The family of Michael Albert Moreno Jr., age 43, has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to accompany their Hero from the mortuary to the cemetery and honor him for his military service, we will be honored to do so.
Michael Moreno grew up as a competitive athlete in both Jr. and High School. He played as a linebacker for Fontana High School football, where he graduated. He started practicing Kung Foo San Soo at 13 years old and became consumed with it, so much so that he quickly became one of the youngest Black Belts in the country. At 18 he worked as a bouncer at a sports bar until he was 21.
Michael enlisted in the US Army in 2004, after boot camp, due to his expertise in the martial arts, he trained with the 101st Airborne in Kentucky where he became a Scout and an Army Combative Instructor. During his deployment to Iraq, SGT Moreno became the driver for his Commanding Lieutenant, and was also engaged in combat where he received numerous war commendations and was promoted to Sergeant (E-5). Due to receiving hearing loss and PTSD, to which he received an 80% disability rating with the VA. SGT Moreno was honorably discharged in 2008 and returned home where he suffered alone and in silence.
At the time of his death Michael was the owner/operator of a martial arts studio. He founded the California Combat Martial Arts Studio in Pittsburg, Ca., which had become well known throughout the martial arts community. Michael touched numerous young lives and was recognized for his efforts in changing the lives of his students. He was also very proud of teaching women self-defense so that they could face the world in confidence.
Sadly, Michael was in the process of moving his home when the landlord of his house shot and killed him. This is a terrible, tragic loss for his family, his martial arts community of families, and all of his friends, he will not be forgotten.
He leaves behind his long time love Adriana Ramos, who shared his enthusiasm for the martial arts and supported him, unconditionally. Father - Mike Moreno, Sr., Mother - Pamela Moreno, Sisters, Sarah and Sonya, Nieces Monique and MaryJane Gonzales, and estranged wife Irene.
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 to his final resting place, approx 30 miles. Please see the time table if you would like to participate.
NOTE: DUE TO COVID-19 REGULATIONS PLEASE DO NOT FORM A FLAG LINE AT THE GATE, IF YOU DO NOT WISH TO GO ON THE ACCOMPANY, YOU CAN WAIT ACROSS THE STREET FROM THE CEMETERY AND PULL IN BEHIND THE PROCESSION AS IT COMES IN. ASSIGN SOMEONE TO KEEP IN TOUCH WITH THE RIDE CAPTAIN FOR TIMING ON THIS.
Time Table for Friday, 12 June 2020:1100 - Stage at England Family Mortuary, 27135 Madison Ave., Temecula, Ca., 92590
https://goo.gl/maps/tKLsWaWqVTKr2x5u91115 - Mission briefing
1145 - Flag line for transfer of Hero from building to coach
1200 - KSU to Riverside National Cemetery
https://goo.gl/maps/tLhyW2EFREj9Dk6Y91245 - Est arrival at RNC
1300 - KSU to assigned shelter for Flag Line, Service, and Military Honors
R/C Stephen Zeeb
AKA: “Opie"
SoCal PGR Ride Captain951-587-7560
xyzeeb@gmail.com
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 that our mission is to stand tall and silent, and with honor and respect for our Heroes. No talking, smoking, or cell phone use during the flag line or service. Please keep radios off and engine noise to a minimum. Observe the 15 MPH speed limit. Remember, cemeteries are hallowed ground. Show respect to all who are there, not just the ones we are honoring.
