Elijah-James Alfredo Valdes, 20, USMC(AD) - OIA/Riverside (Pt 1) - 23 May 2024

[Lilygirl54]

PART 1 OF 2
PART 2 will be posted when details become available.

NOTE:  This mission includes aircraft arrival.  Flight times are subject to last minute changes so please check this thread for any changes before leaving for this mission.

The United States Marine Corps and the family of Elijah-James Alfredo Valdes, 20, have requested the Patriot Guard Riders to accompany their hero from the airport to the funeral home as he is brought home to his family.  We are privileged to participate.

“Elijah proudly served in the United States Marine Corps from October 2022 to May 2024. As a Marine, he exemplified dedication and honor in his service to his country.

A career Marine, Elijah was determined to succeed with his military duties with unwavering commitment. He was a true patriot who served with pride and distinction.

In his free time, Elijah enjoyed playing and customizing Dungeons and Dragons games, as well as writing short stories filled with imaginative worlds and characters with his brothers and friends. He would organize and work with his friends to make customized games.”

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/riverside-ca/elijah-james-valdes-11821883

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 airport to the funeral home, approximately 15 miles.  Please see the time table if you would like to participate.  For those who would rather go directly to the funeral home, we will meet you there.

TIMETABLE FOR THURSDAY, 23 MAY 2024

1715 - Stage at Jack in the Box, 1840 Holt Blvd, Ontario, CA.   https://goo.gl/maps/6c3uXitkwRywEtk66

1730 - Mission briefing.

1745 - Move to arrival location.

1840 - KSU to Acheson & Graham Garden of Prayer Mortuary, 7944 Magnolia Ave, Riverside, CA.  https://maps.app.goo.gl/irvVFo6QqrQNT1WKA

Craig “Jip-C” Lane
SoCal PGR Ride Captain
bigredroadglide@yahoo.com
760-900-0388

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.