Homes For Our Troops (HFOT), a non-profit organization, has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to attend an Honoring Ceremony for Sgt Juan Hernandez, a combat wounded warrior, in Mentone, CA. We are honored to do so.
HFOT will be constructing a custom home for our Hero in this community what will be adapted to his needs and will be mortgage-free. HFOT has done this for many wounded warriors across the country.
Juan Carlos Hernandez enlisted in the Army right after high school with a strong desire to serve his country. Having immigrated to the United States from Mexico at the age of eight, Juan felt the need to serve the country that gave so much to him. The Army provided many opportunities for him and helped expedite his path to U.S. citizenship. He became an American citizen while on his first deployment to Afghanistan in May 2009.
On Oct. 13, 2009, Sergeant Hernandez was conducting a nighttime aerial operation as a door-gunner with Task Force Palehorse, 7/17th Cav, 159th Combat Aviation Brigade, 101st Airborne Division, when the Chinook helicopter he was flying in was shot down by a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG). SGT Hernandez was the only one injured during the incident, sustaining severe damage to his right leg. He was medevaced to Bagram Air Base, where surgeons amputated his right leg.
The PGR will meet and brief at the initial staging area for the procession. Departure time will be given at staging. We will have a police escort and fire department assistance during the accompaniment to the community church where our Hero will be honored for his service and sacrifice. The general public have been notified and may line the streets to welcome him.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this American Hero. For those interested, and all PGR members are welcome, we will be accompanying the Hero and his family to the event location. Please see the time table if you would like to participate.
TIMETABLE FOR SATURDAY, 22 APRIL 20230830: Stage at Mentone Elementary School, 1320 Crafton Ave, Mentone, CA.
https://goo.gl/maps/qSS4ZJHogFhgWxDf8 Of note, there are two parking lots at the school. Staging will take place at the one closest to the fire station.
0845: Mission briefing.
0900-0915: Estimated KSU to Sandals Church East Valley, 1324 Amethyst St, Mentone, CA.
https://goo.gl/maps/pMx81sW2c8cwQhge7 Accompaniment time will be under five minutes.
We will do a flag line for our Hero as he enters the church.
RC: Chuck "Machine" Johnson
USAF SERE Master Instructor, MSgt Ret
US Army Sgt SEA 67-70SoCal PGR Ride Captain
American Legion Riders Post 416
760-271-2544
chuckj661@hotmail.com
“Heroes rarely get happy endings. They give them to other people.”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.
