Honor Mission
Alva F. Mathes
US Air Force
Korean War Era Veteran
Livonia, NY - 03/02/2023
Mission applies to the following Region(s):
Region 1, Region 2
About the Mission:
The family of Mr. Alva F. Mathes has requested that Patriot Guard Riders participate in honoring his life and service. Alva, 92, passed away on Wednesday, February 22, 2023 at Liana of Venice, in Venice, FL.
Born in Terryville, CT, Mr. Mathes was a Korean War Era and Cold War veteran, having served in the US Air Force from 1950-1954. His Specialties were: 27351 - Aircraft Control & Warning Operator, and 30151 - Aircraft Electronic Navigation Equipment Repair. Mr. Mathes served in the 4713th Radar Evaluation Flight, based at Griffiss Air Force Base, Rome, NY. He was honorably discharged at the rank of Staff Sergeant (E-5), and for his service, was awarded the Air Force Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Cold War Service Medal, and Honorable Discharge Commemorative Medal.
After his military service, Alva took advantage of the GI Bill to get his Electrical Engineering degree from the University of Connecticut and went on to work for Eastman Kodak Company as an Engineer. He worked at Kodak for 25 years retiring at age 55.
Portions of the above narrative are contained in Mr. Mathes' obituary, available for viewing online by clicking here
03/02/2023 at 09:00am
Staging Location:
St. Matthews Catholic Church
6591 Richmond Mills Road
Livonia, NY 14487
Click here for map
Lead Ride Captain and Contact Info:
bruce forsyth -
585-348-7664
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 form a flag line for the arrival of the family at the church, expected at approximately 9:30am. We will stand a respectful flag line during calling hours at the church which will go until 11:00am. A Funeral Mass will begin at 11:00am during which the PGR will stand down.
Approximately 12:15pm, we will perform a dignified transfer and escort the cortege to the cemetery. At the cemetery, PGR will render honors with the military honor guard during services and render a final salute as Mr. Mathes is laid to his final rest.
If you are unable to attend the mission at the church, please consider going directly to:
St. Michaels Cemetery
4324 Shelly Rd
Livonia, NY 14487
Click here for map
If you go directly to the cemetery, please park along Shelly Rd. as there is only a single lane road in the cemetery.
Come prepared with a clean US or Air Force Flag, your own water, and dress for the weather - current forecast is for low thirty degree temperatures and a chance of precipitation.
Please come and honor Mr. Mathes' service to America and support his loving family in their time of grief.
Is there a Second Stage to this Mission?
no
Submitted by:
bruce forsyth
rs 02/24; MER
