The family of Thomas Valencia, Sr., has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to attend the military honors of their loved one as he makes his final journey. It will be our honor to do so.
Thomas served in the United States Army from 1968-1972 the 18th Airborne Division out of Ft. Bragg, NC. He served one tour in Vietnam as a paratrooper and gunner on the gun trucks that protected the convoys from Qui Nhon to Pieku. He used either the .50 machine gun or the gatling gun. He attained the rank of SPF4 upon honorable discharge.
After his exit from the Army, Thomas worked as a superintendent for the Long Beach Parks Department for approximately 30 years. He loved to run and ran every day. He also loved to fish, hike, and attend baseball games. He was an avid Angels fan.
Thomas is predeceased by his wife, Alice. He leaves behind two sons and one daughter as well as nine grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. He is also survived by four brothers and three sisters.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran. For those interested, and all PGR members are welcome, this is an accompaniment from the mortuary to Riverside National Cemetery approx 8 miles. For those who would like to participate, please see the timetable and we will meet you there.
TIMETABLE FOR WEDNESDAY, 13 JULY 2022 0830 – Stage at Miller-Jones Mortuary, 23618 Sunnymead Blvd, Moreno, Valley, CA. 92553
https://goo.gl/maps/DK4MR2a6FG6zzpmr8 0850 – Mission briefing.
0900 - Flag Line for dignified transfer of Hero to the coach.
0905 – KSU to Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, CA 92518
https://goo.gl/maps/6qA6F38kKY89tzfm60930 - Est arrival at RNC
1000 – KSU to assigned shelter for Flag Line and military honors.
R/C Craig Lane, PGR, USMC
SoCal PGR Ride Captainreddogroadglide@yahoo.com
(760) 900-0368
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.
