The Long Beach Fire Department, and the family of Fire Captain, and USN Veteran, Ryan Thornton, 46, have invited the Patriot Guard Riders to Honor this hero at his services. We are honored to attend.
Ryan Lee Thornton was born May 4, 1969 in Richmond, Virginia. The fourth of five brothers, Ryan grew up in Tappahannock, Virginia, where he enjoyed playing baseball and excelled in academics.
After graduating high school, Ryan joined the United States Navy and proudly served his country as an Operations Specialist, Petty Officer 2nd Class on the U.S.S. Peleliu from 1988-1993. During active duty, Ryan met and married Tierre Renee Wilson on December 9, 1989. While stationed in Long Beach, CA, Ryan was awarded the distinguished Good Conduct Medal and Navy Achievement Medal for his standard of duty service and personal conduct. For his excellence in service, Ryan was awarded an Honorable Discharge.
After military service, Ryan attended Long Beach City College and began working toward a career in the fire service by earning an Associate’s Degree in Fire Science. While attending college, Ryan held positions with the City of Long Beach Transit Department and the U.S. Postal Service.
On September 22, 1997, Ryan began his career as a Firefighter for the City of Long Beach. While with the Long Beach Fire Department, Ryan promoted to the ranks of Fire Engineer on December 26, 2007 and Fire Captain on June 26, 2010. During his 18 year career with the Long Beach Fire Department, Ryan voluntarily donated his time and services as a youth basketball coach, Rescue Youth Mentor and actively participated in the L.B.F.D. Kid’s charity for hospitalized children. Ryan proudly served at fire stations 1, 7, 11, 17, 19 and 24.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran. Please see the time table if you would like to participate.
Time Table for Wed 14 OCT 150900 - Stage at Cottonwood Church, 4505 Katella Ave. Los Alamitos, CA.
https://goo.gl/maps/1qxVPz487w22 0915 - Mission Breifing
0930 - Estimate arrival with Fire Department Escort, Flag line as Hero enters the Church.
1000 - Church Services Begin
1100 - Estimate Conclusion of services, with Flag line as Hero is brought out to awaiting coach
1115 - Estimate KSU to Forest Lawn, 4471 Lincoln Drive, Cypress, CA.
https://goo.gl/maps/WBVhBeMxUuL2 1130 - Estimate arrival at Forest Lawn. Flag line as hero is moved from coach to graveside services.
R/C David DeLeon (Bam-Bam)
So Cal PGR Ride Captain
So Cal PGR Mission Ops
www.socalpgr.org/pgr
deleontow@msn.com
951-830-3524
RCFD 88 - 96
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 ride/drive safely.
Please post your condolences at the national link
https://www.patriotguard.org/showthread.php?409562 
