The family of Maj Andrew Gjerde Comer has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to honor their hero. We are proud and honored to participate.
Andrew was born to Signe and Arthur Comer of St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin on January 13, 1929. After graduating from high school in St. Croix Falls, Andy moved to Long Beach, California where he attended deep sea dive school.
Being too young for World War II, Andy felt called to service at the breakout of the Korean War and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1950. After returning from a tour with 5th Marines in Korea, Andy attended Officer Candidate School (OCS) and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant. Andy met his future wife Adoree Knutson (of Alexandria, Minnesota) on a blind date, and the two married in 1953.
As an Infantry Officer, military orders took Andy and his family to Topeka, Kansas; Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii; Quantico, Virginia; and lastly to Camp Pendleton, California. Andy completed two tours to Vietnam, and notably served as the Battalion Executive Officer for 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines during Operation Starlite. During his military service, Andy was awarded both the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. Andy retired from the Marine Corps as a Major in 1970.
After retirement, Andy attended Chapman University where he earned two Master’s degrees—one in Counseling and the other in History. He taught courses and provided counseling services at Mira Costa College to current and former military students. He and Adoree raised their four children in Fallbrook, California, where they resided in the same home for nearly 50 years. Andy enjoyed hunting big (and small) game, and in his later years volunteered as a range officer at Pala.
Andy passed away on February 1, 2022, just weeks after his 93rd birthday. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 66 years. He is survived by his four children: Nancy (Comer) Johnson, Carol (Comer) Slack, Craig Comer, and Gary Comer and their spouses, eight grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. He was a true patriot that will be greatly missed by his family.
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 providing a Flag Line as this hero receives his Final Honors. Please see the time table if you would like to participate.
Time Table for Tuesday, 19 April 2022:1030 – Stage at Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Dr., San Diego, CA.
http://goo.gl/maps/rAfUs1045 – Mission Briefing
1030 – Approximate Flag Line for the hero’s arrival
1100 – Flag Line for Military Honors
R/C: Cal BraleySo Cal PGR - Ride Captain
braley56@gmail.com
619-805-6541
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.
