Honor Mission
Cyril "Skip" Merrick
US Navy
Vietnam Veteran
Cold War Veteran
PGRNY Ride Captain
Multi-City, NY - 03/05-06/2025
Mission applies to the following Region(s):
Region 1, Region 2
About the Mission:
The family of US Navy Vietnam Veteran and long-time PGRNY Region 1 Ride Captain Cyril "Skip" Merrick has requested Patriot Guard Riders' participation in honoring his life and military service. Skip, of Belmont, NY - passed away on 6 February 2025 at his son's home in Cape Coral, FL at the age of 78.
Skip served our nation on active duty in the US Navy for 3 years, 4 months from 1966-1970, with a naval rating of ABH-Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Aircraft Handling.) He served a total of 14 months of foreign/sea service, including assignment to Attack Squadron Ninety-Five aboard the super carrier USS Enterprise (CVN-65), performing as a plane handler for an A-7 jet fighter. Skip received his honorable discharge from active duty on 27 March 1970 with the rank of Petty Officer 3rd Class (E-4), and completed his reserve obligation on 26 September 1972. For his service to our nation, Skip earned the National Defense Service Medal; Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Korea); Vietnam Service Medal; Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal; and Cold War Service Commemorative Medal.
Skip, along with his wife Jackie, served decades in honor and service to the Veteran Community. He was very active in the Morrison-Hayes American Legion Post 702 in Wellsville serving as a Vice-Commander, and he was a charter member and Commander of the Morrison-Hayes American Legion Riders. Skip served as an Allegany County American Legion Commander, and he was a long-time Chairman of the Allegany County American Legion Boys State committee. Skip and his wife made many trips to the Bath VA Hospital & Nursing Home to visit with the veterans.
As one of our beloved Region 1 Ride Captains for over a decade, Skip led countless Missions over the years, often accompanied by his wife Jackie (also a PGR member.) One of his favorite annual missions was escorting busses of veterans from the Bath VA Center to the Allegany County Veterans Organization rural property in Alma, NY for a day of fishing and relaxation in nature.
Please take a few moments to read about Skip's life here: Obituary - Click here
Primary Staging Date and Staging Time:
03/05/2025 at 04:00pm
Staging Location:
J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home
34 State Street
Wellsville, NY 14895
Click here for map
Lead Ride Captain and Contact Info:
Don Higgins, RC, Reg-1
Special Covid-19 Mission Guidelines:
Updated 15, May 2024
The CDC has changed its COVID-19 protocol recommendations for 2024, updating them to reflect the changing severity and transmission of the virus. Please click here for the latest information and continue to practice common sense distancing protocols while in enclosed locations.
Special Information:
PGR will provide a respectful flag line for arrival of the family, and during the visitation hours from 5:00-7:00 PM. This stage of the mission will end when visitation is complete.
Please be prepared with a clean 3x5 American or US Navy flag, and dress for the weather. Thank you for devoting your time to help honor our friend, US Navy veteran and PGRNY Ride Captain Cyril "Skip" Merrick, and to support his loving family and friends.
Is there a Second Stage to this Mission?
yes
Second Staging Date and Staging Time:
03/06/2025 at 10:00am
Second Location:
Immaculate Conception Church
36 Maple Avenue at East State Street
Wellsville, NY 14895
Click here for map
Second Lead Ride Captain and Contact Info:
Don Higgins, RC, Reg-1
Second Stage - Special Information:
PGR will provide a respectful flag line for arrival of the family and friends. The Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for 11:00 AM.
Following Mass, we will proceed to the Morrison Hayes American Legion Post #702, 23 Jefferson Street, Wellsville, NY Click here for map
The American Legion will conduct their honors ceremony, and PGR will do the plaque presentation. PGR members are invited to stay for the following reception/meal.
Please be prepared with a clean 3x5 American or US Navy flag, and dress for the weather. Thank you for devoting your time to help honor our friend, US Navy Vietnam War & Cold War veteran and PGRNY Ride Captain Cyril "Skip" Merrick, and to support his loving family and friends.
Is there a Third Stage to this Mission?
yes
Third Staging Date and Staging Time:
03/07/2025 at 09:15am
Third Location:
J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home
34 State Street
Wellsville, NY 14895
Click here for map
Third Lead Ride Captain and Contact Info:
Don Higgins, RC, Reg-1
Third Stage - Special Information:
PGR will assemble in preparation for the escort of Skip Merrick and his family to Bath National Cemetery for the 11:00 AM Military Honors burial ceremony. This is a 45-mile escort at highway speed. Please ensure your large flags are very secure.
Please be prepared with a clean 3x5 American or US Navy flag, and dress for the weather. Thank you for devoting your time to help honor our friend, US Navy Vietnam War & Cold War veteran and PGRNY Ride Captain Cyril "Skip" Merrick, and to support his loving family and friends.
Is there a Fourth Stage to this Mission?
yes
Fourth Staging Date and Staging Time:
03/07/2025 at 10:30am
Fourth Location:
Bath National Cemetery
San Juan Avenue
Bath, NY 14810
Click here for map
Fourth Lead Ride Captain and Contact Info:
Don Higgins, RC, Reg-1
Fourth Stage - Special Information:
If you are unable to participate in the escort from Wellsville, please consider staging at the upper flag pole parking area, and provide a respectful flag line at the ceremonial shelter for arrival of the cortege. The Military Honors burial ceremony is scheduled for 11:00 AM.
Please be prepared with a clean 3x5 American or US Navy flag, and dress for the weather. Thank you for devoting your time to help honor our friend, US Navy Vietnam War & Cold War veteran and PGRNY Ride Captain Cyril "Skip" Merrick, and to support his loving family and friends.
Submitted by:
Don Higgins, RC, Reg-1
rs 02/27; MER
