The family of CPO Bernard Gennarino, Jr. has requested the Patriot Guard to stand in his honor.  Bernie died in 2001 and was buried in a pauper's grave in Texas.  He was disinterred last week and escorted by the Texas PGR on his journey home. (further detail below)

Date: Saturday, 10/29/11

Time: Staging 12:15 p.m.

Place: Walker Brothers Funeral Home
15 West Avenue
Spencerport, New York 14559

Link to Map:  http://g.co/maps/27up6

Ride Captain: Dave Kern, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

There will be a brief flag line for the transfer, and 5 minute escort to the Fairfield Cemetery in Spencerport for interment with full military honors.

Weather forecast is iffy.  The family has requested motorcycle escort, but use your own judgement and come in your car if necessary.  Dress appropriately.  Entire mission is expected to be one hour.  Please come out and support this family as they finally lay their loved one to rest in an honorable manner.

Further details about this mission: By a sad twist of fate, Bernie was buried in a pauper's grave 10 years ago in Texas, without a casket or headstone.  His son Jim has worked to bring his father home and give him an honorable burial. We participated in the fundraiser to help bring him home. The Texas PGR escorted Bernie from his disinterment last week.  Jim has now joined the PGR and will be working with our Veteran Recovery Program to recover other forgotten Veterans.   

Bernie served in the U.S. Navy from 6/3/1943 to 2/9/1965. His Navy career spanned WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. In WWII Bernie served in the Pacific Theater. During The Korean War he served aboard the aircraft carrier the U.S.S Letye. At the height of the Cold War and the early years of Vietnam Bernie was an electronics technician aboard the U.S. Navy’s land based sub-hunter the Lockheed P2V Neptune. During the Cuban missile crisis he participated in the blockade of Cuba, helping to prevent Soviet ships and submarines from delivering nuclear missiles to Cuba. After the Cuban Missile crisis Bernie flew sub-hunting missions over the Atlantic Ocean tracking Soviet submarines. He was awarded many commendations and medals recognizing his service. He retired from the U.S. Navy with the rank of Chief Petty Officer/Naval Electronics Technician in February of 1965.

Many thanks go to the Murphy Funeral Home in Ontario, NY for providing services, the Walker Funeral Home in Spencerport for opening their doors for us, and the Fairfield Cemetery for donating the plot.    

Dave Kern
NY State Captain