The family of Donald Howard Winkler, 79, has requested the Patriot Guard Riders to pay honors to this American hero. It will be our honor to do so.
Donald was born 22 May 1945 to Donald and Ethelrada Winkler in Englewood, New Jersey. Donald developed a few nicknames but among them that stuck out was the name "Wink" or "Winkler." He went home to be with the Lord on 17 August 2024.
Don joined the United States Navy on 08 Aug 1964 and served until 07 Aug 1970. Don completed six years in the Navy and received an honorable discharge at the rank of Electricians Mate 3rd Class (EM3). During Don's time in the Navy, he served during the Vietnam War as an electrician on the USS Arlington, the USS Wright, and the USS Princeton. He also trained as a Fireman, and a Motion Picture Operator. Don received the National Defense Service Medal and Vietnam Service Medal.
Unfortunately, during Don's time on sea duty in Vietnam he was exposed to Agent Orange, after a 30-year battle took his life.
Don's time in the Navy was a testament to commitment and resilience which carried over into his civilian life. Upon Don's completion of his service in the Navy, he went to work for Atlantic Richfield, Arco, and BP Petroleum. His work ethic and his expertise were highly regarded by his colleagues. Don worked in the oil fields for over 40 yrs.
When Don played, he played with the same tenacity. He was an avid bowler: once bowling a perfect game of 300 and receiving a championship ring for his endeavors. He belonged to Lakewood Seniors golf club, and the Navy Men's Club. Although bowling and golfing were Don's favorite sports, he soon took a liking to playing cribbage and dominoes with anyone who would play.
Spending time with his family and friends, playing games, laughing and enjoying life shared with everyone was his greatest joy.
Don leaves behind his loving wife, Barbara; children, Jaimee, Julie, Kyle, Steve, Christie, Lisa, Mitchell, Teri, and Carolyn; 14 grandchildren; and 5 great-grandchildren.
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 family home in Bellflower to the Riverside National Cemetery, approximately 55 miles. Please see the timetable if you would like to participate. For those who would rather go directly to the cemetery, we will meet you there.
NOTE: For the Riverside crew, it would be appreciated if you could have a flag line at the RNC gate. Families have really been expressing how great that makes them feel to see our nations colors flying in the wind. I will send a Glympse out to the usual people so you can keep tabs on our arrival.
TIMELINE FOR MONDAY, 23 SEPTEMBER 20240645: Stage at Dunkin Donuts, 17404 Bellflower Blvd., Bellflower, CA.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/sfmLpPVxs45e691Q60710: Mission briefing
0725: KSU to family home.
0730: ETA to family home.
0745: Flag line as hero is brought out to awaiting vehicle.
0800: KSU to Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside CA.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/SqaxB9aa7KeQ5P5970930: ETA to RNC and move to assigned cortège.
1000: KSU to assigned committal and military honors for our American hero.
Mike “Joker" Courtright
SoCal PGR Ride Captain #202572
Orange County, CA
mokynanapo@sbcglobal.net
714-321-3356"Standing For Those Who Stood For Us"Only two defining forces offered to die for you:
Jesus Christ, and the America Soldier. One died for your soul; the other for your freedom.
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.
