The family of Raleigh Robert Blecha has invited the Patriot Guard Riders (PGR)to attend the Military Honors of their loved one as he makes his final journey. It will be our honor to do so.
Raleigh was born on 25 May 1941 in Fort Morgan, Colorado and entered Eternal Rest on 09 April 2022 in Poway.
Raleigh passed away at the age of eighty from heart failure.
Raleigh joined the Navy in 1959 and retired after twenty-four years of service. He retired as a Senior Chief Petty Officer (E-8). Most of his career was in aviation as a Flight Engineer on the P3 Orion Aircraft. He served several deployments in Vietnam. His other duty stations included Guam, Japan, the Philippines, Alaska, and Hawaii. His awards/citations included the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon(2), the Air Medal(SPRIB Flight award, the Navy Achievement Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, Good Conduct Medals (4), National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. Raleigh spent the last two years of his Navy career aboard the USS Ranger(CV-61) aircraft carrier.
After retiring from the Navy, Raleigh worked at General Dynamics as a Quality Control Specialist.
Raleigh’s hobbies included riding his motorcycle, traveling, and working in his garage. Raleigh was a member of GWRRA(Goldwing Road Riders Association).
Raleigh is survived by his wife Edna, and his three children, Mathew, Kelli, and Wendy. He also leaves behind eight brothers and sisters and seven grandchildren.
The family asks the Patriot Guard Riders to accompany them from the family residence to Miramar National Cemetery.
Please observe the latest “COVID-19” restrictions.
NOTE: This mission posting facilitates your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran. For those interested, and all PGR members are welcome, we will be accompanying the Hero and his family from the family residence to his final resting place. Please see the timetable if you would like to participate. We will meet you there for those who would rather go directly to the cemetery.
Time Table for Thursday 12 May 2022
0745 – Stage at Carl’s Jr., 14949 Pomerado Rd., Poway
https://goo.gl/maps/NyTrP2AdxMx2WTJ3A0810 – Mission Briefing
0830 – KSU to the family residence.
0830 – Flag line as our Hero is transferred to the PGR Trailer.
0900 – KSU to Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Dr., San Diego
http://goo.gl/maps/rAfUs 0930 – Estimated arrival at Miramar National Cemetery
1000 – Flag line, Service, and Military Honors
R/C Ken Brassell
SoCalPGR Ride Captain
kenbrassell@gmail.com
619-333-9685
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 is your first mission, go to the initial staging area, and you will be briefed by the R/C (Ride Captain). Dress for motorcycle riding or wear casual attire while driving a cage (car). Please feel free to attend any portion of this mission you can. Please ride/drive safely.
Remember that our mission is to stand tall and silent 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. Show respect to all who are there, not just the ones we honor.
