The family of Paul M. Gritz has Invited the Patriot Guard Riders to attend the Military Honors of their loved one as he makes his final journey. It will be our honor to do so.
Paul Michael Gritz, joined the US Army in 1973 and served until his retirement in 1995. Paul was awarded the following: MSM w/ Oak leaf cluster, Joint Service Commendation Medal, ARCOM w/ two Oak leaf clusters, Senior Parachutist Badge, Master Army Aviator Badge, French Armed Forces Commando Badge, Rotary and Fixed Wing Aviator, Multi-Engine Fixed Wing, Instructor Pilot Course. Paul was honored to serve as the pilot for General “Lightning Joe” Collins, during the 40th anniversary of D-Day in St. Mere Eglise, France. He also piloted the Golden Knights parachute team prior to retiring as Chief Warrant Officer IV in 1995
One of six sons, Paul and his twin brother, John Gritz, were born at Miami Beach Naval Air Station, Florida. They grew up at a variety of Naval bases, including Florida, Ohio, Kauai, HI, and San Diego, and moved to Fillmore in 1958, where Paul graduated as Senior Class President of Fillmore High School in 1963.
Paul married the love of his life, Janice Imhoof, who stayed by his side through 27 moves over 53 years. He worked as a firefighter for the U.S. Forest Service in the Los Padres and Sierra National Forests, and as a California Highway Patrol officer in Ventura County.
After retirement, Paul was a corporate pilot for Northrup-Grumman in Los Angeles and flew corporate aircraft out of Concord and Sacramento. He acquired almost 15,000 hours during his military/civilian career and was an instructor pilot for the Huey and C-12 aircraft. Throughout his life, Paul loved telling stories and jokes and, with his outgoing personality, never met a stranger.
Paul is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Janice; sons John Patrick (Melissa), Sergeant First Class Jeffrey (Kate), grandchildren Angus and Teagan ; twin brother John (Gloria), brothers Rocky (Mary Beth), Bob (Anita), Tom; sister Eva “Missy" and many other loving relatives and friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Paul H. “Doc” Gritz and Coral MacKenzie, and older brother, Toby Gritz, also an aviator and 1962 graduate of Fillmore High School.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran.
Time Table for Monday 03 Dec. 2018:1000: Stage at Ivy Lawn Cemetery 5400 Valentine Rd Ventura, ca 93003
https://goo.gl/maps/Gg3ZbfB9ZzB21015: Mission Briefing
1035: Flag line to transfer Hero to church
1100: Church service
1140: Walking Missing Man Formation from church to gravesite (approx. 50 yds) All riders flag line @ gravesite
1200: Flag line, Service and Full Military Honors
R/C Greg "Drifty" Vincent
SOCAL PGR Ride Captain
Sliick333@msn.com
1-760-371-5467
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.
