The family of Richard Zajda has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to be present to honor their Hero for his service to his country. It will be our privilege to do so.
Mike Zajda (AKA Dr. Fix It). Long time PGR member and Ride Captain, has lost his mother & father. His mother Elsie died at the age of 81 on March 22nd 2018. His father Richard died at the age of 87 on Nov. 3rd. 2022. Richard's wife's ashes have been held until his passing and their ashes have been combined into one urn.
Richard served in the Army. He attained the rank of PFC. he was inducted 16th August 1954, honorably discharged 3rd August 1956, he served with the BQ Company, 3rd Battalion, 4th Infantry, Ladd Air Force Base, Fairbanks, Alaska. Spent the full two years in Fairbanks, he was a cook. He earned a good conduct medal.
Richard & Elsie were married for 62 years. Richard was born & raised in Brooklyn N.Y. Elsie was born and raised in Oldham England. Elsie immigrated to America on the last voyage of the Queen Mary in the middle of the 50’s.
After leaving the Army Richard was a truck driver/body shop mechanic in Brooklyn, New York. They moved to California in October 1970 and he became a building contractor while his wife was a bookkeeper in Brooklyn and a homemaker in California.
Richard is survived by his three children with his dearly departed wife Elsie, Michael, Peter and Cathy. All reside in San Diego County. They have seven grandchildren and six great grandchildren.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran.
SPECIAL NOTE: The Veterans w/o Families mission will be in progress. It is from 0815 to 0845.
It would be nice if you could attend both missions & we will finish one & then start the other.
Time Table for Tuesday, Jan. 3rd. 2023:0845 - Stage at Committal A at Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Dr., San Diego, CA 92122
http://goo.gl/maps/rAfUs 0845 - Mission Briefing
0900 - Flag Line, Funeral Service with Full Military Honors.
R/C Ken Brassell
SoCalPGR Ride Captainkenbrassell@gmail.com
619-334-9447
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 participate in your car. If this is your first mission, go to the initial staging area, where you will be briefed by the R/C (Ride Captain). Dress for motorcycle riding or wear casual attire while driving a cage (car).
Remember that our mission is to stand tall and silent 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 honor.
