The family of Charles James Grano,(75) USMC, has invited the Patriot Guard to accompany their hero on his journey to his final resting place, it is our honor and privilege to do so.
Charles, Chuck as he liked to be called was born 18 Jun 1947 in Chicago, Ill and passed away 19 Jul 2022.
Chuck enlisted at 17 and proudly served in the United States Marine Corps from 5 May 1965 to 1 Apr 1969. He attained the rank of E-5 Sergeant at the time of his honorable discharge. Chuck is a Vietnam Veteran having served two tours for 26 months in country as a helicopter mechanic. He was assigned as a crew chief/gunner on Sikorsky UH-34D, Squadrons HMM-161 and 163 (Evil Eyes) and took part in many battles including the siege of Khe Sahn and also the Tet Offensive. Chuck received the Good Conduct Medal, M-14 Markmanship Badge, 38 Pistol Expert Badge, Air Medal Navy Commendation Medal with combat “v”, National Defense Service Medal, Combat Aircrew Insignia with 3+, Vietnam Service and Campaign Medal.
Chuck served as a Police Officer for 28 years with the Santa Ana Police Department. He enjoyed spending time with family, especially his granddaughters as well as traveling, fishing and working on honey do’s around the house. He enjoyed woodworking and building cabinets. He was good with his hands and could fix and build anything around the home, automotive and everything else in between.
Upon his return from Vietnam Chuck married the love of his life Renee and they settled in Orange County, California and celebrated 42 years of marriage before she passed away in 2012. Chuck is survived by his son Paul and his daughter Krista and four beautiful granddaughters. His three brothers Marty, Skip and Tom and a sister Angie. As well as numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. Although his passing will leave a hole in many hearts he is reunited with his wife Renee.
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 the cemetery, approx 63 miles. Please see the time table if you would like to participate. For those who would rather go directly to the cemetery, we will meet you there.
TIMETABLE FOR THURSDAY 25 AUG 2022:1120 - Stage at Big Bear Mortuary, 321 W. Big Bear Blvd, Big Bear City, Ca. 92314
https://goo.gl/maps/ac2nPhGAf8muBzvRA1135 - Mission Briefing
1150 - Flag Line for dignified transfer of Hero to coach
1200 - KSU to Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, CA. 92518
https://goo.gl/maps/y2YSLFa3YVGMv8Ps8 (approx 63 miles)
1400 - ETA Riverside National Cemetery
1430 - KSU to assigned shelter for Flag Line and Military Honors.
R/C CRAIG LANE, AKA JIP-C USMC
SOCAL PGR RIDE CAPTAINbigredroadglide@yahoo.com
760-900-0388
“Don’t swim through life; just float. Peace will never come on the battlefield; it comes from within. Allow gentleness and compassion to follow.
John P. Baca, U. S. Army
Medal of Honor
Permission given to use MOH quotes courtesy of Center for American Values.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 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.
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.
