The family of James Gastineau has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to participate in their hero’s final farewell. We are honored to fulfill this request.
Our hero served in the Army from July 1968 to May 1970. He was honorably discharged having achieved the rank of Specialist 5, E-5. He served one tour of duty in Vietnam and was awarded the National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Campaign Medal, and earned Sharp Shooter status.
As a civilian he earned a living as a musician and a gem and mineral dealer. As a part of his musical talents, James played taps at over 400 military funerals. His hobbies included gems, minerals and stones, music, and military history.
Our hero is survived by his wife, LoRee, his son, Nathan, and sister, Martha.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this military veteran. For those interested, and all PGR members are welcome, we will be accompanying the hero and his family from the mortuary to the cemetery, approximately 23 miles. Please see the time table if you would like to participate. For those who would rather go directly to the cemetery, we will meet you there.
TIMETABLE FOR THURSDAY, 21 APRIL 20221230: Stage at Mt. View Mortuary & Cemetery, 570 E. Highland Ave, San Bernardino, CA.
https://goo.gl/maps/4BcB5ZFo88QMwXQE71300: Mission briefing.
1320: Flag line for dignified transfer from chapel to coach.
1330: KSU to Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren, Riverside, CA.
https://goo.gl/maps/mA45GWnH1x8fzTB661425: KSU to assigned shelter for honors and service.
Billy (BillyJean) Morgan
SoCal PGR High Desert Ride Captain
US Army, Vietnam 69-70949-939-7282
“One straw at a time.”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 Ride Captain (RC). 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.
