The family of Ruben Garcia Ortega has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to attend their Hero's services, we would be honored to do so.
Ruben G. Ortega was born in June, 1917 in El Paso, TX.
Ruben enlisted in the U.S. Army in January, 1944. He served with the 253rd Infantry Regiment as a combat infantryman in Germany where he was injured in combat in 1945 and received the Purple Heart on March 6, 1945. He was honorably discharged from the Army in January, 1946. He was later awarded the Bronze Star by President George Bush on April 24, 1994.
After the war Ruben worked various jobs as he was attending school to become a Psychiatric Technician. He worked for Pacific State Hospital and Patton State Hospital in Highland, CA, from which he retired. He then started a business with his wife, Armida, making and selling tamales to local stores.
Ruben lived many years in Barstow, CA where he was very active in the community. He was a member of the VFW, Post 2143, serving as Sr Vice Commander and ultimately Post Commander. He was also a member of many community organizations and school boards.
Ruben was preceded in death by his loving wife of 54 years, Armida in 2001, and a son Michael. He is survived by daughters Diana Ross, Cynthia Ellerbeck, and son Carlo Ortega. 6 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran. For those interested, and all are welcome, we will be accompanying the hero and his family from the mortuary services to his final resting place. 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.
****Please arrive quietly as service will be in progress**** Time table for Saturday, 17 JAN 15: 1115 - Stage at Acheson Graham Garden of Prayer Mortuary, 7944 Magnolia Ave., Riverside, CA 92504
http://goo.gl/maps/8xMeI 1130 - Mission briefing
1145 - Est Flag Line for dignified transfer of Hero to coach
1200 - Est KSU to Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, CA 92518 (Service will be held at Shelter F, if you choose to go directly to cemetery please wait there)
http://goo.gl/maps/Q3ub4 1230 - Service, Flag Line and Military Honors
R/C David 'BamBam' DeLeon
SoCal PGR Ride Captaindeleontow@msn.com
951-830-3524 cell
You do not have to be a Veteran or a motorcycle rider to attend this mission. Everyone is 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 post your condolences for the family at the National link:
https://www.patriotguard.org/showthread.php?398898
