The family of Matthew Thomas Johnson has invited the Patriot Guard to join them in paying respects to their loved one. It will be our honor to do so.
Matt was born and raised in Michigan. He did most of his growing up in the snow. He Joined the United States Marines in 1981 and served until he decided to retire in 1998. He served his country for 17 yrs. and was very proud to have done so.
During Matt's time in the Marines he served in the campaigns Desert Shield, and Desert Storm. During his time in combat he attained the rank of Gunnery Sergeant (GySgt).
After serving in the Marines, Matt decided he wanted to give back to his community so he joined the Orange County Sheriffs Dept. He joined them in 1990 where he served for the next 23 yrs. serving Dana Point, and San Juan Capistrano.
In 2010 Matthew was diagnosed with Cancer. Matt fought it valiantly saying he was not going to let it get him down. And he kept his word. He traveled to a lot of places with his friends and partner and stayed happy until the end.
Matt passed away quietly Feb 25, 2015, after having fought this dreaded disease for 5 yrs.
Matt leaves behind his loving partner of 13 years, Kort Lochlin, and nine brothers and sisters.
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 approx 58 miles 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 Wednesday 11 MAR 15: 0815 - Stage at McKenzie Mortuary, 3843 E. Anaheim St., Long Beach, Ca. 90804
http://goo.gl/maps/5rif8 0830 - Mission Briefing
0845 - Flag Line for dignified transfer of our Hero from Mortuary to Coach
0900 - KSU to Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd. Riverside, Ca. 92518 (Family Staging #1 / PGR staging #8)
http://goo.gl/maps/grWak 1045 - ETA at Riverside National Cemetery
1100 - KSU to assigned shelter for Flag Line, Service and Military Honors.
R/C Mike "Joker" Courtright
SoCal PGR - Ride Captainmokynanapo@sbcglobal.net
714-321-3356
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 at the National link:
https://www.patriotguard.org/showthread.php?400693
