The Patriot Guard has been requested by the family of John Byron Rhodes to accompany this American Hero to his final resting place. It will be our Honor to do so.
Unfortunately, Mr. Rhodes' story does not have a lot to tell. He is one of those Veterans that had fallen into the cracks of society, and stayed way below the radar of life.
He was a brother that had a lot of things happen to him that made him stay pretty much to himself. He never married, never had any children. He had a brother, and a sister that he was estranged from, so there was never any interaction with his family. Everyone has a story, but sometimes they get buried by the way life's path takes them.
John served with the United States Navy from November 5, 1974 until his discharge day on August 27, 1976. All of John's time was served onboard the USS Abnaki (ATF -96).
John was injured leading up to his medical discharge while serving. His time was cut short only being allowed to serve 2 yrs. John received his National Defense Medal before leaving the Navy. He was declared 70% disabled.
After his release from the Navy John went to work driving a water tanker.
This is a story of a man who wanted to serve his Country and the land that he loved. John leaves behind 2 people, his brother, Charles, and a sister.
There will be a viewing when we arrive, so please arrive quietly.
We are going to be the only family that John has to help represent his life on this Earth. This is why we do what we do.
Let's help make John's journey to his final resting place a good one, and give his brother Charles a great memory as to why his brother was here.
PALLBEARERS MAY BE NEEDED FOR OUR HERONOTE: 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 mortuary to the cemetery, approx 58 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 Line for Monday 30 Sept 20240930 - Stage at Risher Mortuary, 1316 W. Whittier Blvd., Montebello, CA 90640
https://maps.app.goo.gl/LipeiUzNCG8uSRGJA0945 - Mission Briefing
1000 - Flagline as Hero is brought out to awaiting coach
1015 - KSU to Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, CA 92518
https://maps.app.goo.gl/edz8dXwUiS7cj2vF71200 - ETA at Riverside National Cemetery
1215 - KSU to take our Hero to his final resting place
R/C Mike "Joker" Courtright
So Cal PGR / Ride Captainmokynanapo@sbcglobal.net
714-321-3356
"Standing for those who stood for us"
"Patriot Guard Ride Captain" #202572
Orange County, Calif.
Only 2 defining forces offered to die for you:
Jesus Christ, and the American Soldier:
One died for your soul, the other one died 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 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.
