The family of Jose Luis Cardoso, Jr., have requested the presence of the Patriot Guard Riders to pay honors for their American Hero. It will be our privilege to do so.
Jose was born on April 16, 1971. Upon his graduation from high school Jose joined the Army. Jose was a great representative for the Army and was always very proud of what he had done and accomplished. It seemed as thou while growing up he picked up the knack for being a really good mechanic. This helped him throughout his life, both in civilian as well as the military.
On January 8, 1990, Jose joined the Army. He served his four years proudly. During Jose's time in the Army, he became a Mechanic Technician for the M1 Abrams Tanks. Once he finished schooling for learning all there was to learn on the tanks, he received orders to go to Kuwait. Jose was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 35th Armored division working in conjunction with the Army Combatant command. Jose was honorably discharged from the Army on January 7, 1994.
During his time in the Army, Jose earned the following medals and ribbons: Army Commendation Medal with 1 oak leaf cluster; Army Service Ribbon; Kuwait Liberation Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Overseas Service Medal; Southeast Asia Service Medal with 3 Bronze Stars; Drivers Badge; and Expert Pistol Badge.
Once out of service life, he became a maintenance technician for his job and took to working and riding motorcycles. He also enjoyed music, took up artistry, and dabbled with being a handyman. Sadly, Jose passed away at the young age of 53 on October 20, 2024.
Jose started going to church and was active in the church and becoming a regular parishioner. He attended many men's retreats. His memorial service will be held at the very church where he found a new relationship with the Lord.
Our hero leaves behind his mother, Raquel Trejo, and cousin Laura Fernandez, as well as other family members and friends.
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 church to the cemetery, approximately 42 miles. Please see the timetable if you would like to participate. For those who would rather go directly to the cemetery, we will meet you there.
TIMETABLE FOR FRIDAY, 20 DECEMBER 20241130: Stage at Calvary Chapel Open Door, 1011 N Harbor Blvd, Anaheim, CA.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/k3L1vBdmvY4dXBVq5 (Please arrive quietly as service will be in process.)
1145: Mission briefing.
1215: Flag line as the hero is brought out to the family vehicle.
1230: KSU to Los Angeles National Cemetery, 950 S Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles, CA.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/z9umQrNBp1fYHNed91345: ETA to Los Angeles National Cemetery.
1400: Final honors for our American Hero.
Mike "Joker" Courtright
SoCal PGR Ride Captain
Patriot Guard Ride Captain #202572
mokynanapo@sbcglobal.net(714) 321-3356
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.
