The family of SP4 Anthony David Freedman, 73, has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to be present as he makes his final journey to his resting place. It will be our honor to fulfill their request.
Anthony (Tony) was born 25 April 1950 in Des Moines, Iowa, and passed away peacefully 30 January 2024 in Temecula.
Tony enlisted in the US Army in his hometown of Orange, CA, on 28 April 1969 during the Vietnam War where he was a member of the 101st Airborne Screaming Eagles as a Combat Engineer. He then transferred to the Field Artillery Unit where he quickly rose through the ranks to become an Explosives Expert. He earned the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal, 2 Overseas Bars, Sharpshooter Medal, and Marksman Service Medal. He was honorably discharged 27 January 1971.
After his military service, His profession as an owner of a private investigation firm led him to over twenty years of adventurous and professional escapades. He solved many interesting cases as well as helping many people resolve their personal and professional issues. He eventually0 retired due to the disabilities caused by the Vietnam war and exposure to Agent Orange. He was also a published author who wrote a book called “True Confessions of a Private Investigator”. Tony's adventurous spirit led him to a variety of interests and hobbies that he pursued with passion. He was a master scuba diver and instructor. His love for the ocean took him to several deep ocean and beach dive locations on the coast from Northern California to Mexico. His love for the water also extended to kayaking, where he found peace and solitude on the waves. Tony's creative eye shone through in his photography, capturing moments of beauty and serenity that he shared with all. On land, Tony was a formidable paintball competitor, a sharpshooter in darts, and a cunning poker player. He loved baseball.
Tony is survived by his loving wife, Colleen Freedman, children, Nicole Tovar, “TJ” Anthony David Freedman II, stepdaughters, Laurie Blood, Stephanie Gotts, and Jennifer Diederich, and stepson, Chris Craig, 4 great-grandchildren, brother, Mike Freedman, sisters, Julie Napolski, Tina Blake, and Mary Culver.
Tony suffered from the effects of exposure to Agent Orange, which eventually contributed to his passing. He also suffered from several other service related injuries and illnesses. As such, remembrance tags will be available for purchase at this mission.
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 from the family home to the cemetery, approx 21 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.
TIME TABLE FOR THURSDAY, 15 FEB 2024:1215 - Stage at Norco Family Funeral Home, 2645 Hamner Ave, Norco, CA 92860
https://maps.app.goo.gl/oBjyNukj6sapeXTf71230 - Mission Briefing
1245 - Flagline as hero is moved to coach
1255 - KSU to Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd, Riverside, CA
https://maps.app.goo.gl/VnhUvzaen7iqP6gy51355 - ETA at RNC
1415 - KSU to Shelter for Flagline and Military Honors
Steve “Taz” George
SoCal PGR Ride Captainsghdbeast@gmail.com / 714-931-3950
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.
