The family of Ralph Irwin Arnold 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.
Ralph joined the Marines in 1949 and served honorably until 1972! Ralph retired as a Master Sergeant and was very proud of his military service. Ralph served in many places including Long Beach, Camp Pendleton, North Carolina, and Alaska. Ralph did a two-year deployment in Korea from 1952 to 1954, right at the heart of the Korean War. Ralph was a weapons instructor and earned the Navy Achievement Medal, 7 good Conduct medals, The Korean Service medal with 3 battle stars, and the Korean Presidential Unit Citation.
After his time in the service Ralph went on to work for the Postal Service from 1972 to 1995. He then for fun went to work for Parkway Bowl for 20 years! Ralph was quite popular in the biker community. Ralph could always be seen EVERY Saturday morning hanging out at Motorcycle Monkey. He was adored by everyone because of his infectious smile and loving personality. You could always tell that his family is very close, and his children did so much to be sure their dad got to do everything he wanted to.
Ralph is survived by his 3 daughters. Nancy Henderson, Kathy Brown, and Judith Cunningham. 11 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. His wife of 65 years, Frances, passed away in 2020. His son David and granddaughter Katie passed away in 2013. Ralph loved all sports, especially bowling and baseball. He worked in the pits at the El Cajon Speedway for 20 years. He loved to read. Most of all he loved spending time with his family. He was proud to be a Marine!
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran. For those interested, all PGR Members are welcome, we will be accompanying the hero and his family from Pathways Church in Santee to his final resting place, Miramar National Cemetery (approximately 15 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.
Time Table for Monday November 27th, 20230915 - Stage at Parking lot of Pathways Church in Santee 9626 Carlton Hills Blvd. Santee, CA 92071
https://maps.app.goo.gl/ccMfymumpMAoqqCW8 0930 – Mission Briefing
0945 - KSU for Family home
0950 - Flag line transfer to family car
1000 - KSU for Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Drive, San Diego, CA 92122
https://maps.app.goo.gl/hNJHbVYBdF3t68898 1030 - Est. Arrival to Miramar National Cemetery
1100 - Flag Line of Honor, Funeral Service with Military Honors
Stacey McCarthy “Lil Bit”
SoCal Patriot Guard Ride Captain(619)277-5176
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 is your first mission, go to the initial staging area, and you will be briefed by the R/C (Ride Captain). Dress for motorcycle riding or wear casual attire while driving a cage (car). Please feel free to attend any portion of this mission you can. Please ride/drive safely.
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 the radios off and engine noise to a minimum. Show respect to all who are there, not just the ones we honor.
