The family of Roberto De La Torre has requested the assistance of the Patriot Guard Riders in accompanying their Hero on the occasion of his final military honors at Riverside National Cemetery (RNC). We will proudly accommodate their request.
Our hero served in the US Army from 17 Nov 67 - 13 Feb 69 . His MOS was 31M Radio Relay and he served in Company A 13th Signal Battalion with the 1st CAV in Vietnam. At the time of his honorable discharge his rating was SPC4 (E-4). Roberto was honorably discharged following an explosion resulting in permanent injury to one side of his body including his ear, eye and knee. Our hero suffered a life with PTSD and pain from his injuries and the loss of comrades.
Roberto was born in Parral, Chihuahua, Mexico in 1944 and came to America with his family. His father, Marcial, was a railroad worker here under the Bracero Program. It brought in Mexican laborers during WWII to provide a work force depleted by the growth of our wartime military.
Following Roberto’s service to America, he worked in construction until the recession in the early 80’s. After a period of unemployment, Roberto acquired a job at RNC on the groundskeeping crew, performing repair, maintenance, and safety jobs. He found a home there amongst his fellow veterans and learned to better cope with his demons. He was so proud of his eighteen years at RNC and found solace in saying “Welcome Home!” to all veterans he encountered.
Roberto enjoyed tinkering with his old trucks, cars, and his Jeep. He would drive them around his neighborhood, stopping to check on those with whom he crossed paths. He loved and pampered his three dogs (Chulo, Chocolate and Osa). He enjoyed Sunday dinners with his family and feeding pigeons with his one-year old granddaughter, Evelyn, who enjoys keeping that tradition alive.
Our hero is survived by his wife and pillar of strength, Teresa, who for 50 years enabled Roberto to survive his darker periods. He also survived by his six children Lauren, Esther, Maritza, Louis, Bertha, and Robert Jr. He was preceded by all six of his siblings.
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 12 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, 01 MARCH 241100 – Stage at Arlington Mortuary, 9645 Magnolia Ave, Riverside, CA.
https://goo.gl/maps/hpEXsQiTrMeNrZd261115 – Mission briefing.
1130 – Flag line as Hero is transferred to coach.
1145 – KSU to Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, CA.
https://goo.gl/maps/57S7vWaUqnQc5xhL91230 – ETA at RNC and to assigned staging lane.
1300 – KSU to assigned shelter for flag line and military honors.
Steve “Capt Chaos” Blumenfeld
SoCal PGR Ride Captain
SSGT USAF 1970-1974
steveb.pgrcc@gmail.com
661-212-2284You 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.
