The family of Michael Eugene Horta has invited the Patriot Guard Riders (PGR) to attend the Military Honors of their loved one as he makes his final journey. It will be our honor to do so.
Michael was born on 19 June 1954 and entered into Eternal Rest on 22 October 2020.
Michael served in the US Army from 14 November 1979 to 16 August 1983, retiring after 13-1/2 years of service due to an injury.
Michael was raised in Redlands. He attended Redlands High School where he played football and wrestled. Living with an injury, Mike thrived playing wheelchair basketball for the Eagles and Rolling Bears and would later coach the same team. He also attended the annual VA Wheelchair Games where he participated in shotput, discus, javelin, archery and wheelchair basketball. He also attended the annual VA ski clinic where he loved to monoski on the slopes. In 1992 he attended the paralympics in Barcelona Spain where he medaled in wheelchair basketball.
Michael is survived by his spouse, Tami Horta; siblings: Art Horta, Henry Horta, Ed Horta, Shiela Villa and Martha Preciado; Children: Karon Akins, Kristina Horta, Tommy Melendez and Robby Melendez; Grandchildren: Alex Woolsey, Saige Woolsey, Killian Horta and Caine Akins
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this American Hero. For those interested, and all PGR members are welcome, please see the time table if you would like to participate.
Time Table for Monday 16 November 2020:1315 – Stage at Riverside National Cemetery, (Staging Area #1 for family, north of Staging Area #8 for PGR) 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, CA 92518
http://goo.gl/maps/v0K0E1330 - Mission Briefing
1355 – KSU to assigned Shelter for Flag line, Service and Military Honors
R/C Chip Williams
aka “Dezperaado”
SoCal PGR Ride CaptainALR/SAL Chapter 132, Orange, CA
dezperaado@aol.com
760-662-9095
You do not have to be a Veteran or a motorcycle rider to attend this mission. All PGR members are 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.
