The family of Lorenzo Lizarraga has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to attend military honors of their loved one. It will be our honor to fulfill their request.
Lorenzo passed away at the age of 80 of heart problems.
Lorenzo joined the Army on January 16, 1962 and was honorably discharged January 17, 1965 as a Specialist 4th Class. Lorenzo was 17 years old when he joined the Army. After boot camp, he was sent to Korea and the 51st Signal Battalion in Uijeiongbu (that’s a city close to the DMZ). It was his job to maintain crypto equipment and send out intelligence reports. He would send out intelligence summaries to the Pentagon at 10am and 4pm daily. He also kept classified crypto equipment working and protected the code books.
After discharging from the Army, he went to Junior College and worked for his dad with livestock on his farm.
He then hired on with Pacific Telephone. After working his way up in the company, he was assigned to Mexico City as a sales director for 3½ years and then onto Saudi Arabia where he was in charge of maintaining the telephone network for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Lorenzo and Marsha met while working at Pacific Telephone and married in 1974. Marsha joined him in all his work assignments and adventures.
His hobbies were motorcycling, hiking, and playing golf. They owned a time share in Utah. They had a little home on the beach in San Felipe. Lorenzo enjoyed spending time with his kids, grandkids, and great- grandkids.
Among his many activities, Lorenzo coached golf and ran a program to teach disabled and injured veterans to play golf as part of their physical therapy and PTSD reduction therapy. Additionally, through his leadership and respectful presence, the Patriot Guard Riders have been designated an official honors provider organization for Miramar National Cemetery.
Lorenzo is survived by his wife Marsha of 47 years and his brother, Ernie; 4 children, 14 grandkids, and 6 great grandkids.
Lorenzo was a PGR member for about 14 years total, a Ride Captain for 4 years, and then Regional Ride Captain for 6 years. He has gone on more than 1000 missions.
The family is asking for an accompaniment from the Queen of Angels Catholic Church to Miramar National Cemetery, approximately 32 miles.
Following the military honors at Miramar, the family is having a celebration of life for Lorenzo at Quest Church, 9590 Chocolate Summit, El Cajon 92021.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/EjYkbg3qzKs6jCfF7 From 1:30 to 3:30. There will be food available. This is a different church from where we started. Directions to church: take 805 South to 52 East to 67 South to 8 East to Dunbar Lane. turn north under the freeway. Go to the 1st. right turn and go right, about 200 yards east. The church is on your left.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/AHxwDpNTEzUVHE4w7NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this military veteran. For those interested, all PGR members are welcome. You’re welcome to meet us at the cemetery if you would like.
TIMELINE FOR FRIDAY, 04 OCTOBER 202409:30 - Stage at Queen of Angels Catholic Church, 2569 W. Victoria Dr., Alpine, CA. Please arrive quietly as a service will be in progress.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/BXzgcmg5bVmx4spg609:45 - Mission briefing.
10:25 - Flag line as the urn is transferred to the PGR trailer.
10:30 - KSU to Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Dr., San Diego, CA.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/KwCRwSptdrFTrPZEA11:30 - Arrive at MNC.
11:45 - Flag line from PGR trailer to Final Honors Coach.
12:00 - Flag line for full military honors
Ken BrassellRegional Ride Captain for San Diego
Cell: 619-333-9685
kenbrassell@gmail.com 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.
