The family of Jerry Torres has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to be present to honor their hero for his service to our country. It will be our privilege to do so.
Jerry Torres, 61, was the epitome of the phrase "Once a Marine, always a Marine.” He served in the United States Marine Corp from August 1979 to August 1999, retiring after 20 years and attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. He earned The National Defense Service Medal, Marine Commendation Service Medal, Marine Achievement Medal (x2), Good Conduct Medal (x5), Rifle Marksman, and several other awards and ribbons.
SSgt Torres served his country as an Infantryman, Infantry Unit Leader and a Marine Security Guard at the US Embassies in Guatemala City, Guatemala and San Jose, Costa Rica. He was served with India Company. 3rd Battalion 8th Marines. While with the 3/8 he was part of the Multinational Force in Lebanon and participated in peace keeping operations in Beirut. He also served with Weapons and Lima Company 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines. While assigned to the 3/1 he participated in two deployments to the Western Pacific. He also served with Golf Company 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines. He was an Instructor at the School of Infantry, West. He deployed to Ground Defense Forces, in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba where he participated in numerous operations while Cubans and Haitians refugees were housed at the base. He also patrolled the fence line to deter Cuban Military aggression.
After his retirement, Jerry worked at Cox communications for 10 years. He enjoyed anything that was Marines related, Star Trek, music, and movies.
Jerry is survived by his three children, Gabriel, Priscilla, and Alexander, and his wife, Marilyn. He was preceded in death by his mother, Priscilla, brother, Mickey, and sister, Martita, who greeted him upon his arrival in the heavens.
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 14 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.
NOTE: The weather has warmed up. Please remember to eat and stay hydrated. It can make a difference in your ability to withstand the heat.TIMETABLE FOR WEDNESDAY, 26 JULY 20231200- Stage at the Garden Chapel at Greenwood Memorial Park & Mortuary, 4300 Imperial Ave, San Diego, CA. Please arrive quietly as service will be in progress.
https://goo.gl/maps/CgviDshYuUhqKbDV71215 - Mission briefing.
1245 - Flag line for transfer of Hero to coach.
1300 - KSU for Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Dr, San Diego, CA.
https://goo.gl/maps/CuMi2g2yDnwrBNdr81330 - Arrive at Miramar National Cemetery.
1400 - Flag line and funeral service with full military honors.
Paul “Round Trip” McCarthy
SoCal Patriot Guard Ride Captain
(619)838-9123
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.
