The family of William Edward Thomas, Jr., 69, has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to attend the military honors of their loved one. It will be our honor to do so.
William served in the United States Navy from 12/23/70 to 12/22/76 and then in the Air National Guard after his honorable discharge from the Navy. He served on the USS Shasta, an ammunition ship. He was an Operations Specialist 3.
After he was discharged from the Navy, Bill worked for Times Warner Cable for 34 years. He enjoyed all sports and liked to talk about politics.
Bill’s leaves behind his only surviving relative, his sister, Linda Parker. He also leaves behind many friends who will surely miss him.
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 the hero and his family from Colton to the cemetery, approximately 14 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 TUESDAY, 07 FEBRUARY 20231000 – Stage Pinnacle Peak Steakhouse, 2533 S La Cadena Dr, Colton, CA.
https://goo.gl/maps/2Nx6SWP7LQVVnT3v51015 – Mission briefing.
1030 – KSU to sister’s home for flag line.
1045 – KSU to Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd, Riverside, CA check in for staging lane.
https://goo.gl/maps/mA45GWnH1x8fzTB661115 – ETA Riverside National Cemetery.
1145 – KSU to assigned shelter for flag line and military honors.
Lillian Riddell
SoCalPGR Mission Ops/Ride Captain
lilygirl54@roadrunner.com(909) 855-2623
“Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass. It’s about learning to dance through the rain”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.
