The caregivers of LCDR Kenneth George Thomas, age 100, have reached out to the Patriot Guard Riders to do a Pony Express to bring this Hero to Riverside National Cemetery from his home town of Porterville to be buried with his loving wife. We are honored to do so.
LCDR Thomas enlisted in the US Navy on October 6, 1942 and served during WWII, Korea and Vietnam as a Submarine Commander. He was honorably discharged on July 1, 1966 at the rank of Lieutenant Commander, serving nearly 24 years.
After the military, LCDR Thomas was a chemist in civilian life until retirement. He continued studies at several schools after the military, notably Purdue University. He was a collector of coins and stamps, he and his wife were competitive Bridge players both nearly reaching the level of Master, he also loved to play golf.
Kenneth's wife Ruth predeceased him many years ago and he will be buried with her at Riverside National Cemetery, he is survived by only 1 relative, his nephew Robert Wayman, who will be unable to travel from his home in Montana to attend this service.
The service will be attended by his caregiver Patty and her husband Bob who have been his dear friends for the last years of his life.
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 from the mortuary to the cemetery, approx 225 miles. Please see the time table if you would like to participate. If you prefer to meet the procession at the cemetery please feel free to do so. Please feel free to join the procession at any Staging location.
NOTE: PLEASE OBSERVE COVID RESTRICTIONS, HAVE MASK AVAILABLE IF NEEDEDTime Table for Friday, 10 SEP 21:Staging #1:0645 - Stage at Myers Funeral Service and Cremation, 248 N. "E" St., Porterville, CA 93257
https://goo.gl/maps/2z9mrVrbonLYzN6h90650 - Mission briefing
0700 - KSU to Bakersfield Harley Davidson, 35089 Merle Haggard Dr, Bakersfield, CA 93308 (45.6 miles)
https://goo.gl/maps/niXUC1FnE552Q8B7A0800 - Arrive at Bakersfield Harley Davidson
R/C Mike Smith
PGR Ride Captain American Legion Riders Porterville
559) 310-8703
ibugle2000@gmail.com
Staging #2:0730 - Stage at Bakersfield Harley Davidson, 35089 Merle Haggard Dr, Bakersfield, CA 93308
https://goo.gl/maps/niXUC1FnE552Q8B7A0745 - Mission briefing
0800 - KSU to Jack in the Box, 28144 The Old Road, Valencia, CA 91355 (85 miles)
https://goo.gl/maps/VC2yMvGyHRtikyuNA0945 - Est arrival at Jack in the Box
R/C Larry Gillette
PGR Regional Ride Captainlarry@pgrbakersfield.org
661-978-1559 cell
Staging #3:0915 - Stage at Jack in the Box, 28144 The Old Road, Valencia, CA 91355
https://goo.gl/maps/VC2yMvGyHRtikyuNA0930 - Mission briefing
0945 - Flag Line as procession arrives
1015 - KSU to Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, CA 92518
https://goo.gl/maps/X4615o7G39y7DnMt9 (96.5 miles)
1345 - Est arrival at RNC
1400 - KSU to assigned shelter for Flag Line, Service and Military Honors
R/C Scotty “Tailgate” Wiles
SoCalPGR Ride CaptainPGR #108920
socalpgrrc@yahoo.com
626-922-6304
Riding in honor of HN Daniel “Doc” Noble
KIA 24/07/2007 Diyala IraqYou 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. Remember, cemeteries are hallowed ground. Show respect to all who are there, not just the ones we are honoring.
