The family of Erik Jean Ortega, age 55, has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to accompany their Hero from the airport to the funeral home as he is returned to his family for burial, we will be honored to do so.
Mr. Ortega was visiting his son when he became ill and sadly passed away unexpectedly and is being returned to his home town of San Diego for burial.
Erik enlisted in the US Air Force on November 4, 1984 at 18 years of age and shortly after graduating High School. He served for 6 years proudly and was honorably discharged on October 31, 1990 at the rank of Senior Airman (SRA).
After the military Erik went to work for McDonnell Douglas which later became Boeing, he worked on the MD11s and the C17s. After 9/11 he went to work for FedEx and became a aircraft maintenance manager.
He also went back to college and obtained his Bachelor of Science in Aviation and became a pilot. In his spare time Erik loved coaching baseball and soccer for his kids teams. He was an Angel's Baseball fan, and a 49er's Football fan, he would love they're in the playoffs this year. He also loved the outdoors, camping, hiking, 4 wheeling, fishing, anything outdoors with the family.
Erik is survived by his wife Lesley, children Christopher, Shayne, Ryan, Dylan and Vanessa,and 3 grandchildren.
Erik will be dearly missed by all who knew him. He will not be forgotten.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this American Hero. For those interested, and all PGR members are welcome, we will be accompanying the Hero and his family from the airport to the funeral home, approx 8.6 miles. Please see the time table if you would like to participate. If you prefer to meet the procession at the funeral home please feel free to do so.
NOTE: PLEASE OBSERVE ALL COVID-19 REQUIREMENTS, HAVE MASK/FACE COVERING AVAILABLE IF NEEDEDTime Table for Tuesday, 25 JAN 22:0530 - Stage at GATE of FedEx Express, 2221 W. Washington St., San Diego, CA 92110
https://goo.gl/maps/csxAedGgn87nacb87 (Note: This location is the W. Washington Gate into the airport for FedEx. We are not allowed past this gate. We will stage outside the gate and wait for plane arrival)
0540 - Mission briefing
0600 - Flag Line for Hero and family arrival at gate and KSU to Greenwood Memorial Park, 4300 Imperial Ave., San Diego, CA (approx. 8.6 miles, 15 minutes)
https://goo.gl/maps/uAzX2vDa5UF8aUVd90620 - Flag Line for honorable transfer of Hero from coach to building.
R/C Lorenzo Lizarraga
SoCal PGR Regional Ride Captain619-971-2236
llizarraga@yahoo.com
This mission involves an aircraft arrival. Arrival times can change at the last minute so please check this thread for any last minute changes
before leaving.
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.
