Sadly one of our own has passed, John Charles Block, the PGR brother who has been lovingly making all those handmade wooden plaques for all these many years, out of his own pocket and straight from the heart, for all of our KIA and Active Duty Heroes and their families. If you did not know John personally, you have probably signed the back of at least one of those plaques at a mission. We understand that over the years John made over 300 of these plaques that hang on the walls of these Hero's loved ones.
We are so grateful that John's Family has invited his PGR family to give him his last ride and be there as he is laid to rest. We are heartbroken, but we are honored to do so.
John enlisted in the US Navy on June 10, 1970, he was trained as an Operations Specialist and was responsible for disseminating important tactical information throughout the command. John served proudly for a total of 23 years active duty, including time in Vietnam. He was honorably discharged at the rank of Operations Specialist Chief on December 31, 1994. John was awarded the following - National defense service medal, Vietnam service medal, Republic of Vietnam campaign medal, combat action ribbon, Navy unit commendation.
After retiring John worked at San Bernardino Police Department as a record manager. He was a true patriot and loved the country. He joined the Patriot Guard and made plaques for the families of fallen heroes. He loved wood working. John spent a lot of time working in his garage. He enjoyed making plaques and crosses. John's heart was after God and used all his talents not only to help families but enjoyed making crosses, bible verse plaques and other crafts. He enjoyed taking his work to craft shows and loved handing out things to people walking by. Whether it be his own wood working item or Bibles, bracelets, pens... He never went anywhere he didn't make a friend.
John also enjoyed leading his family in the truth of God. He was quick to volunteer at a church camp, went to men's retreats, prayed in front of the church, and did bible studies with his wife. John was so excited when he got his first grandson and enjoyed taking him in the garage to teach him his trade.
John is survived by Wife: Pamela Block, Son Joseph Block, Son Mathew Block, Daughter Kelly Block. Grandchildren Halie Block, Rebekah Block, Christina Block, Aspen Block, Johnathan Block, and Zachary Block. Sister: Joan Baker, Sister Helen Zorich, and his PGR family.
We are so grateful to John for all he has done for the Families of our Heroes over the years, he has left a lasting legacy, and we are so blessed to have called him Brother and Friend.
We know that John was met at Heaven's Gate by all those Heroes he made the plaques for, lined up to shake his hand. John Block will be forever remembered with love and with honor, and will NEVER be forgotten. "Fair winds and following Seas" Brother, you can stand down now, we have the watch.
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 cemetery (approximately 11 miles). Please see the timetable if you would like to participate. For those who would rather go directly to the cemetery, we will meet you there.
NOTE: Please observe the latest COVID restrictions and have a face covering/mask, if necessary.
Time Table for Monday, 07 FEB 22:0800 - Stage Akes Family Funeral Home, 9695 Magnolia Ave., Riverside, Ca. 92503
https://goo.gl/maps/xoYKuz7ufTcUYDEc80815 - Mission Briefing
0845 - Flag Line as our Brother is brought out to the coach
0900 - KSU to Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, Ca. 92518
https://goo.gl/maps/3npn55wNoX118Piw90930 - ETA at Riverside National Cemetery
1000 - KSU to Shelter for our Brother's Flag Line, Service and Final Ride
R/C Mike "Joker" Courtright
SoCal PGR / Ride Captainmokynanapo@sbcglobal.net
714-321-3356
"Standing for those who stood for us"Only 2 defining forces offered to die for you:
Jesus Christ, and the American Soldier:
One died for your soul, the other one died for your freedom.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 Ride Captain (RC). 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.
