The family of Rafael Villa Ventura has invited the Patriot Guard Riders (PGR) to accompany him from Norco to Riverside National Cemetery and to be present as he receives Military Honors for his service to our country. It will be our honor to do so.
Rafael served in the US Army and US Army National Guard from 1993 to 2015. At the time of his Honorable Discharge he achieved the rank of E5. He was a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division and the 1/144th Field Artillery Battalion National. His metals include National Defense Service medal with Bronze Star, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal w/device/Kosovo.
After the service Rafael was employed by Disneyland Resorts as a Security Guard. He loved watching the Los Angeles Dodgers as well as spending time with his daughter Isabel. They were always doing something together.
Rafael is survived by his wife Annette, daughter Isabel, father Javier and four sisters.
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 church services to his final resting place. Please see the time table if you would like to participate. For those who would rather go directly to the cemetery, we will meet you there.
NOTE: Please observe the latest “COVID-19” restrictions.
TIME TABLE FOR WEDNESDAY, 02 September, 2020:1115 - Stage at St Mel's Catholic Church, 4140 Corona Ave., Norco, Ca., 92860
https://goo.gl/maps/5ZmzQQifym2igp3591130 - Mission Briefing
1140 - Flag line for hero from Church service to coach
1145 - KSU to Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, CA., 92518 (Approximately 23 miles)
https://goo.gl/maps/PxoXZSmnyAwFW4se61245 - Estimated arrival at Riverside National Cemetery
1300 - KSU to assigned shelter for Flag line, Service, and Military Honors
RC: Stephen ZeebAKA: Opie
MSgt, USAF (Ret.)
SoCal PGR Ride Captain
951-587-7560
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.
