PART 1.
PART 2 will be posted when details become available.
NOTE: This mission includes aircraft arrival. Flight times are subject to last minute changes so please check this thread for any changes before leaving for this mission.The United States Army and the family of Sgt Joelle Pamplona have requested the Patriot Guard Riders accompany their hero from the airport to the funeral home as he is brought home to his family. We are privileged to participate.
Sgt Joelle Pamplona passed away on Veteran’s Day while on vacation in Hawaii. Joelle served as a physical therapist at Madigan Army Medical Center, WA, as part of Joint Base Lewis-McChord.
“We are deeply saddened by his unexpected loss,” said Col. Hope Williamson-Younce, Madigan Army Medical Center commander. “Sergeant Pamplona was a vibrant and kind-hearted individual who was a highly respected member of our team. His infectious, positive attitude brought joy to everyone around him. He will be greatly missed by his patients, teammates, and the Army community.
According to the Army, Pamplona grew up in Southern California and graduated in 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology from California State University, Fullerton. He joined the service in August 2021, completed basic training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and advanced individual training at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, Texas. Pamplona received advanced physical therapy training at Tripler Army Medical Center on Oahu. He was most recently a physical therapy student coordinator and instructor with the Medical Readiness Battalion at Madigan Army Medical Center at Lewis-McChord. By 2018, while in college, Pamplona broke the state squat powerlifting record for his weight class. Injuries led him to an interest in rehabilitation through physical therapy. He credited the Army with giving him the opportunity to swiftly train and work with patients.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this soldier. For those interested, and all PGR members are welcome, we will be accompanying the hero and his family from the airport to the mortuary, approximately 30 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.
TIMETABLE FOR MONDAY, 02 DECEMBER 20241930: Stage @ Carl's Jr., 5625 W. Century Blvd, Los Angeles, CA.
https://goo.gl/maps/59qpQRWL6N3aMWUS62015: Mission briefing.
2030: Move to arrival location.
2115: KSU to Forest Lawn Cypress, 4471 Lincoln Ave, Cypress, CA.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/zQBAzUuMuhVYNbR492200: ETA to Forest Lawn. Dignified transfer of hero from coach to the building.
TOM BARRY
California PGR State Captain
casc@patriotguard.org
(714) 206-1227You 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.
