Part 2 of 2 Parts
The family and the US Air Force have invited the Patriot Guard Riders to be present for the arrival and funeral services of their Hero, Major Stephen Del Bagno, 34, it will be our honor to do so.
Maj Del Bagno was serving in the U.S. Air Force as a pilot in the elite Demonstration Squadron known as the Thunderbirds, his call sign was "Cajun" and he had been with the team for 1 year. He was commissioned from Officer Training School in 2007. Prior to joining the Thunderbirds he served as an F-35A Evaluator Pilot and Chief of Standardization and Evaluation, 58th Fight Squadron, Elgin AFB, Florida. Sadly, Maj Del Bagno was killed when the plane he was flying went down near Nellis AFB in Las Vegas, Nevada as he was training with the squandron on Wednesday, April 4, 2018.
Maj Del Bagno is from Valencia, CA and grew up in the area, playing AYSO soccer and graduating from Saugus High School. He went on to college and graduated from Utah Valley State College in 2005. Prior to joining the Air Force he worked as a civilian flight instructor, corporate pilot, skywriter, and banner tow pilot. In his off time he enjoyed snowboarding, water sports and spending time with family and friends.
Major Del Bagno is survived by his parents and many other family and friends.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this American Hero. For those interested, and all are welcome, we will be accompanying the hero and his family from the mortuary to the memorial event where there will be Military Honors and a Fly Over. Please see the time table if you would like to participate.
IMPORTANT: If you wish to attend this mission please report to staging, there will be special parking at the High School and you will not be prepared properly to participate if you do not come in with the group.
Part 2 Time Table for Sunday, 15 APR 18:1500 - Stage at Eternal Valley Mortuary, 23287 North Sierra Hwy, Newhall, CA 91321 (Upper Chapel)
https://goo.gl/maps/b3bgPXD54x621515 - Mission briefing
1545 - Flag Line for dignified transfer of Hero to coach
1600 - KSU to Saugus High School, 21900 Centurion Way, Santa Clarita, CA 91350
https://goo.gl/maps/ncdBmYpktNA21615 - ETA at High School
1644 - Event begins -
IMPORTANT: Please stay in place until dismissed by the Ride Captain
R/C Steve Blumenfeld
So Cal PGR Ride Captainsteveb507alrpgr@gmail.com
661-212-2284 cell
This mission involves an aircraft arrival. Arrival times can change at the last minute so please check this thread for any last minute changes before leaving.
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.
