The family of Donald James Tate (76) has requested the Patriot Guard to accompany Donald on his journey to his final resting place, it is our honor to do so.
Donald served proudly in the United States Navy from 21 Oct 65 to 2 Jan 70. He served in Vietnam aboard the USS Constellation as a Aviation Machinist Mate Petty Officer 2nd Class. Donald was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with Bronze Star and Meritorious Unit Commendation. He was stationed later at NAS Miramar until his transfer to the Navy reserves.
After his service Donald returned to Cheyenne, Wy and attended Cannon Aeronautical Tech and received his Airframe and Powerplant license. Shortly thereafter he began working at Convair, prior to joining the Department of the Navy as Project Coordinator for the Fleet Readiness Center for 41 years. He managed maintenance and repair of F-14, F-18, H-1 Helicopter, AH-1Y Venom Aircraft. Donald enjoyed watching and coaching football and conversations and debates about politics, ethics, cars and business. He enjoyed tinkering on cars and computers, but truly enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren. He made road trips back to Cheyenne to visit old friends from his child hood and school and mentoring young children in the ways of the world.
Donald is survived by his wife Harriet, and his children Treysea, Sean, Carrie, Kellie and Charlene and five grandchildren.
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 family home to the cemetery, approx. 14 miles. Please see the time table if you would like to participate. If you prefer to meet the procession at the cemetery, please feel free to do so.
NOTE: PLEASE OBSERVE ALL COVID-19 REQUIREMENTS, HAVE MASK/FACE COVERING AVAILABLE IF NEEDED.
TIMETABLE FOR THURS 28 APR 2022:1130 - Stage at Miller-Jones Mortuary 26770 Murrieta Rd. Sun City, CA 92285.
(
https://goo.gl/maps/NViWAV9uKCfzFPhA8)
Please arrive quietly as services will be ongoing.
1150 - Mission Briefing
1220 - Flag Line for dignified transfer to coach.
1230 - KSU to Riverside National Cemetery 22495 Van Buren Blvd. Riverside, CA. 92318 (
https://goo.gl/maps/ufsva6MD4inmiC3S9) (approx. 14 miles)
1300 - ETA Riverside National Cemetery
1330 - KSU to assigned shelter for Flag Line and Military Honors.
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.
CRAIG D LANE AKA JIP-C, USMC
SO/CAL PGR RIDE CAPTAIN
bigredroadglide@yahoo.com
760-900-0388
“I stand for the Flag and kneel for the Cross”
