PGRNY Completed Missions

Special Mission

Helen W. Laird

Gold Star Mother

Multi-City, NY - 03/04/2023

Mission applies to the following Region(s):

Region 1, Region 2

About the Mission:

The family of Helen W. Laird has requested that Patriot Guard Riders stand and honor her as she is laid to rest.  Helen, 100, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 24, 2023, at the New York State Veteran’s Home in Batavia, NY.

Helen was employed at the New York State School for the Blind in Batavia, NY for over 20 years until her retirement in 1981. She was the last remaining Gold Star Mother from Genesee County, NY, and the mother of PFC Richard F. Laird.  PFC Laird was killed in action on 6 November 1967, while serving in the US Army with "D" Company, 4th Batallion, 503rd Infantry, 173rd Airborne Brigade in Kontum Province, South Vietnam.  He was just 6 days short of his 21st birthday.

Helen's full obituary is available for viewing online by clicking here

Primary Staging Date and Staging Time:

03/04/2023 at 10:00am

Staging Location:

St.Padre Pio Parish
55 Maple Ave.
Oakfield, NY  14125
Click here for map

Lead Ride Captain and Contact Info:

Dick (Dixie) Hancock - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Special Covid-19 Mission Guidelines:

Updated 8 March 2022

Based on the most current COVID-19 Prevention Guidelines: Protect Yourself and Your Family from COVID-19, and CDC Guidelines of 3 March 2022, going forward, the Lead Ride Captain for any mission will be responsible for determining whether PGR members will have to mask up or not. Please ensure that you have a mask with you, should the need arise, and respect the LRC’s decision in these matters.

Special Information:

PGR members will stand an honorable flag line for the arrival of her family and guests, for a funeral mass at 11:00am. After mass and an honorable transfer, PGR members will escort our hero's mom to St. Joseph Cemetery, Ellicott St. (Rt.63), Batavia, New York for interment.  Click here for map to the cemetery  This is a special mission for a special mom. Please arrive on time with either an American or US Army Flag, and dress for the weather.

Is there a Second Stage to this Mission?

no

Submitted by:

Don Becker

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.