship”.
After retirement he obtained a manager position at Cotton Wood Golf Carts. He also took care of his wife who suffered from ALS. Larry took care of his wife being sure she never had to be put into the care of a home or hospice and was by her side at home when she passed.
Larry had many hobbies that included riding his Harley, NASCAR races and building planes to fly at the flying field.
He is survived by his three children, 12 grandkids and 9 great grandchildren. Larry and his wife will be put to rest on this day together in the wall at Miramar Cemetery.
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 family home 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.
Time Table for Wednesday, February 10th, 2021:0730 - Stage at Smart and Final, 9870 North Magnolia Ave, Santee, CA 92071
https://goo.gl/maps/acXXyhdJhst864ER80745 - Mission Briefing
0810 - KSU for family home
0820 - Flag line transfer of hero to his grandsons Harley
0830 - KSU for Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Dr, San Diego, CA 92122
https://goo.gl/maps/t5iZZCgsD9k 0900 - (Est) Arrive at Miramar National Cemetery
0930 - Flag Line, Funeral Service with Full Military Honors
R/C Stacey McCarthy
AKA "Lil Bit"
SoCal PGR Ride Captain619-277-5176
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.
