The family of August Herman Matero has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to be present to honor their hero for his service to his country. It will be our privilege to do so.
Gus proudly served in the US Marine Corps., for thirty-one years. He was a member of the “Greatest Generation” having fought in WWII and Korea.
Gus was awarded the following medals and citations:
WWII – Pacific Theater and earned the Presidential Unit Citation with the 1st Marine Division.
Korean War: Awarded the Bronze Star for Valor.
Presidential Unit Citation First Marine Division.
Civilian history work/hobbies items of interest: Gus experienced a deep conversion on January 1, 1951, and began a life-long commitment to serving God. He felt God was calling him to evangelize the children of Russia. He was trained by Child Evangelism Fellowship, who already had a global presence. Presenting God to Russian children was illegal and would garner harsh punishment. He strategically went to Finland (shared border) to serve with CEF in 1966. During the first years, he reconnoitered the areas where his work could be best used and shared to other parts of the country. He met likeminded contacts, held small planning meetings. In 1969 he officially began his work in Russia holding adult teaching meetings to train them how to teach children about God in ways and words that would allow children to understand. His military experience gave him a solid foundation for this work, but it was his trust in God that guided his efforts and fortified his courage.
When the Russian Federation opened up to western influences in the late 90's, foreign missionaries and pastors were able to work publicly in main Russian cities. So, Gus turned to working with the numerous unreached villages along main Russian rivers. He took long trips via rented fishing and survey boats, often traveling into Siberia during the summer. In the winter, he and his team would travel via van. Gus shared his faith and provided bibles, literature, and children’s books to 990 villages. Having passed on his work in Finland to his team of Finnish nationals, he returned to the US in 1992, but continued his river trips in Russia for several years. The teams he established continue his work to this day.
Gus is survived by his wife Ruth Matero; children, Ruth Weaver, Naomi Matero, David Matero, 5 grandchildren and one Great Grandchild.
NOTE: This mission posting facilitates your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran. For those interested, and all PGR members are welcome. We will be accompanying our hero and his family from Escondido to his final resting place at Miramar National Cemetery. (approx. 25 miles).
Please see the timetable if you would like to participate. We will meet you there for those who would rather go directly to the cemetery.
Timetable for Thursday 27 June 20241215 – Stage at Meadowbrook Village, 100 Holland Glen, Escondido, CA 92026 (
https://maps.app.goo.gl/pvtvFMwRLDwq6P9r7)
1230 – Mission Briefing
1240 – Flag Line for Honorable transfer to Coach
1250 – KSU for accompaniment to Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Dr. San Diego, CA 92122 (
https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZNHgvfo82yKXi3ua7)
1330 – Est time of arrival at Miramar Cemetery
1400 – Flag Line for Military Honors and Funeral Service
R/C Lorenzo Lizarraga
SoCal PGR Regional Captain
619-971-2236 llizarraga@yahoo.com
We encourage those who do not ride to participate in your car. If this is your first mission, go to the initial staging area, where you will be briefed 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.
Remember that our mission is to stand tall and silent 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. Remember, cemeteries are hallowed ground. Show respect to all who are there, not just the ones we honor.
