The Patriot Guard Riders have been invited by the family of Gary Elwood King, 87, to attend final military honors for their hero. It will be our privilege to fulfill their request.
Gary served in the United State Marine Corps from 1954-1962. At the time of his honorable discharge he was a Corporal (E4). An incident of note: he was one of many servicemen who were exposed to fallout from a series of atomic tests called “Operation Plumbbob” conducted on the Nevada test range in 1957. Without googles, our servicemen were told to use their arms to shield eyes. Our hero reported seeing his bones like an x-ray image. For this he received a certificate “Atomic Bomb Veteran” for his trouble. His time in service also included several returns to Camp Lejeune.
Our hero started life as the son of a coal miner and his wife, Glenn and Hazel King, in Amesville, Ohio (population <300). This was in the heart of Appalachian Southeastern Ohio. From these humble roots he went on to studies in physics and mathematics at Bradley University. He was a member of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity.
Following his service to America, Gary worked as an engineer for high tech companies: Sperry-Univac, Western Digital and Aeronutronic Ford. He also ventured into real estate as a broker and teaching real estate related studies at Kaplan University and several local schools. His hobbies were collecting and trading stamps and coins as well as enjoying time spent tending to his flower garden.
Gary is survived by his wife of 26 years, Lynn King, his sons, Jason, Nolan and stepson Erik. He will also be missed by his sister, Maria Beth King, and eight grandchildren and one great-grandson. He was preceded by his parents, Glenn and Hazel King and an older sister, Ruth King Dickerson.
Note: This mission is on the occasion of Flag Day and is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this military veteran. For those interested, and all PGR members are welcome, this is a flag line only (FLO) mission at Riverside National Cemetery. For those who would like to participate, please see the timetable and we will meet you there. In addition, please be mindful of the high temperature expected at the time of these honors.
TIMETABLE FOR FRIDAY, 14 JUNE 20241145 - Stage at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd Riverside, CA. (Lemay Blvd near the restrooms on the ight).
https://maps.app.goo.gl/UAoAQTYkLzPAM6nn71200 - Mission briefing.
1215 - Await arrival of hero in coach and KSU to assigned cortège.
1245 - KSU to assigned shelter for flag line and military honors.
Steve “Capt Chaos” Blumenfeld
SoCal PGR Ride Captain
SSGT USAF 1970-1974steveb.pgrcc@gmail.com
661-212-2284
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 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.
