The family of Johann "John" Graef Jr has invited the PGR to escort our hero and family from their home in Lake Forest to MNC it will be an honor to do so. There John will receive Military honors.
John served our country in the US Army from Sept 1967 to Sept 1973 in South Korea and Vietnam. John received many metals on active duty, he was Honorably discharged at the rank CID SP5.
John was an immigrant. His father and mother and John arrived in the country after WWII in 1953. His sister was left behind in Austria, later joining them. He knew no English except the word cowboy which he learned from American soldiers who would give him and his sister chocolate in WWII.
John attended Gardena High School, John met his wife to be there and both graduated. He became a naturalized American citizen in 1967 & promptly joined the US Army. He loved his new country and all it stood for.
After Vietnam he was in law enforcement, then he began his insurance career rising from marketing manager to Sr. Vice President of Mash & McLennan agency then retiring after 35 years. He also loved coaching The Northwood Sr. Reds, Challenger Division, Northwood Little League for people 16+ to age unlimited for people with special needs.
John leaves behind daughter Sonja Graef Brandon, his adult adopted son Great who is autistic, and daughter Rebecca Graef, 2 grandchildren 1 great grandson.
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 the family home to the cemetery, approximately 75 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.
Time Table for Monday, 13 FEB 23:1st Staging:0800 - Stage at Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Dr., San Diego, CA 92122
https://goo.gl/maps/bRnEYZ79eWHdDfs660815 - Mission briefing
0830 - KSU to family home in Lake Forest (approx 75 miles)
1000 - Est arrival at family home
1015 - Flag Line for transfer of Hero to vehicle
1030 - Est KSU to Miramar National Cemetery
1315 - Est arrival at Miramar
2nd Staging:1245 - Stage at Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Dr., San Diego, CA 92122
https://goo.gl/maps/bRnEYZ79eWHdDfs661330 - Hero & family arrival
1345 - Flag Line for Hero transfer to horse drawn carriage
1400 - Flag Line, Service and Military Honors
R/C Phil “Wile E” Hersey
So Cal PGR Ride Captainfishawn208@gmail.com
619-454-1408
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.
