The family of Manual Hernandez has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to be present to honor their hero for his service to his country. The family is requesting an accompaniment from St. Anne Catholic Church to Miramar National Cemetery. It will be our privilege to do so.
Manual Hernandez, “Manny,” as he was known to all, served in the US Navy from 1991 to 2017, achieving the rank of Commander at retirement. He moved up from the enlisted ranks to being accepted to officer candidate school where he ended his career as Commander of the USS Spruance DDG-111 based in San Diego. He passed away unexpectedly at the age of 49.
His career was extensive: Communication Officer Afloat (18 years); Ships Engineer Officer (12 years); Strategic Plans Officer (8 years, 6 months); International Affairs Officer (7 years); Executive Officer Afloat (6 years, 8 months); Commanding Officer Afloat (Commander) 2 years.
After retirement, Manny worked as a general contractor. He enjoyed many activities to include camping, fishing, reading, thrift shopping, and collecting antiques. He loved history and politics, and enjoyed music. He loved football – the Dallas Cowboys was his favorite team.
Manny is survived by his former spouse, Christine Hernandez, and their three sons, Christian, Julian, and Sebastian. He is also survived by many friends and shipmates.
NOTE: This mission posting facilitates your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran. For those interested, and all PGR members are welcome, we will be accompanying our hero from the church to his final resting place. Please see the timetable if you would like to participate. We will meet you there for those who would rather go directly to the cemetery.
NOTE: The weather is warming up. Please remember to eat and stay hydrated. It can make a difference in your ability to withstand the heat.TIMETABLE FOR FRIDAY, 21 JULY 20231115 - Stage at St. Anne Catholic Church, 2337 Irving Ave, San Diego, CA.
https://goo.gl/maps/dXtWwspFwQ5831K66(Please arrive quietly as church service will be in progress.)
1140 - Mission briefing.
1200 - Flag Line for honorable transfer from church to coach.
1215 - KSU for accompaniment to Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Dr. San Diego, CA (approximately 15 miles, 20 minutes).
https://goo.gl/maps/EtXYQi32JB442xf99 1245 - ETA at Miramar National Cemetery.
1315 - Flag line for military honors and funeral service.
R/C Lorenzo Lizarraga
SoCal PGR Regional Captain
619-971-2236llizarraga@yahoo.com
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.
