The family of Garey Eugene Thompson, Sr., has requested the assistance of the Patriot Guard Riders in accompanying their Hero on his journey to his final military honors. We will proudly fulfill that request.
Our hero entered the United States Army in 1986 and served in West Germany for three years as a 13B10, Cannon Crewman. At the time of his honorable discharge in 1989 he held the rank of E-3, Private 1st Class.
Following his service to America, he returned to Southern California and continued his education. He graduated from CSU Dominguez Hills with a Master’s Degree and was a licensed Marriage, Family, and Child Counselor. He worked for D’Veal Family and Youth Services, Pasadena, CA for many years and was a Behavioral Specialist and Child Counselor. Garey became a supervisor/trainer at that facility.
He loved dancing, concerts, travel, as well as river and lake boating. Our hero was a huge Lakers fan and a die-hard Raiders fan.
Garey is survived by his wife, La Sonya. She and our hero were friends in high school. They reconnected later at their 15th high school reunion, started dating and married in 2015. Together they raised their sons, Garey Jr, La Vonte, Shehib, and Joseph. Garey is also survived by his parents, Delores Middleton and Larry Thompson, and their spouses.
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 church to the cemetery, approximately two 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 WEDNESDAY, 08 NOVEMBER 20231245 - Stage at East Hills Community Church, 20660 Orange Terrace Pkwy, Riverside, CA. (Please arrive quietly as service in progress).
https://maps.app.goo.gl/xtnnHKkjiVPM23uC9?g_st=ic1300 - Mission briefing followed by flag line and transfer of hero to awaiting coach.
1330 - KSU to Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, CA.
https://goo.gl/maps/T2kTjRpwu7Egba1W81345 - Estimated arrival at RNC
1415 - KSU to assigned shelter for flag line and military honors.
Steve “Capt Chaos” Blumenfeld
SoCal PGR Ride Captain
SSGT USAF 1970-1974
661-212-2284
steveb.pgrcc@gmail.comYou 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 is 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.
