The family of William Charles "Bill" Hanlon, age 78, who we knew as "No Chute", has invited his PGR family to accompany our Brother on his last ride to his final resting place. We will be honored to do so.
Bill joined the US Navy in 1962 shortly after graduating High School, he fought in the Vietnam War on 2 tours, 1963-64, and 1967-68. Awarded the Vietnam Service Medal (with one Bronze Star), and National Defense Service Medal. During his last tour in Vietnam Bill was part of the crew aboard a helicopter flying above the jungles of Vietnam and fell out of the helicopter, with C-4 explosives strapped to his body, as it banked to avoid enemy fire. He fell 400 ft, breaking nearly every bone in his body, but he survived. Another helicopter came back and picked him up, he thought to save him, but they came back to retrieve the explosives as they assumed he had died. Bill spent the better part of the next 2 yrs in a hospital recovering, but he did in fact survive! This is how he got his Road Name "No Chute" we all knew him by.
The following was written by Whitney, his daughter "Bill "No-Chute" - William Charles Hanlon was born in Cicero, Illinois June 28, 1943. He grew up in Illinois and Long Island, NY before he joined the Navy. He was a Vietnam Vet, a loving husband, a loyal brother, the best dad and a friend to everyone he met. He was the strongest, toughest guy I ever knew. He was creative, a talented artist, woodworker, canemaker, computer programmer, project manager, sailor, gamer, expert cook, backpacker, dog lover, Rancho mayoral candidate, Patriot Guard Rider, American Legion member and community volunteer. He loved his community, his city, his family and his fellow military brothers. He fought tirelessly to help veterans and their families through his volunteerism at the Ontario USO, Patriot Guard Riders, Rancho Cucamonga American Legion Post 835, Ontario VFW, Snowball Express and Run for the Wall. He was the most optimistic person I ever met who inspired me daily to see the best in everything. His optimism made him tough and his laughter gave him strength to heal through all of his health problems and adversity he faced. He passed away in the home he loved with his family on May 22, 2022."
Bill is survived by his wife Kris, children Whitney (also a PGR member), Debbie, Bill, and brother Tom, and his family of brothers & sisters of all the organizations he volunteered with. He is dearly missed as a friend and inspiration to all, and will never be forgotten.
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 family home to the cemetery, approximately 32 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.
TIME TABLE FOR TUESDAY, 28 JUN 2022:0745 - Stage at Sunrise Center, 8639 Base Line Rd., Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
https://goo.gl/maps/5HUQhatF7KxYef8D70815 - Mission Briefing
0830 - KSU to family home
0845 - Flag Line for dignified transfer of Hero to private vehicle
0900 - KSU to Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, CA. 92518
https://goo.gl/maps/7SvyUqhsw9pmZAar5 (approx 32 miles)
1000 - ETA Riverside National Cemetery
1030 - KSU to assigned shelter for Flag Line and Military Honors
R/C CRAIG D LANE AKA JIP-C, USMC
SOCAL PGR RIDE CAPTAINbigredroadglide@yahoo.com
760-900-0388
I ride to honor Vern Grimshaw and Butch Nichols
American patriotsYou 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.
