Per a request from the Family, this Mission will be a STAND-DOWN...
The family of Thomas Gene Townliand has requested the Patriot Guard Riders to Honor this American Hero. It will be our privilege to do so.
Thomas joined the US Navy in 1965 and was discharged in 1969. Upon his Honorable Discharge he attained the rank of Communications Technician 2nd Class.
Thomas was assigned to radioman training and obtained the highest credentials for security clearance for doing his job with radios and transmissions. He was stationed at a number of stations with the Navy, some being Sasebo, Japan, Hong Kong, China, Philippines, and Vietnam.
He was assigned to the USS Enterprise with the Pacific Fleet at the time of the Terrorist attack on the USS Pueblo.
Upon Toms Discharge he fulfilled another passion of his life of becoming a truck driver. He did this for over 42 yrs., seeing just about everything there was to see in this beautiful Country.
As he put it, "I have seen everything that God has put in this beautiful Country, and I will remember it forever."
Tom loved to read and take pictures. He did most of this while he was waiting for loads on his truck and the long nights of staying on the side of the road when his driving clock had run out.
Tom loved riding Harley's and often used the Harley Associations to reach out to find people his age to ride with.
His only regret was that he found the Patriot Guard too late in his life, and it became too hard to ride anymore. His sister found 2 dog tags of missions he had been able to ride on.
He was quoted as saying "I really love all those guys".
Tom passed away quietly at the age of 78 years young.
He was married 4 times and leaves behind 2 daughters.
Note: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this American Hero. For those interested and all PGR members are welcome.
Timeline for Friday 26 May 2023
1045 - Stage Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd. Riverside, Ca. 92518 (
https://goo.gl/maps/by7tiZRLmmWviJgm7)
(inside the gate, right hand side by the restroom)
1100 - Mission briefing
1115 - Flag Line as Hero is brought into RNC
1130 - Services begin with Honors
R/C Mike "Joker" Courtright
So. Cal PGR/Ride Captain
mokynanapo@sbcglobal.net
(714-321-3356)
"Standing for those who stood for us"
Only 2 defining forces offered to die for you:
Jesus Christ, and the American Soldier:
One died for your soul, the other one died for your freedom.
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.
