The family of Joseph Heber Gotcher has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to be present to honor their hero for his service to his country. It will be our privilege to do so.
Joe was 73 years old when he passed away of natural causes.
Joe joined the US Navy in 1968 and was honorably discharged in 1973 at the rank of ADJ2- E5, after serving in Vietnam. Joe received the National Defense Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, and the Vietnam Service Medal with One Bronze Star.
Joe is survived by his wife Marlie. They were married 48 years. They had 2 sons, Jason and David, & 5 daughters, Felicia, Alicia, Ariel, Renee, and Susan; as well as 14 grandchildren.
He worked for over 50 years in various roles, including 36 years as a bus driver and Union President. Outside of work, Joe loved fishing, cruising the 7 seas with his wife and close friends, as well as spending time as a certified competition barbecue master judge.
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 mortuary to the cemetery, approximately 14 miles. 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.
Timetable for Monday, October 17, 2022:1145 – Stage at Cypress View Mortuary, 3953 Imperial Ave., San Diego, CA 92113 (Please arrive quietly as the service will already be in progress.)
https://goo.gl/maps/4N5riuGtbPYA4xcv81200 - Mission briefing
1225 - Flag line for transfer of our hero from the Chapel to a family vehicle
1230 - KSU to Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Dr., San Diego, CA 92122
https://goo.gl/maps/8Yp28k9DJsY9qdtA61300 - ETA at Miramar. Flag line to transfer Hero to Horse Drawn Hearse
1330 - Flag line, Funeral Service with Full Military Honors
R/C Ken Brassell
SoCalPGR Ride Captainkenbrassell@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.
