The family of Thomas Tilden has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to accompany their hero to his final military honors. It will be our privilege to fulfill their request.
Thomas served in the United States Air Force from 1970 to 1977, followed by three years serving in the National Guard. His AFCS(MOS) was 304X0, Radio Relay Equipment Technician. He worked on long haul wide-band communication systems in Okinawa, England and Germany. At the time of his Honorable Discharge, he held the rank of Staff Sergeant (E5).
Following his proud service to America our hero was employed as a marketing representative for aerospace corporations like Lockheed-Martin and Northrop-Grumman. When these industries moved out of California he elected to remain here in SoCal with his extended family and started a new career in Real Estate Sales. In his free time, he enjoyed classic cars as well as hot rods and was an avid drag racing fan.
Thomas is survived by his wife of 48 years, Dawn. Our hero is also survived their children Kristie Koehler, Dominic Labruzzi and Brittany Rodriguez. He will also be missed by their 6 grandchildren that he adored and was so proud of.
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.
TIMETABLE FOR FRIDAY, 25 OCT 20240900 - Stage at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd Riverside, CA. (Lemay Blvd near the restrooms on the right).
(
https://maps.app.goo.gl/UAoAQTYkLzPAM6nn7)
0915 - Mission briefing.
0930 - KSU to local family home. (close by)
0945 - Flag line for the dignified transfer of hero’s cremains from home to family car.
1000 - KSU to Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd Riverside, CA. (
https://maps.app.goo.gl/UAoAQTYkLzPAM6nn7)
1015 - est. arrival at RNC and KSU to assigned cortège.
1045 - KSU to assigned shelter for flag line and Military Honors.
R/C Steve “Capt. Chaos” Blumenfeld
SoCal PGR Ride Captain
SSGT USAF 1970-1974
steveb.pgrcc@gmail.com
661-212-2284
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
