The family of Ruben Cortez Cruz, 61, have invited the Patriot Guard Riders to be present when their Hero is honored at his funeral. We will be honored to do so.
Ruben was born in San Diego in May of 1959 and raised in Chino, CA.
He joined California Army National Guard in 1977 and served through 1983 and re-enlisted in 2004 to 2008. Part of the latter included a tour in the Kuwait/Iraq theater. Our Hero's specialty is listed as Indirect Fire Infantry, Driver and Mechanic. His awards included Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terror Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Star, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (2nd Award), Armed Forces Reserve Medal. He achieved the rank of SPC (Specialist) prior to his honorable discharge.
Following his time in the military, Ruben was employed in security residing in Apple Valley at the time of his death. Our Hero's hobbies included flying drones and playing with radio controlled cars.
Survivors include his wife Claudia, siblings Patricia Flores, Anthony Cruz, and Pricilla Cruz-Tonks. Children include Jennifer Triminio, Leah Cruz, Rachel McDaniel, Jacqueline Cruz and 10 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 mortuary to the cemetery, approx 90 miles, please see the time table below.
NOTE: COVID-19 restrictions apply, masks/face coverings required/6 ft distancing required.
TIME TABLE FOR TUESDAY, 23 FEBRUARY 2021:0830 - Stage at Mead Mortuary, 36930 Irwin Rd., Barstow, CA 92311
https://goo.gl/maps/oyb4PHFqnqRko98x90845 - Briefing
0900 - KSU to Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, CA 92518
https://goo.gl/maps/Nt7nUftBh8NxQjRZ81030 - Est Arrive at RNC
1130 - KSU to assigned shelter for Flag Line, Service & Military Honors
R/C Brian Zane, AKA Spyderman
SoCal PGR Ride Captainbrianzane.bz@gmail.com
760-953-9915
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 mession go to the initial staging area and you will be briefed by the Rid Captain (R/C). 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 when driving at RNC. Remember, cemeteries are hallowed ground. Show respect to all who are there, not just the ones we are honoring.
