2024 Current PGR Missions

www.NorCalPGR.org

Below are some of the current
upcoming NorCalPGR Missions...




For any information on Missions what is or is not posted here,
please be sure and contact the Ride Captains for that particular Mission and area.
All that you will see here, are just the Missions that we at NorCalPGR.org are made aware of.
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**The State Captain’s, Ride Captain’s, the "Contact NorCalPGR" Email submission form and any other Email addresses or phone numbers also located within this web site are only to be used to conduct official Patriot Guard Riders business. All other uses, including commercial and solicitation use, are strictly prohibited.**

Tuesday April 22, 2025 at 8:45 am
Escort of WWII Veteran, KIA/POW, Army Pvt., James "Stanley" Mitchell - Sacramento / Chico, CA

Stage: 0845 hrs. at Sacramento International Airport
Briefing: 0910 hrs.
KSU: 0930 hrs. – 1000 hrs. to Chico, CA (Brusie Funeral Home 626 Broadway)

Mission Details:
PGR/SVE has been requested to escort Army Pvt. Mitchell to Brusie Funeral Home, 626 Broadway Chico, Ca.

Staging area:
Staging area will be at the free waiting parking lot directly across (south) from the ARCO/AM-PM, 6100 Airport Blvd, Sacramento, CA

Staging of participants in brigade will be as follows:
PGR/SVE will lead the procession, PGR Sacramento, Hearst, American Legion Riders, other military riders, civilian motorcycle riders, military vehicles, civilian vehicles, and tail gunner vehicle PGR/SVE (Fred Loveland)

Route:
Leave Sacramento International Airport to Northbound Interstate 5. Upon entering Glenn County at Road 57, Glenn County Sheriff’s Dept. will take point. The Sheriffs Dept. will escort the procession into the City of Orland and take the Eastbound Hwy 32 off ramp to Chico. Once the procession comes onto the surface street, we will pull over to the south side of the roadway in front of the CVS Drug Store to place flags on motorcycles and vehicles. We will then continue through Orland and Hamilton City. Once we cross the Sacramento River, Chico Police Dept. will take lead from the Sheriff’s Dept. at River Road.

Chico Police Dept. will lead us to Brusie Funeral Home, by proceeding on Hwy 32 to W East Ave. We will turn left onto W East Ave and proceed to Esplanade, then turn right onto Esplanade and proceed on Esplanade until merging onto Broadway St. The procession will then park along the westside of Broadway St. just down from the corner of W 7th St. Once we have arrived at the funeral home we will do an honor line with flags. PGR/SVE may also have to step in and be pallbearers.

Veterans Information:
Repatriation of WWII KIA/POW Army Pvt. James "Stanley" Mitchell from the Bataan Death Camp. Private James “Stanley” Mitchell, #19013612, U.S. Army, who was born in Joplin, Missouri, on October 2, 1917. His family moved around during the years and on March 4, 1941, he enlisted in the Army from Hamilton City, California. He was deployed as part of the 31st Infantry Regiment; he was assigned to Clark Field, Luzon, Philippines.

On December 22, 1941, (following the unprovoked attack on Pearl Harbor) the Japanese forces began a full-scale invasion of Luzon, Philippines. They made a stand to protect our interests in the Philippines, and they were forced to finally surrender on April 9, 1942. Upon surrender, they were forced to marched 65 miles, they were starved to death and tortured as POW’s. Then, on January 7, 1943, Stanley Mitchell made the Ultimate Sacrifice, he was called away via disease weighing only 70 lbs. (when he enlisted, he weighed 150 lbs.) and was buried in one of the many daily graves at the Cabanatuan Prisoner of War Camp. PVT Mitchell was the First WWII Casualty from Hamilton City, California.

In 1946, the American Legion Auxiliary Hall in Hamilton City, California was named in Honor of the two young men who made the Ultimate Sacrifice for their country, as The Zimmermann – Mitchell, Post 722.

His remains were exhumed and they were finally identified this past September 2024. After 84 years, he will be returning via Sacramento, California Airport April 22, 2025 with full military honors and escorted to Chico, California, to Brusie Funeral Home for cremation.

Following that, on May 3, 2025, there will be a memorial in Hamilton City, California in the morning (10am approx.) and then full military graveside services in Los Molinos Cemetery in Northern California, in the early afternoon (1pm approx.) with internment of his ashes finally between his parents.

Bob Prosser
530 472-3350
bvprosser@yahoo.com

Tuesday April 22, 2025 at 9:30 am
U S Marine Corps, Korean War Veteran, Sgt, Tommy James McCoy - Anderson / Igo, CA

The family of United States Marine Corps Sgt Tommy James McCoy have requested
an escort to the Northern California Veterans Cemetery in Igo, CA.

Sgt McCoy served honorably from 1951 to 1955 with duty in Korea.
He was awarded the Korean War Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal,
Sharpshooter Badge, Korean War Presidential Unit Citation and the United Nations Service Medal.

Stage: 0815 at Allen and Dahl, 2030 Howard Street, Anderson
Briefing: 0830
KSU: 0840
Service: 0930 Shelter/Casket Pallbearers needed.

Bob Prosser
530 472-3350
bvprosser@yahoo.com

Thursday April 24, 2025 at 11:00 am
U S Air Force Veteran, Staff Sgt, Anthony Lyon Lombard - Anderson / Igo, CA

The family of United States Air Force Staff Sgt Anthony Lyon Lombard have requested
an escort to the Northern California Veterans Cemetery in Igo, CA.

Staff Sgt Lombard served honorably from 1954 to 1958 with duty at Lackman AFB, TX.
He was awarded the AF Good Conduct Medal.

Stage: 0930 at Allen and Dahl, 2030 Howard St., Anderson
Briefing: 0945
KSU: 1000
Service: 1100 Shelter/Casket

Bob Prosser
530 472-3350
bvprosser@yahoo.com

Thursday April 24, 2025 at 1:30 pm
Unaccompanied Interment Service - Sparks / Fernley, NV

About the Mission:
Our fallen veterans who are without family, homeless, indigent, or just forgotten and remain unclaimed are honored.
US Army, US Marine Corps, US Navy, US Air Force, US Coast Guard, US Merchant Marines, US Space Force.

Primary Staging Details:
April 24, 2025 -- 1:30 PM at
Alamo Casino any Travel Center,
1950 Greg Street,
West End of Parking Lot,
Sparks, Nevada 89431

Ride Captain:
Bob Ortiz
775-772-4633
bobby99993@yahoo.com

Instructions:
Those Leaving Reno, Sparks wishing to ride or drive as a group.
After a short briefing 1:45 PM. Plan on departing the Alamo Casino and Travel Center.
The Service will take place at the Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Fernley NV.

Flags & Water:
Flags will not be provided.
Large Bike Flags will not be needed.
Water will not be provided, please bring your own.

Stage 2 Details:
April 24, 2025 -- 2:30 PM at
Northern Nevada Veterans Cemetery,
14 Veteran's Way,
Fernley, NV 89408

Ride Captain:
Bob Ortiz
775-772-4633
bobby99993@yahoo.com

Instructions:
Follow the circumference road to the north side of the property behind the wall.
2:45 PM briefing, at 2:55 PM we will depart on foot to join the 3:00 PM Service.

Flags & Water:
Flags will not be provided.
Large Bike Flags will not be needed.
Water will not be provided, please bring your own.
________________________________________
Submitted by: Tony Jacovino
Nevada Assistant State Captain

Thursday April 24, 2025 at 3:30 pm
U S Army Air Corps, WWII Veteran, KIA, POW, MIA, 2nd LT, Robert Thomas McCollum - San Jose, CA

About the Mission:
Repatriation Mission for 2nd Lt. Robert Thomas McCollum, US Army Air Forces (KIA/MIA) The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency recently announced that U.S. Army Air Forces 2nd Lt. Robert T. McCollum, 22, of Cleveland, Ohio, killed during World War II, was accounted for Dec. 10, 2024.

McCollum’s family recently received their full briefing on his identification, therefore, additional details on his identification can be shared.

In June 1944, McCollum was assigned to the 565th Bombardment Squadron, 389th Bombardment Group, 2nd Combat Bomb Wing, 2nd Air Division, 8th Air Force, in the European Theater. On June 20, McCollum, the bombardier onboard a B-24J “Liberator” bomber, went missing in action when his plane crashed into the Baltic Sea off the coast of Denmark after colliding with another B-24 in the same formation. The pilot and co-pilot of McCollum’s aircraft were able to bail out and survived, but all evidence points to the rest of the crew being killed in the crash. The U.S. War Department issued a Finding of Death for McCollum on June 21, 1945.

In early 1948, the American Graves Registration Command (AGRC), the organization that searched for and recovered fallen American personnel in the European Theater, investigated the crash, but were unable to find any of the missing crewmen. Over the next couple of years, the AGRC also assessed unidentified remains that washed ashore in the area where McCollum’s aircraft crashed but were not able to identify any of the crew. McCollum was declared non-recoverable on May 12, 1950.

In 2019, Danish divers alerted the Royal Danish Navy to a WWII-era aircraft wreck in the general area where McCollum’s aircraft crashed. A .50 caliber machine gun with a damaged serial number that partially matched the guns on McCollum’s aircraft was recovered. In August 2021, after the Royal Danish Navy Explosive Ordinance Disposal cleared the site of unexploded ordinance, DPAA partner University of Delaware, along with the Royal Danish Navy, returned to conduct an underwater survey. The survey found possible human remains as well as enough evidence to recommend the site for an archaeological excavation.

From Sept. 21 to Oct. 11, 2022, DPAA primary partner Trident Archäologie, along with Wessex Archaeology and volunteers from Project Recover, and with stakeholders from the Royal Danish Navy and the Langelands Museum, returned to the site to conduct excavation and recovery operations. They found extensive evidence, including remains, material evidence, and the ID tags of two of the crew members, all of which was turned over to the Danish authorities and then accessioned into the DPAA laboratory. Trident Archäologie, Wessex Archaeology, the Royal Danish Navy, and the Langelands Museum again returned to the site from Sept. 4-23, 2023, and May 18 to June 9, 2024, to conduct further operations, during which they found further material evidence and possible remains. That evidence was also accessioned into the DPAA laboratory.

To identify McCollum’s remains, scientists from DPAA used dental and anthropological analysis, as well as material evidence. Additionally, scientists from the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System used mitochondrial DNA and autosomal DNA analysis. McCollum’s name is recorded on the Wall of the Missing at Cambridge American Cemetery, Cambridge, England, along with others still missing from WWII. A rosette was placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.

For additional information ->

Primary Staging Details:
April 24, 2025 -- 3:30 PM
San Jose Airport (near SW Cargo),
1521 Airport Blvd,
San Jose, California 95110

Ride Captain:
Henk Zantman
bayarea.pgr@gmail.com
(925) 997-5061

Instructions:
KSU time: 4:45PM
KSU location: Oak Hill Funeral Home & Memorial Park, 300 Curtner Ave, San Jose, CA 95125

Flags & Water:
Flags will not be provided.
If you have large bike flags, please bring them.
Water will not be provided, please bring your own.
________________________________________
Submitted by: Henk Zantman
California Assistant State Captain

Friday April 25, 2025 at 8:30 am
U S Army, Vietnam Veteran, Dennis Whitmer - Seaside, CA

About the Mission:
Mr. Whitmer spent 21 years in the US Army. He did two tours in Vietnam.
He was pilot and flew in C-7A Caribous, ferrying troops and supplies, and
later in the reconnaissance aircraft known as the Mohawk.
He earned a Bronze Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, and several other citations and medals.

Primary Staging Details:
April 25, 2025 -- 8:30 AM at
Embassy Suites,
1441 Canyon Del Rey Blvd,
Seaside, California 93955

Ride Captain:
Hy Libby
hlibby@sbcglobal.net
(831) 334-9964

Instructions:
KSU time: 8:45 AM
KSU location: CCCVC, 2900 Parker Flats Cut Off Rd, Seaside, CA 93955
Service time: 9:30 AM
We will form a flag line while Military Honors are rendered.

Flags & Water:
Flags will not be provided.
If you have large bike flags, please bring them.
Water will not be provided, please bring your own.
________________________________________
Submitted by: Henk Zantman
California Assistant State Captain

Friday April 25, 2025 at 9:30 am
U S Army, Korean War Veteran, Gilbert Medina - Salinas, CA

About the Mission:
Mr. Medina served for three years, including his deployment to Korea.

Primary Staging Details:
April 25, 2025 -- 9:30 AM at
Pilot Travel Center,
951 Work St,
Salinas, California 93901

Ride Captain:
Hy Libby
(831) 334-9964
hlibby@sbcglobal.net

Instructions:
KSU: 9:45 AM, to CCCVC, 2900 Parker Flats Cut Off Rd, Seaside, CA 93955
Target arrival: 10:30 AM
Service: 11:00 AM
Flag-line: while military honors are rendered
Note: there are two overlapping missions this day, the other mission, for Lt. Col. Dennis Whitmer, will be lead by Steve Repetto

Flags & Water:
Flags will not be provided.
If you have large bike flags, please bring them.
Water will not be provided, please bring your own.
________________________________________
Submitted by: Henk Zantman
California Assistant State Captain

Monday April 28, 2025 at 2:00 pm
United States Army Pvt James Ralph Briggs - Redding / Igo, CA

The family of United States Army Pvt James Ralph Briggs have requested
an escort to the Northern California Veterans Cemetery in Igo, CA.

Pvt Briggs served honorably from 1967 to 1968 at Ft. Lewis, Washington.
He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal.

Stage: 1230 at Lawncrest, 1522 E. Cypress Ave, Redding 96002
Briefing: 1245
KSU: 1300
Service: 1400

Bob Prosser
530 472-3350
bvprosser@yahoo.com

Saturday May 3, 2025 at 9:00 am
U S Army, WWII Veteran, POW, KIA, Pvt, James "Stanley" Mitchell - MULTI-CITY, CA

About the Mission:
Pvt James "Stanley" Mitchell enlisted in the United States Army on 03/04/1941 and served honorably during WWII. He was captured when the Philippians surrendered and became a POW in the Bataan Death March in April 1942. At POW Camp Cabanatuan Pvt Mitchell was KIA on 1/7/1943 and buried in a common grave. Pvt Mitchell served in Company B, 1st Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment United States Army. He was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star. In September 2024 Pvt Mitchell's remains were exhumed, identified through DNA and will be returned to the International Airport in Sacramento California at a date not yet set. Pvt Mitchell will be escorted to a mortuary in Chico, CA upon his return to CA. At 1000 hours on May 3, 2025 Pvt Mitchell will be escorted from Chico, CA to Hamilton City, CA, his home town, for Military Honors. At 1300 hours Pvt Mitchell will be escorted to Los Molinos for burial with full Military Honors.

Primary Staging Details:
May 3, 2025 -- 9:00 AM at
Mortuary,
East Street,
Chico, California

Ride Captain:
Bob Prosser
530 472-3350
bvprosser@yahoo.com

Instructions:
Briefing 9:15 AM
KSU 9:30 AM
Service 10:00 AM

Flags & Water:
Flags will not be provided.
If you have large bike flags, please bring them.
Water will be provided.

Stage 2 Details:
May 3, 2025 -- 11:30 AM at
VFW Hall,
Hamilton City, CA 96001

Ride Captain:
Bob Prosser
530 472-3350
bvprosser@yahoo.com

Instructions:
Briefing 11:45
KSU 12:00
Service 1:00

Flags & Water:
Flags will not be provided.
If you have large bike flags, please bring them.
Water will be provided.
________________________________________
Submitted by: Robert Prosser
California Assistant State Captain

Monday May 5, 2025 at 2:00 pm
U S Navy, Vietnam Veteran, Lt. Stephen Gerald Bambauer - Igo, CA

The family of United States Navy Lt. Stephen Gerald Bambauer have requested a
flag line at the Northern California Veterans Cemetery in Igo, CA.

Lt Bambauer served honorably from 1966 to 1972 with duty in Vietnam.
He was awarded the Air Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal,
Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Armed Forces Medal.

Stage: 1340 at Northern California Veterans Cemetery. Igo, CA
Flagline: 1345
Service: 1400. Casket/Shelter.

Bob Prosser
530 472-3350
bvprosser@yahoo.com

Remember . . .
"It's about the Veteran's
and their families.."
NOT about Personalities,
Clubs or Bike Models . . .

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