The family of Lawrence Frances Guest 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.
The account of this Hero’s life came from his own military biography.
Lawrence Francis Guest, 66, served our country for 28 years in the US Navy. His service time ranged from being a shipboard divisional officer to performing many covert operations ashore during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. Lawrence earned several awards including: The Navy Commendation Medal (3), Navy Achievement Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal, GWOT Service Medal, Korea Defense Service Medal, Oversees Service Medal, and The NATO Medal.
“Buck” as he went by, grew up on Long Island, NY but spent his high school years in Pennsylvania where he graduated in 1975. He and his brother were always into mechanics chopping bicycles, building mini-bikes, and assembling engines. After earning his degree in chemistry from the Florida International University in Miami, Buck received his commission in the US Navy. After completing two tours on active duty, he transferred over to the active reserves and started a career working for Lockheed in Burbank, Calif. When Iraqi Freedom started in 2003, he was called back to active duty and assigned as the Officer-in-Charge of two targeting cell detachments. One detachment was at the Combined Air Operations Center at Camp Andy in Qatar. The other detachment was at Camp Victory, Baghdad, Iraq, at Saddam Hussein’s Al Faw Palace. There his cadre of officers and enlisted sailors prosecuted targets over the course of 718 combat missions in a fast-paced kinetic environment. Buck was inspired and excelled in this environment but eventually the Navy saw fit to reward him with a “lighter” assignment and sent him to Songtan, Osan, near the Korean DMZ. It was in support of Operation Beverly Midnight conducting targeting exercises at the DMZ. From there, in 2005, the Navy sent Buck to the Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, Calif. where he completed a degree in Systems Engineering. Next, he was ordered to Herat, Afghanistan, about 50 miles east of the Iranian border, to train the Afghan National Army (ANA). When this assignment ended, he received orders to Camp Lemonier, Republic of Djibouti with a follow-on assignment to the Republic of Yemen both supporting Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). Life there was always rolling the dice and consisted of near daily attacks at the hands of Al Qaeda. Buck never shied away from tough duty but ultimately retired after this tour.
Buck had a love for motorcycles his entire life and rode with the PGR in Nevada. He was also a member of the Combat Vets Motorcycle Association and an American Legion member of Post 284 in Ridgecrest, California.
Buck is survived by his ex-wife, Clintona Guest, three stepchildren, two grandchildren, and one brother.
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 hotel where they are staying to the cemetery, less than two 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 FRIDAY DECEMBER 22ND, 2023:0900 - Stage at Hilton Embassy Suites, 4550 La Jolla Village Dr., La Jolla, CA.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZgNS9SouKt5Bd5Q8A0910 - Mission briefing.
0930 - KSU for Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Dr, San Diego, CA.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/m7Jhmm1Tam52jXAV61000 - Arrive at Miramar National Cemetery.
1030 - Flag line, funeral service with full military honors.
Paul “RoundTrip” McCarthy
SoCal PGR Ride Captain
(619)838-9123You 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.
