2015 – WV Patriot Guard

SHORT NOTICE – Sgt Ted “TJ” Hewitt, USMC OIF Veteran – Spencer, WV – 21 Dec 15

The Patriot Guard Riders have been requested to stand in silent Honor and Respect for Sgt Ted James “TJ” Hewitt, 35, US Marine Corps Veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom for his final services on Monday, 21 Dec 15, in Spencer, WV. TJ went to be with the Lord on 15 Dec after a long and courageous battle with cancer, leaving behind a wife and 3 young children. Services will be held at the Taylor-Vandale Funeral Home, 206 Beauty St., Spencer,…

S2 John Ferda, USN, WWII Veteran, 17 DEC 15, Wellsburg, WV

The Patriot Guard Riders have been asked to stand in silent honor and respect for S2 John Ferda, USN, WWII veteran, on Thursday, December 17, 2015. S2 Ferda went to be with our Lord on December 13, 2015. Services will be held at the Chambers Funeral Home, 1030 Main Street, Wellsburg WV, 26070, at 11:00 a.m. Staging will be 09:30 a.m. at the funeral home Ride briefing at 09:45 a.m., with flag line in place by 10:00 a.m. prior to…

CONFIRMED – PFC Richard (Dick) Stanley, USMC Vietnam Era – Elizabeth, WV – 12 Dec 15

The Patriot Guard Riders have been invited to stand in silent Honor and Respect for PFC Richard (Dick) Stanley, U.S. Marine Corps Veteran of the Vietnam Era, for his final services on Saturday, 12 Dec 15, in Elizabeth, WV. Dick is the brother of West Virginia Ride Captain Jerry Stanley. This most honorable mission will consist of escorting Dick from the Matheny Whited Funeral Home, 448 Juliana St., Elizabeth, WV (https://tinyurl.com/hlfzkxa) to the cemetery for graveside services. West Virginia Ride…

HOTH – Wreaths Across America – Institute, WV – 12 Dec 15

The Patriot Guard Riders have been invited to attend, and participate in, the Wreaths Across America on Saturday, December 12th; at the Donel C. Kinard Memorial State Veteran’s Cemetery in Institute, WV, .We will be honoring the fallen veterans by standing a flag line for the opening ceremony and then staying for a short period to participate in the laying of wreaths at their graves. Please remember to bring your 3×5 flags (and maybe an extra for any guests…

CONFIRMED – GMC Michael J. Melton, U.S. Navy (RET), GWOT Veteran – Barboursville, WV – 07 Dec 15

The family of Chief Petty Officer (Ret) Michael J. Melton has requested the Patriot Guard Riders stand in honor of their loved one during his final services on Monday, December 7th. “Mike” had been fighting health issues for a number of years and passed away peacefully 3 Dec., with his family at his side. He faithfully served our country for 24 years as a Gunner’s Mate in the US Navy, and we will be honored to stand for him. This…

HOTH – Wreaths Across America – Pruntytown, WV – 12 Dec 15

The WV Patriot Guard has been invited to participate in this year’s Wreaths Across America ceremonies on Saturday, December 12, 2014. The ceremony will take place at the West Virginia National Cemetery in Pruntytown, West Virginia. Staging: 11:00 a.m., at the Welcome Center – West Virginia National Cemetery in Pruntytown, West Virginia. Briefing: 11:10 a.m. Escort to the ceremony location at the West Virginia National Cemetery – PRUNTYTOWN: 11:30 a.m. Flag Lines established: 11:45 a.m. We will continue our flags lines throughout the ceremony and continue for approximately 15 minutes after the laying of the…

HOTH – Pearl Harbor Memorial Day – Morgantown, WV – 07 Dec 15

The Patriot Guard Riders have been invited to stand in silent Honor and Respect for the PEARL HARBOR MEMORIAL DAY EVENT. The event will be held on December 7th, 2015 Time of Event will be 11:00 a.m. Location of Event will be West Virginia University, in front of Oglebay Hall. Staging: Will be at 10:30 a.m. at the event location. The local VFW’s will also be participating. Parking is extremely limited but available at the VFW548 Lodge Parking Lot, located at 494 Spruce Street.…

CONFIRMED – CPT Abbott M. Smith, Jr., US AAF, WWII – Huntington, WV – 02 Dec 15

Seven years ago, we were invited to do a “surprise” escort for a member of America’s Greatest Generation on Veteran’s Day; those who participated that day were able to meet and talk with a truly humble hero…Captain Abbott Smith. He was a decorated bombardier who flew dozens of missions in B-17 aircraft as part of the 303rd Bomb Group. It was a special day, and one I remember well, and I am sad to say we received word that at…