Honor Mission
Richard J. Thomas
US Army
Vietnam Veteran
Multi-City, NY - 04/04/2023
Mission applies to the following Region(s):
Region 1, Region 2
About the Mission:
The family of Richard J. Thomas of Lancaster, NY has requested Patriot Guard Riders participation in honoring his life and service. Mr. Thomas passed away on 31 March 2023.
Mr. Thomas served our nation for 3 years on active duty in the US Army Adjutant Corps from 1970-1973, with an Army MOS of 71B30-Clerk Typist. He served 12 months in Vietnam from Dec 1970-Dec 1971, where he was assigned to the 1st Signal Corps, and also served as a combat photographer.
Mr. Thomas was honorably discharged from active duty on 26 July 1973 with the rank of Specialist Five ( E-5), and he earned the following awards: Bronze Star Medal; Army Commendation Medal; Army Good Conduct Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Vietnam Service Medal; Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation w/Palm; Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal; 2 Overseas Bars: Sharpshooter Qualification Badge for Hand Grenade; and Marksman Qualification Badge for Automatic Rifle.
A full obituary is available for viewing online by clicking here
Primary Staging Date and Staging Time:
04/04/2023 at 09:00am
Staging Location:
St. Mother Teresa Parish at St. James Church
496 Terrace Blvd.
Depew, NY 14043
Click here for map
Lead Ride Captain and Contact Info:
Richard “Dixie” Hancock -
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 will stand a respectful flag line for arrival of the family and guests. The Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for 10:00 AM. Following the Mass and dignified transfer, PGR will provide an escort to St. Augustine Cemetery, 25 Cemetery Road, Lancaster, NY 14086 Click here for map to cemetery
Please be prepared with a clean 3x5 American or US Army flag, dress for the weather, and ensure your large flags are securely attached.
Thank you for devoting your time to help honor the US Army Vietnam War service of Richard J. Thomas, and to support his loving family.
Is there a Second Stage to this Mission?
no
Submitted by:
Don Higgins, SRC, Region-1
rs 04/01; MER
