Our friends at Akes Family Funeral Home and the family of MSgt Carlos Valentine Cardoza, 52, have invited the Patriot Guard Riders to attend the military honors of their loved one as he makes his final journey. It will be our privilege to fulfill their request.
MSgt Cardoza served in the United States Marine Corps from 09/1998 to 11/2021. He served as a low altitude air defense gunner and was a Marine combat instructor. He received several citations, medals, and ribbons during his career as a Marine. He served during the Global War on Terror and participated in Operation Iraqi Freedom. After 26 years in the corps, he was honorably discharged as a Master Sergeant.
Carlos enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, playing softball, golfing, and fishing. He touched the lives of many people throughout his military career as a mentor and leader. He had an outgoing personality and unforgettable laugh.
Carlos is survived by his wife, Dionna. He is also survived by his parents, Carlos and Bea Cardoza; brother, Gilbert, and sister, Maria. In addition, he leaves behind several nieces and nephews as well as many friends.
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 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, 18 APRIL 20231045 - Stage St Catherine of Alexandria Catholic Church, 3680 Arlington Ave, Riverside, CA. Please arrive quietly as mass will be ongoing.
https://goo.gl/maps/SNN3496ZLoB2L6H691115 - Mission briefing.
1130 - Flag line for dignified transfer of Hero to the hearse.
1135 - KSU to Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd, Riverside, CA.
https://goo.gl/maps/mA45GWnH1x8fzTB661200 - Assigned shelter for flag line and military honors.
1215 - Flag line, funeral service, and military honors.
Lillian Riddell
SoCalPGR Mission Ops/Ride Captain
lilygirl54@roadrunner.com(909) 855-2623
“Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass; it’s about learning to dance in 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.
