The family of Benjamin T. Wanders (60) has requested the Patriot Guard to accompany him to his final resting place. It will be our honor to do so.
Benjamin comes from a military family. He served six years in the United States Marine Corps and was a Security Guard at the US embassy in Moscow. His brothers also served as did many of his other family members.
After his service to our country, Benjamin made California his home, which he truly loved, until his sudden passing in May of 2023. Benjamin worked in the printing business and then with the United States Postal Service. Benjamin devoted his life to helping those in need with food distribution programs and used his personal car to transport those who needed help getting to doctors. He donated his car to his mission group so they could carry on.
Benjamin was preceded in death by his wife Emily and father. He had no children. He is survived by his mother, Fran Kroll, and stepfather, Milburn Kroll, who was like father to him. He is also survived by his siblings, Paul (Indi), Neal (Jerrie), and Arlene (Mark), and a step-sister Bonnie (Bryan).
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 mortuary to the cemetery, less than 20 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, 27 JUNE 20230915 - Stage at McKay’s South Bay Mortuary, 3918 Marine Ave, Lawndale, CA.
https://goo.gl/maps/hDYg9FzrNBYnwoQi80930 - Mission briefing.
0945 - Flag Line for dignified transfer to coach.
1000 - KSU to Los Angeles National Cemetery, 950 S. Sepulveda Blvd Los Angeles, CA.
https://goo.gl/maps/fX6DudFi1g7VG9Ct51040 - ETA LANC.
1100 - Flag line and military Honors, which will be live screened to his parents in Oklahoma, who are unable to attend.
Craig Lane, AKA, JIP-C, USMC
SoCal PGR Ride Captain
bigredroadglide@yahoo.com760-900-0388
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.
