The family of Edward Cervantes, 76, US Army, has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to be present for his military honors. It will be our privilege to do so.
Edward was born December 28, 1944 and entered eternal rest on April 9, 2021 due to complications of pancreatitis from to exposure to Agent Orange.
He served in the US Army from October 30, 1962 to August 10, 1965. He was honorably discharged at the rank of SP-4, E4. Edward went to language school in Hawaii to learn the Vietnamese language so he could become an interpreter/interrogator while in Vietnam. While in country, he not only dealt with prisoners but assisted doctors and clergy in treating local women and children. He also worked with farmers in looking for their valuables that they buried when the Viet Cong raided their villages. Several news articles were written about him. The Viet Cong apparently felt he was such a threat that they posted a wanted poster and said that he was the “Tokyo Rose” of Vietnam in trying to get the enemy to surrender.
After his military service, he worked in the construction industry as an estimator for most of his life. He loved to golf and fish and in his later years volunteered for the DAV, USO, and various hospitals. He was also the President of the 25th Infantry Association for the past several years for Southern California. He supported many military groups including the Army Historical Museum that was recently opened.
Ed is survived by his wife, Glenda; daughter, Sherry; sister, Martha; three grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran. For those interested, and all PGR members are welcome, this will be a flag line only (FLO) at the cemetery. Please see the timetable below if you would like to participate.
NOTE: COVID-19 restrictions may still apply. Please have face coverings/masks available, if necessary.TIMETABLE FOR FRIDAY, 04 JUNE 20211100 – Stage at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, CA 92518. (Staging Area #9 for PGR.)
https://goo.gl/maps/dTJKPJnWTEgri4Sj71120 – Mission briefing.
1135 – Meet family at staging/cortege area.
1200 – KSU to committal for honors.
Larry Medcraft, aka “Blaze”
SoCal PGR Ride Captain
LMedcraft@yahoo.com
Cell: 951-897-6635
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.
