Friday January 2, 2015
Funeral, Escort & Internment - WWII US Navy Veteran Joseph Gallagher, Sparks / Fernley, NV

The Patriot Guard Riders having been invited to participate in the funeral, escort and interment service for fallen WWII US Navy Veteran Joseph Gallagher.

At this service; as eight of us, including two Nor Cal PGR members from Susanville, CA, formed the flag line at the church entrance, we were commenting on the bright, clear, blue sky, 'brisk' temperature (9F) and the fact that this was the first mission any of us recalled when all members were driving autos.

Then we heard it; in disbelief we watched as Tom Rader (sans heated riding gear) pulled into the parking lot, arriving from Minden, NV, about an hour south of Reno.

Following the service, as Tom was the only rider, he lead the coach, family, friends and PGR to the Northern Nevada Veterans' Memorial Cemetery, Fernley, NV.

The funeral procession's arrival at the cemetery was met by four other Northern Nevada Patriot Guard members standing the flag line at the entrance.

Military honors were presented by the US Navy Honor Guard.

Storekeeper 3rd class (E4) Gallagher served in the navy from April, 1943 to May, 1946; he received the WWII Victory Medal, American Area Ribbon, Asiatic Pacific Ribbon and Good Conduct Medal.

Flag Line honoring family members and friends began at 10:30 am. The funeral took place at 11:00 am at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 5650 Vista Blvd., Sparks, NV (north of Los Altos Pkwy, east side of Vista Blvd.)

Following the service, we escorted the coach, family and friends to Northern Nevada Veterans' Memorial Cemetery, Fernley, NV for a 1:00 pm Military Honors Interment Service.

Standing For Those Who Stood For US
Dean Shuff
Northern Nevada Assistant State Captain
Patriot Guard Riders of Nevada

***I had the honor and priveledge of joining and standing with my
Northern Nevada PGR Brothers & Sisters on this Mission.
For All You do, Thank You...
Blake "Burnout" - NorCalPGR
PGR Susanville, CA