The Patriot Guard Riders have been invited by the family of Luis Hernandez to attend Final Military Honors for their Hero. It will be our privilege to fulfill their request.
Luis served in the United State Army from 12/09/1951 - 11/17/1953. At the time of his Honorable Discharge, he was a Private First Class. He was one of the Borinqueneers of the 65th infantry regiment, an all Hispanic volunteer unit from Puerto Rico. The nickname came from the original tribal name of Puerto Rico “Borinquen”. They were known to be fierce fighters in WWI, WWII and Korea. On June 14th, 2014, the unit was presented a Congressional Gold Metal. This recognition was only presented to four other ethnic units. (The Navaho Wind Talkers, The Tuskegee Airmen, The Nisei Soldiers, and the Montfort Point Marines). Though frail and aged, Luis beamed with pride during the ceremony. It was a moment of recognition, a belated acknowledgment of the sacrifices they had made. The Borinqueneers, like him, were among the unsung heroes of the Korean War. In addition, our hero also received a National Defense Medal, Korean Service Medal with 2 bronze stars, United Nations Medal, and Combat Medal. This week he was presented the Korean Ambassador for Peace Medal by the Korean Consulate.
Following his honorable service to America, Luis worked for Pepsi Cola Bottling for thirty years until his retirement. He loved growing fruit trees and enjoyed outings with his family.
Our hero is survived by his children Eric, Wanda, Luis Jr., Denise and Raymond. He will be missed by his eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Luis was preceded by his loving wife of 65+ years, Ada Ruiz Hernandez.
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 ride/drive safely.
Special Note: We are beginning to enter the Summer Season. Please stay Hydrated and be sure to eat something. It can make a difference.
TIMETABLE FOR TUESDAY, 25 JUNE 20240930 - Stage at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd Riverside, CA. (Lemay Blvd near the restrooms on the right).
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https://maps.app.goo.gl/8gn9szv4XBDgoE6x9)
0945 - Mission briefing.
1000 - Await arrival of hero’s coach and KSU to assigned cortège.
1030 - KSU to assigned shelter for flag line and military honors.
R/C Steve “Capt. Chaos” Blumenfeld
SoCal PGR Ride Captain
SSGT USAF 1970-1974
steveb.pgrcc@gmail.com
661-212-2284
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.
