The family of SFC Benjamin R Saenz, 77 years of age, USA Ntl. Gd., has requested the services of the Patriot Guard Riders as they transport their beloved father, grandfather, and great grandfather to Riverside National Cemetery from Meads Mortuary in Barstow. It will be our honor to accompany our hero on his final trip and help render honors at RNC.
Benjamin R. Saenz attained the rank of E-7 during the Cold War years, joining in 1955 until his retirement in 1992. He was a turret mechanic on a variety of tanks at Camp Irwin, now known as Ft. Irwin/National Training Center. He was deployed once but never left the country as his unit was recalled soon afterwards. His entire career was in Ft. Irwin.
He established a ranch and home on 80 acres just 1-1/2 mi south of the main gate at a time when little was seen after leaving the fort. His house was the first house on the right according to his son David. A few more ranches and businesses have been established on the lonely road between Barstow and the fort but conditions still remains the same of digging your own water well, supplying power, and propane.
Benjamin and son David were members of the American Legion Post 328 in Norco. David will be accompanying his father from Barstow. The Norco AL Riders will be rendezvousing with the funeral party in Devore, ETA 0845-0900, then we will resume our journey to RNC.
Mr. Saenz is survived by his wife Diane, 2 brothers Bernie and Bobbie, a sister Alicia, 5 sons Jesse, David, Frank, Arturo, and Ricardo, 12 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.
Weather conditions are expected to be warm, especially in the desert. Please keep yourself hydrated.
This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran. For those interested, and all are welcome, we will be accompanying the hero and his family from the mortuary to his final resting place. Please see the time table if you would like to participate. For those who would rather go directly to the cemetery, we will meet you there.
TIMETABLE WED. 24/09/20140730 - Assemble at Meads Mortuary 36930 Irwin Road, Barstow, CA., 92311
https://goo.gl/maps/PsBNo0745 - Briefing
0800 - KSU en-route to RNC
0845 - Est Rendezvous with riders at Cajon Blvd @ Devore I-215 exit in Devore
https://goo.gl/maps/n811e Re-enter freeway and continue towards RNC
0930 - Arrive Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, CA 92518 (PGR to Staging area #8)
https://goo.gl/maps/Lr7ui1015 - KSU to assigned shelter for Services, Flag Line, and Military Honors for our hero
R/C Brian “Spyderman” ZaneSoCal PGR RC
760-953-9915
You do not have to be a Veteran or a motorcycle rider to attend this mission. Everyone is 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 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.
Please post your condolences at this link:
https://www.patriotguard.org/showthread.php?394977
