*** STAGING AREA FOR PGR HAS BEEN UPDATED IN THE TIME TABLE BELOW ***
The family of Marshall W. Mota, 80, have invited the Patriot Guard to accompany Marshall on his final journey. One of Marshall’s final wishes was one more ride on a motorcycle. It will be our honor to grant his wish.
Marshall served in the U. S. Navy from 10 Oct 1963 to 29 Sep 1967. He was an EM2 at the time of his discharge. Marshall attended AA school and boot camp in San Diego. In 1965 he was aboard the USS Grasp in the Philippines where he was given the task to raise a Philippine destroyer that had capsized during a typhoon. It took three months to raise the ship and pump it dry. They earned the nickname the “Muckers”. He became very ill as a result and was returned to Hawaii. He was reassigned to salvage and tow out of Guam in 1965. Still aboard the Grasp they conducted surveillance patrols until 1967 before reporting to the commander of the 7th Fleet. In August of 1967, the Grasp searched underwater for the lost bow ramp of U. S. Army LCU 1132 at Duong-Dong, Republic of Vietnam. Their task was made difficult by frequent Mortar and small arms fire being they had Special Forces and Marines on board. It was at this time he was exposed to Agent Orange. He spent his entire time aboard the USS Grasp. He received an accommodation letter when his ship lost power in enemy territory and as an Electricians Mate 2nd class he corrected the problems so that the ship could get underway. Marshall had always wanted to be an aviator and had passed his tests but the powers to be withheld this from him.
After his military service, Marshall owned a Winchell's Donut shop, was a CTSA bus driver and school bus driver for the disabled. He was also a Certified Nursing Assistant at a Sanatorium and participated in activities for the elderly. He was also a member of SAG as a background extra. Marshall was a true animal lover and had 100 pet wild rats who would come when he called them. He even loved spiders, except Black Widows. He was a gardener, motorhead, and motorcycle fanatic. July 31st he was diagnosed with brain tumors and given a week to live. God and the promise of owning and riding a motorcycle again as well as not wanting to leave his family gave him a few more months.
Marshall is survived by his wife of 45 years Theresa, and his daughter Cinderella McGrath Smock, and one Granddaughter.
Marshall suffered from the effects of exposure to Agent Orange, which eventually contributed to his passing. He also suffered from several other service related injuries and illnesses. As such, remembrance tags will be available for purchase at this mission.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this American Hero. For those interested, and all PGR members are welcome, we will be accompanying the Hero and his family from the family home to the cemetery, approx 21 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 TUESDAY, 13 FEB 2024:1000 - Stage at parking lot at rear of Winchester Liquor and Market, 28535 Winchester Rd., Winchester, CA 92596
https://maps.app.goo.gl/vD78QfFpsSbqyf3j71015 - Mission Briefing
1025 - KSU to residence (address to be provided during Mission Briefing)
1035 - Flag Line during dignified transfer of Hero to motorcycle.
1040 - KSU to Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd. Riverside, CA 92518 (About 21 miles)
https://maps.app.goo.gl/gKWVAUqPcSKzSFJ191115 - ETA Riverside National Cemetery
1130 - KSU to assigned shelter for Flag Line and Military Honors.
Ride Captain
Tom BarryPatriot Guard California State Captain
(714) 206-1227
casc@patriotguard.org
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 R/C (Ride Captain). 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.
