The Family of Juan (John) V. Espinoza, 94, has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to attend the Military Honors of their loved one as he makes his final journey. It is our honor to do so.
John was born 12 July 1926 in Phoenix, AZ and passed away on 06 January 2021 in Moreno Valley, CA at 94 years old.
John enlisted into the USMC 23 April 1943 during WWII and was Honorably discharged 8 February 1946 at the rank of Private. He was awarded two Purple Hearts (Bronze Oak Leaf), Combat Action Ribbon, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, China Service Medal, Expeditionary Medal, Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon, Navy/MARCOR Overseas Service Ribbon, and Discharge Button.
John’s combat in WWII included being in Aleutian Islands, Alaska, Tinian, Northern Mariana Islands (First Purple Heart), Okinawa, Japan (Second Purple Heart), Northern China, around Tianjin on river patrol boats and on trains guarding/fighting against Chinese Communist Forces.
John worked at Pacific Clay Products in El Cerrito, CA after his Honorable Discharge and retired from there in 1995. He enjoyed hunting (rifle and bow). He took the time to instruct his family in rifle and bow shooting. He also loved gardening. John was a warrior that fought for life until his last breath while holding his daughter's hand. He was gentle and kind to those he loved.
He is survived by his wife, Betty, brother Raul, sisters Theresa, Evangelina, and Rosalie,
daughter Marie (her husband Norbert), grandsons Mark and Martin, great-grandchildren Laura, Sarah, Katharina and Arik.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran. For those interested, and all PGR members are welcome, we will be accompanying the hero and his family from the mortuary to his final resting place. Please see the timetable if you would like to participate.
NOTE: Please observe the latest “COVID-19” restrictions, FACE COVERINGS & 6 FT DISTANCING REQUIRED.Time Table for Friday, 29 January 2021:0820 - Stage at Miller-Jones Mortuary & Crematory, 23618 Sunnymead Blvd., Moreno Valley, CA 92553
https://goo.gl/maps/Z45SCLxxjYEWhMrs80840 - Mission Briefing
0900 - Flag line as John is brought to the awaiting vehicle
0915 - KSU to Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Boulevard, Riverside, CA 92518
https://goo.gl/maps/VC6HU5RNQNHYVvVo90950 - ETA arrival at Riverside National Cemetery
1010 - KSU to assigned shelter
R/C Brenda “Pebbles” Bixler
So Cal PGR Ride CaptainBixler.brenda@yahoo.com
951-522-6847
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.
