PGRNY Completed Missions

Honor Mission

MSG James A. Schaeffer

US Army (Ret.)
Vietnam Veteran

Schuylerville, NY - 07/15/2022

Mission applies to the following Region(s):

Region 4, Region 5

About the Mission:

The family of MSG James Allan Schaeffer has reqested Patriot Guard Rider participation in his military honors funeral services. Sergeant Schaeffer, 78, died Wednesday, April 6, 2022, at St. Peter's Hospital in Albany.

Born in Pine Grove, PA, James was a graduate of Pine Grove Central High School. He was a 21 year US Army veteran, entering on 20 April 1976. He served as an Infantryman (MOS 11B5X) and Indirect Fire Infantryman (MOS 11C40), and completed 2 tours of duty in Vietnam. His last active duty assignment was as a Military Instructor at LaSalle Institute in Troy, NY. James retired on 19 June 1991 at the rank of Master Sergeant (E-8), and for his service was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star w/"V" Device, Good Conduct Medal (7th Award), National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal w/4 Bronze Stars, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (2 Awards), Overseas Service Bars (4 Awards), Vietnam Campaign Medal w/60 Device and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry w/Palm (2nd Award).

After his active service, James was the ROTC Instructor at Christian Brothers Academy in Colonie for 19 years. He then worked for 10 years at Albany RV as a RV Demonstration Technician, was a member of the American Legion Post #1489 in Wynantskill, a communicant of St. Jude the Apostle Church, a volunteer at the Samuel Stratton VA Medical Center in Albany and Doors of Hope in West Sand Lake.

Portions of the above narrative are contained in James' obituary, available for viewing online by clicking here

Primary Staging Date and Staging Time:

07/15/2022 at 10:00am

Staging Location:

Saratoga National Cemetery
200 Duell Road
Schuylerville, NY 12871

Lead Ride Captain and Contact Info:

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

518-669-3358

Special Covid-19 Mission Guidelines:

Updated 8 March 2022

Based on the most current COVID-19 Prevention Guidelines: NYS Guidelines of 2 March 2022, 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:

Interment with military honors scheduled for 10:30 am. Please stage quietly and be aware of any services already in progress.

Is there a Second Stage to this Mission?

no

Submitted by:

Ray Sestak

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