The family of Herman Eckhoff and PGR member Joe Padro have invited Patriot Guard Riders to attend his services and honor him, and it will be our privilege to do so.
Herman joined the U.S. Army in November, 1964 and served in Germany during the Vietnam Era with the 64th Battalion, 20th Transportation Company as a heavy equipment operator. He was discharged in October, 1967 with the rank of Specialist 5.
Following his service he stayed in the business of heavy equipment, was a co-founder of American Independent Company servicing Caterpillar equipment.
Known to his friends as Butch, he was an avid Harley rider and a member of the Inland Empire Harley Owners Group (IEHOG). We are so honored that he specifically requested the PGR to accompany him on his last ride. Before taking sick recently he had planned to join our group.
Butch is survived by wife Karin, a sister and two brothers, six grandchildren and eight 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 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.
Time Table for Thursday 12 FEB 15: 1015 - Stage at Akes Family Funeral Home, 9695 Magnolia Ave, Riverside, CA 92503
http://goo.gl/maps/pijLG 1030 - Mission Briefing
1100 - Flag line for dignified transfer to coach and KSU to Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, CA 92518
http://goo.gl/maps/JHyZL (Family at staging area #4, PGR at staging area #8)
1145 - KSU to assigned shelter for Flag Line, Service, and Military Honors.
R/C Vern Grimshaw
Patriot Guard Ride Captainvgrimshaw@aol.com
562-458-4421
“Lead with Respect; Serve with Compassion”
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). If you wish to join us at the cemetery go to Staging area #8. Dress for motorcycle riding or dress casually if you are driving a cage (car). Please ride/drive safely.
Please post your condolences to the National link:
https://www.patriotguard.org/showthread.php?399873
