The family of Jose Mejia, Jr., age 92, has invited the Patriot Guard Riders (PGR) to attend the Military Honors of their loved one as he makes his final journey. It will be our honor to do so.
Jose served in the US Army (Infantry) from 10 December 1952 to 15 September 1954, and the US Army (Reserves) from 15 September 1954 to 15 September 1962. September 1953. Jose was one of the last surviving combat veterans from the Korean War as well as one of the last Combat engagements in Korea the night of the Cease Fire. He was one of a dozen soldiers to stay in Korea to build the first observation towers at the DMZ. He was wounded by shrapnel when his best friend was blown up next to him. Unfortunately, he never received a Purple Heart due to changing of leadership. His family could not find witnesses in their fight to get him one. When he returned home as a Corporal, he departed the Active Duty Army and enlisted in the USA Reserves. Due to personal conflicts, he left the reserves in April 1963 as a Sergeant. Most of his family did not know he had been in Korea or in Combat as he chose not to talk about it due to the horrors of war as well as his duty of clearing the battlefield each day of bodies of not just our GI’s, but the enemy as well. Jose was Honorably Discharged as a Sergeant E-5.
After his Military Service, Jose went to work for General Dynamics San Diego in 1957 and retired in 1990. He loved to watch sports, especially boxing. He also loved to run until he had to stop in 2007. He still walked around 7 miles a day until three weeks before his death.
Jose is survived by his wife Eva, sons Jaime, Alonzo and Juan, and daughters Angelica, Adela and Melida. He died with 5 of his 8 grandchildren around him - as he had asked.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this American Hero. For those interested, and all PGR members are welcome, please see the timetable if you would like to participate.
Timetable for Wednesday, 22 February 2023:0915 – Stage at Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Drive, San Diego, CA 92122
https://goo.gl/maps/NTE9SbiGf14LD88H80930 – Mission Briefing
0945 – Flag line for our Hero’s arrival
1015 – Service with Military Honors
R/C Paul “RoundTrip” McCarthy(619) 838-9123
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.
