The family of Jose "Sam" Samaniego has requested the Patriot Guard Riders be present at their Hero's funeral service, we would be very honored to do so.
Jose Samaniego, "Sam" as he was always known by family and friends, enlisted in the Army National Guard in November 1953 and served until his honorable discharge in November, 1955. He was deployed to Korea during this time, and attained the rank of SPC (Specialist). Joining the National Guard, his first encounter as a cook, his MOS, was when he was at the chow hall in line for dinner. While being served, he said aloud, "You're serving this again?" The LT behind him (who he was unaware of) replied, "If you could do better, prove it!" Sam went back into the kitchen and made a meal. The next day, his MOS was that of a cook. He was issued a cook book from the Army, which promptly went into the trash. Sam has never read a cook book in his life. Head Cook for his division, he was awarded division trophy, 3 yrs in a row.
After the Army, he pursued his love of craft beer and cooking. He opened up his own restaurant - The Stuffed Sandwich, in San Gabriel, CA, in May of 1976. The restaurant caters to his love of food and craft beer. He worked in the beer industry since the age of 16 in one capacity or another; beer sales, driver, warehouse delivery, for numerous beer distributors.
Sam was known to all as, "THAT great guy" and a Teddy Bear to those closest to him. If you ever had the chance to ask Sam what his favorite sandwich at the restaurant was, he'd reply, "The one I'm eating."
Sam not only served his country but continued to serve those in his Veteran community. He was also gave support to local charities as well as to families of our Fallen. Sam's other interests were fishing, nature, and of course his family.
Sam is survived by his wife Marlene, his 3 children, Ken Samaniego, Kelli Wurster, and Kimberly Samaniego, his sister Armida Wright, and 5 grandchildren.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran.
Time table for Monday, 20 JAN 14: 1015 - Stage at Oakdale Memorial Park Cemetery, 1401 S. Grand Ave., Glendora, CA 91740
http://goo.gl/maps/R320X 1030 - Mission briefing
1100 - KSU to graveside for Flag Line, Service, and Military Honors.
RC Scott "Tailgate" WilesPatriot Guard Ride Captain
scottwiles@yahoo.com
626-922-6304 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 remember to post your condolences at this link:
http://www.patriotguard.org/showthread.php?386141
