The family of Vincent Barcelona has invited the Patriot Guard Riders (PGR) to attend the Military Honors of their loved one as he makes his final journey. It will be our honor to do so.
Vincent entered into Eternal Rest on 13 September 2021 at age 44. He graduated from Chaffey High School in 1995 and attended Chaffey College until deciding to join the Army in 2003. He served from October 2003 to June 2021 (received medical retirement).
Vincent entered the U.S. Army in 2003 as a Combat Engineer and was stationed in Alaska and assigned to 172nd Infantry Brigade; he was then assigned to Fort Bragg, NC. In 2007, Vincent was selected for the Special Forces Qualification Course as a Communications Sergeant, and learned Mandarin at the Special Operations Forces Language course at the John F. Kennedy Warfare Center. Upon graduation, Vincent was assigned to 1st BN, 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) Okinawa, Japan. He was a Green Beret.
Vincent served two tours in Iraq and two tours in Afghanistan, as well as numerous other countries. Vincent’s military education includes: Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape (SERE), Basic Airborne Course, Combat Diver Qualification Course, Combative training.
His awards and decorations include: The Bronze Star Medal (2nd award), Army Commendation Medal with V (Valor) device (4th award), Meritorious Unit Commendation, Army Good Conduct Medal (4th award), National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal (3 stars), NCO Professional Development ribbon (3rd award), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service (3rd award), NATO Medal(2nd award), Combat Infantry Badge, Senior Parachutist Badge, Combat Diver Badge, and Inherent Resolve Medal with Star.
Vincent loved the Raiders and spending time with his sons and attending family events.
He is survived by his wife, Holly, and their two sons, Solomon Lucas and Vincent Elvis, Jr.; his parents, Arthur and Debbie; his brother, Art; sister, Julia; two neices, his Grandmother Annie, and several aunts, uncles and cousins.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this American Hero. For those interested, and all PGR members are welcome, please see the time table if you would like to participate.
Time Table for Thursday, 04 November 2021:1130 – Stage at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, CA 92518 (Staging Area #3 for family, PGR to Staging Area 9, E. Normandy Dr.)
http://goo.gl/maps/v0K0E1200 - Mission Briefing
1220 - KSU to Shelter for Military Honors and committal
R/C Larry Medcraft, aka “Blaze”
SoCal PGR Ride CaptainLMedcraft@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.
