The wife of Sherman “Howard” Elkins has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to participate in her hero’s final journey. We are honored to fulfill this request.
Our hero served in the United States Navy for four years, 1963-1967. At time of his honorable discharge, he had achieved the rank of Electricians Mate 3rd Class (E-4). He served in Vietnam on the USS Tortuga as a sonar technician. He received the National Defense Ribbon, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Vietnam Service Medal.
Our hero was known to friends and family as Howard, his middle name. As a civilian, Howard enjoyed working for and retired from the Nokia Phone Co. He enjoyed playing horseshoes, card games, etc., and helping fellow veterans whenever he could.
He met his wife, Betty when she witnessed him falling while attempting to get into his Ford truck. Betty went to assist him and offered to take him to the hospital to get checked out. He resisted but she took him anyway. At that time, Howard was already a single amputee and it was determined that his other leg needed to be amputated. Once completed, Betty located an assisted living home close by and often took him home-cooked meals. As time passed, Howard professed his love for Betty and wanted to marry her but she was elusive. Betty finally, after five-and-one-half years of Howard’s persistence, said “Yes” and they were married. Per Betty,
"Howard was truly an Officer and Gentleman."Howard is survived by Betty, and two mentally challenged children who are in group homes. His first wife of 53 years, Ethel, passed years ago.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this military veteran. For those interested, and all PGR members are welcome, this is a flag line only (FLO) mission at Riverside National Cemetery. For those who would like to participate, please see the timetable and we will meet you there.
NOTE: The weather temperature will be hot. Please eat something light and keep hydrated.
TIMETABLE FOR THURSDAY, 27 JUNE 20240930: Stage at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, CA.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/X91RTxhRbkiBUncK70945: Mission briefing.
1000: Await arrival of coach from Evans-Brown Mortuary and proceed to staging lanes.
1030: Shelter for honors and services.
Billy (BillyJean) Morgan
SoCal High Desert Ride Captain
US Army, Vietnam 69-70949-939-7282
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.
