The family of Robert L. Johnson, 70, has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to attend the military honors of their loved one as he makes his final journey. It will be our honor to do so.
Robert entered the United States Navy in July 1971 and retired an E7 in August 1991. He served in Vietnam and received several accommodations. After his retirement from the Navy, he went on to work for the Loma Linda Veteran’s Hospital in the IT Department for about 14 years. After that retirement, he found himself visiting with veterans and their families in the hospital, spending time comforting them in their last days. He became known as the Chaplain.
Robert was an avid motorcycle enthusiast until Memorial Day 2016. He was struck by a hit and run driver and survived. He was a man strong in his Christian faith and heavily involved with church. He was an avid coin collector, vintage motorcycle and car enthusiast, and lover of books, education and technology. He used the GI Bill to obtain an AA, two Bachelor Degrees, and a Master’s Degree. He loved his country and family.
From his daughter:
“My dad served in Vietnam. Suffered extreme PTSD; growing up wasn’t easy. He didn’t want to talk about that time of his life. Then somewhere along the road made his peace with what he scarified and lived through. As his daughter not ever knowing that part of his life, to learn later through his death, that he had immense bravery and a heroic spirit. My dad loved his country with his whole heart until his very last breath.”Robert is survived by his devoted wife of 48 years, Tina; son, Robert, and daughter, Aurora. He is also survived by two granddaughters, Ellie and Isla, and one sister, Donna
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 10 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 TUESDAY, 27 DECEMBER 20221230 – Stage at Miller Jones Mortuary, 23618 Sunnymead Blvd, Moreno Valley, CA.
https://goo.gl/maps/k2tZsRHxwzusJVEo71245 – Mission briefing.
1300 – Flag line of dignified transfer of Hero to private family vehicle.
1310 – KSU to Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd, Riverside, CA.
https://goo.gl/maps/Vyn1L7cwyesXGN4261330 – ETA RNC and stage at assigned cortège.
1400 – KSU to assigned shelter for flag line and military honors.
Lillian Riddell
SoCalPGR Mission Ops/Ride Captain
lilygirl54@roadrunner.com(909) 855-2623
Riding in memory of my husband, Randy G. Riddell, USN, TM2, E-5, Nov 68-Jul 78.
“Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about learning to dance through the rain”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.
