The family of CDR Melvin Lee Taylor has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to be present to honor their hero for his service to his country. It will be our privilege to do so.
Mel passed away at the age of 73, he went peacefully in his sleep on March 24th.
Mel joined the Navy in September, 1965 and received his commission in December, 1976 through the Navy enlisted Scientific Education Program (NESEP. Mel served from 1965 until 1995 and was honorably discharged as a Commander O-5. Mel earned numerous recognitions including the Meritorious Service Medal with two Gold Stars, Navy Commendation Medal with Gold Star, Navy Achievement Medal, Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation, Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation, numerous BZs, and several Team Awards.
Mel was a brilliant, hilarious, deeply humble, hard-working and loving man who enjoyed his family, reading, learning about history, and long naps accompanied with cold beer. He loved riding his Harley Roadking and driving around in his custom 1999 white Ford Lightning truck that had custom flames painted on the side.
Mel joined Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center – Pacific in 2001 until 2021. Mel supported the US Coast Guard Headquarters Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Information Technology Office of Enterprise Applications Management for 85 legacy cutters and one training center sustainment and modernization.
Mel is survived by his precious wife Diana, his beloved sister Lulu, brother Jerry (Spud), and his adoring children: Charlie and Naomi, Alex and Hillary, Andrew and Kelsey, Brian, and Austin. He also has 2 grandkids.
NOTE: This mission posting facilitates your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran. For those interested, and all PGR members are welcome, we will be accompanying our hero from the mortuary to his final resting place. Please see the timetable if you would like to participate. We will meet you there for those who would rather go directly to the cemetery.
Time Table for Tuesday 19, April 2022:0715 – Stage at Community Mortuary, 855 Broadway, Chula Vista, CA 91911
https://goo.gl/maps/y9qrSMVAnpE4ewPa90730 – Mission Briefing
0750 – Flag Line for honorable transfer from building to Coach
0800 – KSU for accompaniment to Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Dr., San Diego, CA 92122
https://goo.gl/maps/Wm1mkK2MEhBvALSK80900 – ETA at Miramar Cemetery
0930 – Flag Line for Military honors and Funeral service.
R/C Ken Brassell
SoCalPGR Ride Captainkenbrassell@gmail.com
619-333-9685
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 is your first mission, go to the initial staging area, and you will be briefed by the R/C (Ride Captain). Dress for motorcycle riding or wear casual attire while driving a cage (car). Please feel free to attend any portion of this mission you can. Please ride/drive safely.
Remember that our mission is to stand tall and silent 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. Show respect to all who are there, not just the ones we honor.
