The Unites States Marine Corps and the family of Sgt Matthew Bylski have asked the Patriot Guard to be with them as their hero begins his final flight home for eternal rest. It is our honor to be there.
Matthew, who grew up in nearby Royal Oak, Mich., died as he was serving as the vehicle commander of an amphibious combat vehicle at Camp Pendleton. A rollover accident occurred as the vehicle with 14 other Marines inside was on land.
Sgt Bylski was an amphibious combat vehicle crewman assigned to the Battalion Landing Team 1/5 of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit.
Sgt Bylski enlisted in January 2019 — shortly after his 2018 graduation from Hazel Park High School where he played baseball and football, according to the district. He is survived by his wife, Lexi, and his parents, Ken Bylski and Sandra Rogoff.
Sgt Bylski had nearly five years of service and was known for his willingness to help others. Sgt Bylski’s awards and decorations from the Marine Corps include two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.
Col. Sean Dynan, commanding officer of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit praised him saying, “The MEU — the Marines who lived, trained, and learned from Sgt. Bylski, mourn alongside his family and friends. The entire 15th MEU ‘Vanguard’ family is affected by his absence.”
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 airport, approximately 15 miles. Please see the timetable if you would like to participate.
Time Table for Thursday, 28 December, 2023:
0600 - Stage at Legacy Funeral Home 7043 University Ave, La Mesa, CA 91942
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Y9iqctFWcsaeADku60615 - Mission Briefing
0630 - Flag Line for dignified transfer from the facility to the coach and KSU to San Diego Airport Cargo Facility 2955 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
https://maps.app.goo.gl/aeqbFAoeBznSsee190700 - est. Flag Line for dignified transfer from the coach to the facility.
Ride Captain
Stacey "Lilbit" McCarthyLilbitmccarthy@yahoo.com
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 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. Please keep radios off and engine noise to a minimum.
