The Family of Vern James Nelson, 89, USN, has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to attend the Military Honors of their loved one as he makes his final journey. It is our honor to do so.
Vern proudly served with the USN during the Korean Conflict from 05 March 1951 to 16 February 1955 and was Honorably Discharged as a Yeoman (E-3). He was stationed at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, during the Korean conflict. He was awarded the National Defense Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.
Vern was born 31 October 1931 and passed away 02 March 2021. He was married to his wife Anne for 60 years. They raised 9 children: from oldest to youngest: Vern Patrick Nelson, Sheila Dodd, Colleen Coffey, John Nelson, Michael Nelson (deceased), Daniel Nelson, Christina Catalano, Kiera Schlechner and Terence Nelson. They have 17 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.
After his military service he worked for Southern California Edison and retired from there. Throughout his lifetime he was a strong supporter of All Veterans and the Boy Scouts of America. He was very proud of his honorable military service. He was an extremely hard worker, often holding multiple jobs to feed his Family and to support their children to attend the best Catholic schools. Vern also loved boating and would take his grandchildren to cruises around the local harbor.
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 from the church on a journey to his final resting place, approx 8 miles. Please see the time table if you would like to participate.
NOTE: Please observe the latest “COVID-19” restrictions.
Time Table for Thursday, 18 March 2021:1015 - Stage at St John the Baptist Catholic Church, 1015 Baker St., Costa Mesa, CA 92626
https://goo.gl/maps/XgtMGtRabpp1ppEG61030- Mission Briefing
1050 - Flag Line as our Hero is moved from the Church to the awaiting coach
1110 - KSU to Good Shepherd Cemetery, 8301 Talbert Ave, Huntington Beach, CA 92647
https://goo.gl/maps/z8HeG1me18XSLdGR61130 - ETA arrival to Good Shepherd Cemetery
1135 - Flag line as our Hero is moved from the coach to his final resting place then surround our Hero’s
Family throughout the Military Honors and graveside service
R/C: Brenda “Pebbles” BixlerSo Cal PGR Ride Captain
Bixler.brenda@yahoo.com
951-522-6847
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 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.
