The family of AFCM, CHARLES “CHARLIE” CASS/71/U.S. NAVY/ 07 May 1950 – 18 March 2021, has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to attend services for their HERO, we are Honored to attend.
Charlie’s life began May 7, 1950 born at Naval Hospital, Camp Pendleton in Oceanside, Ca. Charlie was a “Navy brat” and grew up in many different Naval bases including Naval Lighter Than Air base at Tustin, Ca; Naval Air Station Quonset Point, Rhode Island, Naval Air Station North Island, San Diego, Ca, Naval Air Station El Centro, Ca, Naval Ordinance Test Station, China Lake, Ca, Naval Air Station Los Alamitos, Ca. His Father, Robert Cass was a Naval Aviator when he retired to Santa Ana, Ca in 1963 and moved to Ridgecrest in July 1969.
Charlie attended Bakersfield College from August 1969 to June of 1971 where he met and married his college sweetheart Joyce Ann Bennett, the youngest daughter of Jack and Virginia Bennett. Two weeks after they met, Charlie told her he was going to marry her.
Charlie’s military career began when he enlisted in the Navy on 1 December 1971. He attended boot camp at Naval Training Center, San Diego, Ca. After completing basic training, he attended Aviation Machinist Mate Jet (ADJ) “A” School at NTTC NAS Millington, Tn. He was stationed at Naval Weapons Station, China Lake upon completion of ‘A” school where he worked on World War II DC-3s, F-4 Phantom’s and H1 Huey Helicopters. He served as Navy Search and Rescue Crew Member in Indian Wells Valley until his discharge from active duty achieving the rank of Petty Officer Second Class. He continued his military career in the Naval Reserves at four different commands from 1988 to 2001. Charlie retired from the Naval Reserves as a Command Master Chief after 30 years of service. He was awarded Navy Commendation Medal (2), Navy Achievement Medal, Navy Expert Rifle and Pistol Medal, Good Conduct Medals.
In 1976 he joined the civil service workforce in 1976 at Naval Weapons Center China Lake, Ca in the Public Works Department as a Heavy Equipment Mechanic Journeyman. He achieved an Associate’s Degree in Automotive Technology from Cerro Coso Community College, served as a member of the U.S. Naval Museum of Armament and Technology. He retired from civil service in December of 2012.
Charlie enjoyed Scouting with his children, spending 23 of his 30+ years as a Scout Leader and mentor for both his sons, Brian, Steven and Kevin, as well as, his daughter Denise in Girl Scouting.
Charlie’s parents Robert and Jerry Cass and son Kevin Cass were undoubtedly the first to greet him at the gates of heaven. He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, 8 months and 20 days. Charlie and Joyce were married on 26 June 1971 at Grace Lutheran Church, in Ridgecrest, Ca and were planning a 50th anniversary celebration. They enjoyed life together to the fullest and are the model of love and commitment. Since retirement, they enjoyed touring the west coast in their Dolphin and Winnebago motorhomes, camping with friends. Charlie was a loving father to his son Brian Cass (wife Shannon) daughter Denise Mahoney (Jason), son Steven Cass. His six Grand Daughters, Shalene, Victoria, Kilie, Leah, Hannah and Aubrey and grand baby on the way. Charlie is also survived by his brother Richard G. Cass, his wife Kathy and Nephews Christopher and Michael.
Charlie lived a life on the bright side, loved his Joycie, kids and grandkids and never met anyone that was not his friend.
Celebration/reception will follow the mission, all are invited.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this American Hero. For those interested, and all PGR members are welcome, we will be accompanying the hero and his family from the mortuary to the cemetery. 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 COMPLY WITH COVID RESTRICTIONS, MASKS/FACE COVERINGS ARE REQUIRED
TIME TABLE FOR SATURDAY, 10 April 21:1130 – STAGE –Beanster’s Espresso (parking lot), 1601 N. Triangle Dr., Ridgecrest, CA 93555.
https://goo.gl/maps/TewgehXbmg532PsE71145 – BRIEF
1200 – KSU –To Holland and Lyons Mortuary, 216 S. Norma St. Ridgecrest, CA 93555.
https://goo.gl/maps/W397AtCXtgrg86HS81215 – Est. arrival at Holland and Lyons Mortuary.
1230 – FLAG LINE for dignified transfer of HERO from Mortuary to vehicle.
1240 – KSU – Est. to Desert Memorial Park, 801 San Bernardino Blvd, Ridgecrest CA 93555.
https://goo.gl/maps/MjrfEBNv8EjbDZ8261300 – Est. arrival at Desert Memorial Park.
1310 – FLAG LINE for dignified transfer of HERO from vehicle to graveside for Military Honors.
1330 – DISMISSED.
Ride Captain
Scoti Tomlinson
SoCal PGR Ride CaptainIWV Patriot Guard Riders
(760)499-4950
tomlinsonscot@yahoo.com
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.
