Per request of our good friend Gregg “Digger” Walker (Walker Family Funeral Services) the family of Risto K. Pyykko has invited the Patriot Guard Riders (PGR) to attend the Military Honors of their loved one as he makes his final journey.
At the age of 75 years old Risto entered eternal rest on 10 May 2014. Risto was born in Helsinki, Finland on 08 November 1938.
Risto proudly served his country with the U.S. Air Force post-Korea and pre-Vietnam.
After his honorable discharge from the military, Risto and his wife operated Hallmark stores in the Southern California area.
Risto is survived by Martha Lee, his wife of 53 years, his three daughters, Debbie, Liisa and Pam, and his sister Kirkko Liisa. He also leaves behind nine grandchildren and one great-grandson.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran. For those interested, and all are welcome, we will be accompanying the hero and his family from the church 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.
Time Table for Thursday 22 May 2014: 1145 – Stage at East Hills Community Church, 20660 Orange Terrace Pkwy., Riverside, CA.
http://goo.gl/maps/SYWP81200 – Mission Briefing
1215 – Flag line as our Hero is moved to the coach.
1230 – KSU to Riverside National Cemetery, (Staging Area #4 for family, Staging Area #8 for PGR) 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, CA 92518
http://goo.gl/maps/v0K0E 1245 – KSU to assigned gravesite for Flag line, Service and Military Honors
RC: Gil Zaragoza
SoCalPGR Ride Captain
SoCalPGR Posting Team
res0oprl1@verizon.net
951-440-2136
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 to post your condolences for the family to this link:
https://www.patriotguard.org/showthread.php?390423Please 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. Remember, cemeteries are hallowed ground. Show respect to all who are there, not just the ones we are honoring.
