The Gary Sinise Foundation has requested the assistance of the Patriot Guard Riders in their efforts to honor severely injured Marine, SSgt. Jason Ross on January 27th. SSgt. Ross is an exceptional example of the tremendous commitment and sacrifice that our military service members around the world make on a daily basis to protect our country’s freedom.
Jason, a native of Livermore, Cal., and graduate of Granada High School, joined the United States Marine Corps in 2001. After returning from a tour in Japan in 2004, he reenlisted to a new field — explosive ordnance disposal (EOD). After completing his training, Jason was deployed to Afghanistan twice between 2009 and 2011. As an EOD specialist in Afghanistan, Jason put his life on the line day in and day out to protect our country’s freedom.
In March 2011, Jason nearly paid the ultimate price when he stepped on an improvised explosive device. He survived the blast, but lost both of his legs. Since the incident, he has lived life in and out of the hospital for two years, undergoing 200 surgeries. Jason was treated at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., and later transferred to the Naval Medical Center in San Diego, Cal., in October 2011. He was finally able to return to his hometown of Livermore for the first time in 2013. Jason is able to move about using a Paramobile, a wheelchair-like device that allows him to remain upright as if standing.
Gary's Sinise's Lt Dan Band's High Five Tour 2014 is raising funds to build a “smart home” for Jason and his family. His “smart home” will be designed to cater to his unique needs, creating an even greater sense of independence and a positive environment in which he can raise his two daughters. He has chosen Fallbrook, California as the place he’d like to live the rest of his life. We are honored to be able to participate in honoring him at this groundbreaking.
There will be a procession (which we will lead) to the home site. The Patriot Guard will meet, brief, then accompany SSgt Ross, his parents and kids to the home site. Once there we will stand a flag line as he enters his new home site. If you wish to participate and meet our Hero, he is expected to meet us at our staging site and we can shake hands and learn how he is doing.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this American Hero. We will accompany the Hero and his family from the staging area to the home site. Please see the time table below if you would like to participate.
Time Table for Tuesday, 27 JAN 15:0830 - Stage at Park and Ride (next to Mobile station) Hwy 76 and 15 frwy, 4730 California 76 Fallbrook, CA 92028 URL:
https://goo.gl/maps/HbGzo0845 - Mission briefing
0915 - KSU to home site area
R/C Chuck "Machine" Johnson
Patriot Guard Ride CaptainRet USAF Msgt / US Army SEA 68-70
SERE Master Instructor
760-271-2544
chuckj661@hotmail.com
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 notes of congratulations and thanks to the National link:
https://www.patriotguard.org/showthread.php?399191