Sgt Eagles served in the US Army as a drone operator during the Korean War. Sgt Eagles joined the Army just prior to the War and left after its conclusion. Little is known of his service, but his Grandson says he talked about the drones he operated during that time period. The first pilotless vehicles were developed in the USA during the First World War. The American aerial torpedo known as the Kettering Bug first flew in October 1918. In the early days of drone development, they were primarily used for reconnaissance and surveillance purposes and had a camera onboard. This would provide valuable intelligence about troop strength and movements. John stated he really enjoyed talking to the South Korean Civilians he came into contact with.
After the War, John became fascinated with motorcycles and loved the Indian. He was a founding member of the Southern California Antique Motorcycle Club. As a side job he repaired motorcycles most of his life and first began riding at the age of 13 and continued riding all the way up until just before his death. His surviving widow has requested he be kept by her side until both have passed then they will be tossed into the wind forever. This is our only chance to show him the honor he deserves for his service to his country in time of war.
We will accompany Sgt Eagles to Cooks Corner and stand a Flag Line for him. He will be on one of his beloved motorcycles and that may be ridden to the location or trailered there. Many of his friends are expected to attend along with club members, they will be on their antique motorcycles and are expected to number somewhere from 40-50 bikes.
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 accompanying our hero from a Rockwell's Cafe to Cooks Corner a journey of 20 minutes. Please see the time table if you would like to participate. For those who would rather go directly to Cooks Corner, we will meet you there.
NOTE: PLEASE OBSERVE ALL COVID-19 REQUIREMENTS, HAVE MASK/FACE COVERING AVAILABLE IF NEEDED.
Time Table for Saturday 04 JUNE 20220830 Stage at Rockwell's Villa Park, 17853 Santiago Blvd, Villa Park, CA 92861
https://goo.gl/maps/J4xVzj2dtJgC1UdbA 0845 Briefing
0900 KSU: Cook's Corner, 19152 E Santiago Canyon Rd, Trabuco Canyon, CA 92679
https://goo.gl/maps/GwuSvdXE9ZB7Te94A 0930 Arrival and Flag Line - End of Mission.
RC: Chuck "Machine" Johnson
USAF SERE Master Instructor, MSgt Ret
US Army Sgt SEA 68-70SoCal PGR Ride Captain
American Legion Riders Post 416
760-271-2544
chuckj661@hotmail.com
“Heroes rarely get happy endings. They give them to other people.”
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.
