The family of Michael Steven Ayala, 73, has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to participate in their hero’s final farewell. We are honored to fulfill this request. The initial request came from one of our own, Jack Hall, a close family friend.
Our Hero served our country as a member of the US Army from 1969-1971. He served a tour in Vietnam from 1969-1970, serving as a dispatcher screening emergency and non-emergency calls, dispatching medical supplies, and the delivery of explosives. He was honorably discharged as an E-4. While in Vietnam he was awarded the Bronze Star.
As a civilian, Michael spent 40 years as a truck driver working for Karl Karcher Enterprises and Stater Brothers Markets. He was passionate about spending time with his family and loved music.
Michael is survived by his loving wife Christine and six daughters: Angela, Anne, Alicia, Stephanie, Melissa, and Michelle. Our hero was also a grandfather of 12.
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 eight 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 WEDNESDAY, 15 JUNE 20221115: Stage at Miller-Jones Mortuary, 23618 Sunnymead Blvd, Moreno Valley, CA. Please arrive quietly as services will be in session.
https://goo.gl/maps/rGfoByPsZUecvagBA1145: Mission briefing.
1215: Flag line for dignified transfer of Hero to coach.
1245: KSU to Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren, Riverside, CA.
https://goo.gl/maps/BDGUYSnnjF6mcuzaA1300: Arrive at RNC for staging lane assignment.
1330: KSU to assigned shelter for military honors and family service.
R/C Billy (BillyJean) Morgan
SoCal High dessert Ride Captain
US Army, Vietnam 69-70“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.
