Richard Stephan Bergquist, age 73, known to us as "RevRick" has passed on to be with the Lord. We are sad to lose this great man, great friend, great Warrior of God, but we are joyous in knowing he is now with his brothers and family who have passed before him in that paradise called Heaven. We have been invited by the family to honor him and it will be our great privilege to do so.
Richard Bergquist served proudly in the US Army from 1967 to 1970, 1968 to 1969 Served as a combat infantry gunner, with line infantry unit, Charlie Co. 1/501st, 101st Airborne. 1969 to 1970 Served as Door Gunner 101st Airborne, Airmobile/Air Assault, B Co. Lancers 158th Avn (AH), 101st Airborne. Bronze Star Recipient. Presidential Unit Citation in the battle for Dang Ap Bia May of 1969 AKA Hamburger Hill.
Rick served and retired California Military Reserve, he worked and retired from So Cal Gas Co as a Systems Protection Specialist. Assemblies of God - Minister/Chaplain, Always a Photographer, Pointman Ministries, CIB-Commander, DAV-Chaplain Chapter 23 Orange County, VFW-Post 9148 Chaplain/Commander, City Reach Church Chaplain, Honor Bound Motorcycle Ministries member, and Member of Patriot Guard Riders. Rick was also serving currently as a chaplain for the Whittier Police Dept. He recently began a ministry working with Angel Force USA in raising suicide awareness in the military, and supported Patriots and Paws. He worked diligently in serving his community, church, fellow veterans and others through ministry, prayer, and service.
Rick is survived by his dear Wife-Chiara. Daughters-Beatrice, Stella. Sons-Eli, John. And Grandchildren-Three. He is also survived by all those he touched in word and deed throughout a lifetime of service. He will be deeply missed by all and NEVER 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 church to his final resting place, approx 57 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 Thursday, 03 NOV 22:1115 - Stage at City Reach Church, 7106 Sorensen Ave, Whittier, Ca 90606
https://goo.gl/maps/8gRTgMhjaDWDdYif71130 - Church Services Begin If you would like to attend
1145 - Mission briefing
1230 - Flag Line for transfer of Hero to from church to coach
1235 - KSU to Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, CA 92518
https://goo.gl/maps/XnBmL78iLvNWxsLEA (approx 57 miles)
1350 - Approximate arrival at Riverside National Cemetery
1430 - KSU to assigned shelter for Flag Line, service and Military Honors
R/C Tom Barry
SoCal PGR Ride Captainadmin@armobility.com
714-206-1227
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.
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.
