Homes For Our Troops (HFOT), a non-profit organization. has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to attend an Honoring Ceremony for SPC Gustavo Zarate, US Army, 307 BDB 1st BCT 82 ABN E Co, Wounded Warrior, in Moreno Valley, CA and we are honored to do so.
This is a Community Kickoff Ceremony sponsored by Homes For Our Troops, they will be constructing a custom home for our Hero in this community. Nine months from now we will again meet to escort our Hero to a key turning at his new home.
SPC Gustavo Zarate was wounded in the War On Terror in Afghanistan with the 82nd Airborne, he and his brother will be with us and perhaps other family members.
Gustavo Zarate always knew he wanted to serve in the military. Right after high school he enlisted in the Army joining the 82nd Airborne Division as an Infantryman. On May 19, 2012, during his first deployment to Afghanistan with the 82nd ABN DIV, shrapnel from an improvised explosive device (IED) struck Army Specialist Zarate in his head and body, causing a traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Gustavo’s injuries were so severe, doctors told his family he might not make it and if he did, there was a high chance he may never see, walk, or talk again. After three weeks of being in a coma, Gustavo defied the odds and opened his eyes. From that point, he slowly began to regain function and is now able to walk with assistance.
Gustavo loves spending time with his three dogs, swimming, playing board games, and keeping up with technology. Though Gustavo has made significant progress, he still has not regained his ability to speak, and experiences seizures as a result of his TBI. He can walk short distances on his own, but uses his wheelchair the majority of the time. He is very traumatized and we can't approach him directly nor bring large crowds to his immediate area. We will stage him at the rear of the procession to keep the lights and sounds as far away as possible.
We will have a police escort and Fire Department assistance during the escort to the community church where our Hero will be honored for his service and sacrifice. The general public have been notified and may line the streets to welcome him.
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 to the event location. Please see the time table if you would like to participate.
Time Table for Saturday, 07 May 2022:0830 - Stage at WinCo Foods, 12880 Day St., Moreno Valley, CA 92553 (Small parking lot to the right side of the store)
https://goo.gl/maps/DohiiXKVymgyr8Js90845 - Mission Briefing
0915 - Assemble procession
0930 - KSU to Sandals Church, 14093 Business Center Dr., Moreno Valley, CA 92553
https://goo.gl/maps/RowU2yydn6LuACPK90945 - Arrival at Church for Community Event and Flag Line
RC: Chuck "Machine" Johnson
USAF SERE Master Instructor, MSgt Ret
US Army Sgt SEA 67-70
SoCal PGR Ride CaptainAmerican Legion Riders Post 416
760 271 2544
chuckj661@hotmail.com
“Heroes rarely get happy endings. They give them to other people.”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.
