The family and friends of Ray Slaughter have invited the Patriot Guard Riders to honor their American hero. It will be our honor to do so.
Ray was born on June 22, 1945. Upon Graduation from high school, Ray did odd jobs, always helping people.
In 1967, on Ray’s 22nd birthday, he decided to join the United States Marine Corp. During that time Ray served in Vietnam. While Ray served his time in the Marine Corps he earned the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with device, Vietnam Service Medal with 2 stars, the Navy Achievement medal with combat V, combat action ribbon, and Expert rifle badge with the M-16. Before the end of his service, he also served for a time at Camp Le June.
After Ray’s honorable discharge from the Corps, he went to work for the Lynwood School District in Lynwood, CA.
In his retirement, Ray joined a lowrider bike (bicycle) club where he could get exercise and hang out with his friends. Ray loved having people over for Bar B Ques; he loved dancing, especially the Cha Cha, as well as singing.
Ray passed away on April 4, 2024 at the age of 78 just two months before his 79th birthday. Rays cause of death was from the exposure to Agent Orange from his time in the service.
Ray leaves behind, his wife Charlene; brother, Leon and sister, Kenna. He also leaves behind many grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
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, approximately 30 miles. Please see the time table if you would like to participate.
This family thought we would not be able to be there for them and their hero due to the large size of the family. So, if you can help out on this mission it will be appreciated. For the flag line crew at the gate, let me know who you are and I will send a Glympse to your phone so you can alert the others of our impending arrival.
TIMELINE FOR WEDNESDAY, 24 APRIL 20241200 - Stage at Green Family Cremation and Burial, 13819 Foothill Blvd, Ste D. Fontana, CA.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/VDsLyi1yt65epW8N8Note: This mortuary will be in a small strip mall setting so find a place to park and we will get ourselves lined up before departure to RNC.
1215 - Mission briefing.
1230 - Flag line as hero is bought out to awaiting coach.
1245 - KSU to Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd, Riverside, CA.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/FyETUKG9XEEnLAWeA1315 - ETA at Riverside National Cemetery.
Mike "Joker" Courtright
SoCal PGR Ride Captain
Patriot Guard Ride Captain #202572
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.
