The family of The Greatest Generation hero Raymond Moody, US NAVY, BMC, 97 has requested the PGR’s participation in our hero’s committal service as he is laid to rest alongside his wife at Miramar National Cemetery. We are honored to fulfill the request.
Auspiciously, our hero’s active duty began D-Day, June 6, 1944. He served for nearly twenty years, retiring April 16, 1964, as a Chief Boatswain’s Mate, one of the oldest and proudest communities and the heart of every Navy ship. Chief Moody served aboard eight ships during his lengthy active-duty service.
Ray started his Navy career at NRTC in Farragut, Idaho. He always said, "I was just a farm boy from Missouri and had no idea where I was going".
His first ship was the USS Brookings (APA-140). Followed by the USS Valley Forge (CVA-45) PAC RES FLT, T.I. San Francisco, CA/USS Prichett (DD-561)/N.S.D. Bayonne, N.J., USS Henley (DD-762)/USS Bennington (CVA-20)/USS Telfair (APA-210 NAV STA Kwajalein, M.I./PAC RES FLT, N.I. San Diego, CA/E.P.D.O. PAC, N.I., San Diego, CA/NAS Agana, Guam/USS Vancouver (LPD-2)/USS Pickaway (APA-222)/NAV STA, San Diego, CA.
He enjoyed being in the Navy, proud to serve his country and was able to talk openly about it when he got older.
In 1986, Chief Moody tried to re-enlist in the Navy. Although he was 60 by then, he wanted back in. The military, however, wasn’t having it. They denied his request. “They said I was too old, but I wasn’t,” the El Cajon resident said. “I’m still healthy today. I don’t take any medications, except for some eye drops.”
Moody may have retired from actively military duty, but he still stayed connected to the armed forces. After retirement from the Navy Ray went to work at Naval Station 32nd Street in San Diego in Physical Security as a Detective. He was a fingerprint specialist.
Ray was a member of NARF, Fleet Reserve and American Legion Post 303. Ray was chosen as Veteran of the Year in El Cajon December 2016.
Ray enjoyed woodworking, travel, being with friends and family, breakfast at Bonnie's with other Veterans and blessing others daily.
He could be found almost every day at Miramar National Cemetery helping families locate where loved ones were interred. He also volunteered his time at funerals at Miramar, giving honor to veterans who were interred. On Sundays, he led a prayer group at the cemetery.
Chief Moody is survived by his daughter and son-in-law Sherry & James Belcher of El Cajon. His daughter Sherry related: “It's hard to sum up 97 years of life at one time, I could go on and on!”
Sherry did proudly comment, at the age of 16, she with her dad built a Pennsylvania Shaker Chest. It was one of many wood “pieces” which adorned their home. His shop was replete with all types of woodworking tools.
Miramar is where the love of his life, Barbara, a Navy veteran, is buried. [Barbara Verne Moody, PHM2, WWII.] He had been going to the cemetery daily since she died in 2013. Married for 67 years, the couple had two daughters.
“Every moment with her was precious,” Moody said. “I told her that all the time. She loved me and was in love with me, and I was in love with her the same way.”
Moody said he saw atrocities that he has a difficult time talking about and witnessed myriad deaths during his time in the military. Yet he harbors no ill feelings toward those who kill and maim in the name of war. “You have to be forgiving,” Moody said. “You have to be forgiving for everything. Judge not, lest ye be judged.”
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this military hero. For those interested, and all PGR members are welcome, this is a flag line only (FLO) mission at Miramar National Cemetery. For those who would like to participate, please see the timetable and we will meet you there.
"The weather is predicted to be Very Warm (high 70’s – low 80’s), please stay hydrated".
[b
]TIME TABLE FOR TUESDAY, 16 JULY 2024:[/b]
1015 - Stage: Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Dr, San Diego, CA 92122 (
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Wref5nPovwC2a8Yr8).
1030 – Mission briefing
1040 – Move to Cortege Lane #2, post Flag Line for arrival of hero, family, and friends.
1105 – (Est.) Flag Line for dignified transfer of hero (BMC Moody) to Final Honor horse drawn carriage
1110 – Move to assigned committal shelter (to be announced at mission briefing)
1115 – Flag Line for dignified transfer of hero from Final Honor carriage into committal shelter followed by Full Military Honors
Ted Tomaszewicz [Mr. T.]
Ride Captain – Patriot Guard Riders – SoCal
201.970.5546
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 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.
