The family of Joanne Elizabeth Cameron, age 69, has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to be present to honor this hero for her service to her country. It is our honor and privilege to do so.
At the age of 31 Joanne became the Los Angeles Fire Department's first female firefighter. One would consider her a pioneer for this remarkable achievement. However, Joanne would be the first one to comment that she was just a firefighter and hated being constantly referred to as LAFD's "first female firefighter". She was admired and loved by her fellow firefighters. Our hero became a peer group instructor and later an inspector with LAFD's Fire Safety and Inspection Group.
Following her retirement from LAFD in 2003 Joanne enjoyed outdoor activities. She enjoyed camping and hiking and loved fly fishing . Before she was weakened by cancer she even hiked up Mount Whitney with family members. Joanne loved family activities and get togethers. She was really proud of her prized "tiny trailer".
She asked what friend and fellow firefighter J. Phil Turner was doing with his free time in retirement. He responded that he was active in a couple of motorcycle groups. She thought that was neat, especially his involvement with the Patriot Guard Riders. She was invited by Phil to participate in a local mission honoring Hilda Serr, a 98 year old Army Veteran. That reminded Joanne of the PGR's mission honoring her own father. So, she joined our ranks and we're proud to honor her as one of our own.
Sadly, our hero passed in May after a four year battle with cancer. She is greatly missed by her family, friends, fellow firefighter coworkers, and PGR members.
Joanne is survived by her two daughters Jenny Cameron-Reed and Meegan Cameron-Bretzel. She is also survived by three sisters and one brother, Barbara Cameron, Lynda Yori, Carol Pawiak and Frank Bausmith plus 2 grandchildren, Zoe Bretzel and Logan Bretzel.
This mission, in honor of fellow PGR member Joanne Elizabeth Cameron, will consist of a Flag Line followed by an accompaniment to a second private location (11 miles away) for a second Flag Line and PGR presentation at her Celebration of Life. She will be "riding with respect" with us on a Firefighter Special Edition Road King.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this American Hero.
Time Table for Saturday, 07 August 2021: 1315 - Staging at Albertsons Super Market, 1268 Madera Road, Simi Valley, CA 93065
https://goo.gl/maps/MWs9TZheY9K53DLy8 1330 - Mission Briefing
1345 - KSU to family home
1400 - Flag Line for dignified transfer of Hero's urn to awaiting motorcycle.
1415 - KSU to Celebration location
1500 - Flag Line at Celebration of Life and PGR presentation.
R/C Steve Blumenfeld, SSGT USAF 1970-74
aka Captain Chaos
So Cal PGR Ride Captainsteveb507alrpgr@gmail.com
661-212-2284
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.
