Our friends at Todd Memorial and the family of centenarian, Raul S. Garnica, have invited the Patriot Guard Riders to attend the military honors of their loved one as he makes the journey to his final resting place. It will be our privilege to fulfill their request.
Raul served his country honorably in the United States Army during World War II. He served as a surgical technician/medic with the 361st Infantry Regiment, 91st Infantry Division, Nov 1942 to Oct 1945. He served in Italy in the North Apennines, PO Valley, and Rome Arno campaigns. He was decorated with a Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and Good Conduct Medal.
After the war, Raul worked various jobs until he found his niche in the water well drilling and pump service business. He began as a helper for Marcelino Ayala (Ruben Ayala's dad) working for Mogle Bros in Chino. He also worked for several water well and pump businesses in the Chino area. He was well known to many dairy owners and farmers throughout the area for his expertise in water wells and pumps. Even in his nineties he would get phone calls to either maintain or repair a pump.
He was a member of the American Legion Post 299 in Chino and was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Raul attended the annual Memorial Day Service at the Chino Community Building for many years.
Raul and his wife, Ramona, enjoyed going to local club or church dances and going to the Las Vegas casinos. He was an original member of the Chino Hawks Senior Softball team. He played for many years until his knees told him it was time to quit. His favorite sport to watch was boxing and could name most of the boxers going back to the 1940s. He loved watching the Dodgers and Lakers, and watched golf and tennis - knowing who the top players were in each sport. He was a great competitor, whether it was playing lawn darts or Yahtzee.
Raul is preceded in death by his wife Ramona. He is survived by two sons one daughter, and one brother. He also leaves behind many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, as well as a multitude of friends.
“He was a humble person and was loved by all his family. He was well-liked by many people who knew him due to his charismatic personality. With his passing, a bit of Chino history is now gone. A great man whom we truly loved and admired. You were one of a kind. You will be forever missed but never forgotten. May you now forever rest in peace.”
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 5 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 WEDNESDAY, 24 MAY 20231000 - Stage St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, 12686 Central Ave, Chino, CA. Please arrive quietly as mass will be ongoing.
https://goo.gl/maps/mpcDNwwxyWqAYKeR61030 - Mission briefing.
1100 - Flag line for transfer of Hero to the coach.
1115 - KSU to Holy Cross Cemetery, 444 E Lexington Ave, Pomona, CA.
https://goo.gl/maps/FEKsHDCz4KpQSakt51130 – Flag line and military honors at graveside service.
Scotty “Tailgate” Wiles
SoCalPGR Ride Captain
PGR #108920socalpgr_rc@yahoo.com
626-922-6304
Riding in honor of HN Daniel “Doc” Noble
KIA 24/07/2007 Diyala Iraq
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.
