The family of Veteran Willard B. Sampson 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.
In 1976, Will proudly enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. He earned many honors including the National Defense Service Medal, the Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and the Presidential Service Certificate, among others. In 1985, Will was stationed in Quantico, VA where he served with Marine Helicopter Squadron One under President Ronald Reagan. During his time in the Marine Corps, Will earned his Associate degree in liberal arts and bachelor’s degree in social psychology from Park College. He also earned his master’s degree in management from Webster University. In 1996, Will retired from his beloved Marine Corps after 20 years of service.
Following his career in the Marine Corps, Will became an elementary school teacher. He taught third and fourth grades for 24 years at Desert View Elementary School in Lancaster. Will made a tremendous impact on the students he taught, striving to make learning fun and providing memorable experiences for every student. When he was not planning lessons for his students, Will enjoyed riding his Harley-Davidson, both Will and Jenn (his wife) were PGR Members. He loved to spend time with family and rooting the Lancaster Jet Hawks and Los Angeles Angels to victory.
Will is preceded in death by his son Brooks J. Sampson. He is survived by his wife Jennifer of almost 18 years; daughter Amy Sampson of Vancouver, WA; Father Richard Knutsen, Sr. and his wife Rosalie of Washougal, WA; brother Richard Knutsen, Jr. of Vancouver, WA; three grandchildren; several half and step-siblings; and many nieces and nephews.
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 our hero and his family from the mortuary to his final resting place, approx. 47 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.
Time Table for Thursday 05 November 2022:0830 - Stage at Area: Flying J Travel Center, 1668 East Tehachapi Blvd, Tehachapi, CA. 93561
https://goo.gl/maps/5V9xQEPwMUS49HgX7 0840 – Mission Briefing
0845 – KSU to Joshua Mortuary and Memorial Park, 808 E. Lancaster Blvd., Lancaster 93534
https://goo.gl/maps/aeXeE8EsYRenziHv6 0930 – Arrival with respect as visitation will be in progress at Joshua Memorial Park
1000 – Flag Line at Chapel
R/C Kevin Green
SoCalPGR Ride Captain775-835-3725
dexhog@gmail.com
IWV Patriot Guard Riders on FB
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.
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.
