[PGR_PA_r11] Richard "Shovelhead" Thomas USN & PGRPA SRC/ 23 July 2021 / Corry & Cecil Township, PA

[PAPGR Vet Rep West]

*Richard "Shovelhead" Thomas Sr.*

*U.S. Navy *

*Vietnam Era Veteran*

*PGRPA Senior Ride Captain*

* 23 July 2021*
*Corry & Cecil Township, PA*


The Patriot Guard Riders have been invited by the family of Richard
"Shovelhead" Thomas Sr., a U.S. Navy veteran and our Brother, a Patriot
Guard Rider, Senior Ride Captain for Region 1 in Pennsylvania, to escort
then stand in silent honor for his interment at The National Cemetery of
the Alleghenies.

Rick served in the United States Navy from April of 1969 during the Vietnam
era until he was honorably discharged, with the rank of Seaman January of
1971.

Decorations include the National Defense Service Medal.

After time served Rick continued serving and became a member of VFW Post
#264 Corry, PA.

Rick was also actively involved as a proud member and Brother as one of our
own through PGR,  joined the 17th of May 2006. Last duty, Senior Ride
Captain for Region One of Patriot Guard Riders of Pennsylvania.  Rick stood
for countless heroes and their families.  Many lives were impacted by his
love for his country, those who defend it and sadly, those who gave their
all.

Rick had a selfless wish, to donate his body to science so he can help
diagnose and treat those who have or will have the same rare illness of
Cancer as he did.  Shortly after his passing, Rick’s body was taken as an
Anatomical Gift to the University of Buffalo School of Medicine and
Biomedical Sciences.

Later Rick's family reached out inviting us to a Celebration of Life for
Rick on the 10th of November 2018. Many showed up to honor Rick and pay
their respects to the family. Memories were shared, tears were shed, a
family of one.

On the 28th of June 2021 Rick's family reached out once more. This time
notifying us, Rick is home.


*Rick's Last Wish*


For our Unsung Hero, Brother Leader and Friend, inviting all to honor
Rick's Last Wish which falls on his 72nd Birthday, to be interred with
military honors and buried in the hallowed grounds with our American Heroes
in The National Cemetery of the Alleghenies.

Rick served our country with honor, now it's our turn to stand in honor for
him.



*Fri, 23 July 2021*



*Staging:* 8:30 AM
*Corry Plaza*
300 West Columbus Avenue, Corry, PA
https://goo.gl/maps/m36zLTeKj8LUpsGE7


*Briefing:* 8:45 AM


*KSU,** Escorting to NCOTA: *9:00 AM
*National Cemetery of the Alleghenies*
1158 Morgan Rd, Cecil Township,PA 15017
https://goo.gl/maps/PJYsN


*Routes:*


*First Leg*
US-6 West to US-19  South to SR-198 West to I-79 South

*First Rest & Fuel Stop:*
Exit 105 @ SR-108
*Love's Travel Plaza*
1011 New Castle Road, Slippery Rock, PA
https://goo.gl/maps/KKuH84sttdpKTr4x9


*Second Leg:*
I-79 South to Exit 54, Bridgeville, SR-50 South

*Second Rest & Fuel Stop & Alternate Staging: *12:00 PM
*Sheetz Convenience Store*
3109 Washington Pike, Bridgeville. PA
https://goo.gl/maps/7EBv5P5Sk1ZF9g3EA


*Third Leg:*
Washington Pike South to Morgan Road, turn right on Morgan Road to The
National Cemetery of the Alleghenies



*Rally Points:*

*Anyone can join the Escort along the way as it passes I-79 entrance ramps,
at the two Rest & Fuel Stops above or at The Cemetery of the Alleghenies.*


*Upon arrival of The National Cemetery of the Alleghenies dismount,  Flag
Line set*


Interment at 1:30 PM


Members can attend all of a mission or any part of the mission. PGR sets no
time for a member to escort and or stand a mission. We Thank you for
whatever time you give us and the families of our heroes appreciate your
time.




*Remember that the National Cemetery is a Federal Reservation and NO
WEAPONS are permitted. Also, masks are no longer required for those fully
vaccinated.  If not fully vaccinated you are required to wear a mask while
social distancing, during the service, interment and if indoors.Before
heading out please watch the weather, dress accordingly and bring your 3 X
5 hand held American flags.*




*First & Second Leg Ride Captain's:*


*Dale Mallory*
tazmall at hotmail.com
(724) 992-9186


*Jeff Scott*
jhogshop at hotmail.com
(814) 384-4614


*Assisting:** Randy Good*
rgood1956 at gmail.com
(814) 520-2612


*Third Leg** Ride Captain:*
*Jim Shaw*
jeshaw at comcast.net
(412) 217-5967
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