PGRNY Completed Missions

Honor Mission

John Robert Des Champs, Sr.

US Army, USAR, Vietnam Veteran

Ilion, NY - 06/30/2022

Mission applies to the following Region(s):

Region 2, Region 3, Region 5

About the Mission:

Patriot Guard Riders of New York has been requested to stand in honor of the life and service of Mr. John Robert Des Champs, Sr. of Ilion, who passed away on January 3, 2022 at the age of 78.

“Bob” served our nation for 2 years on active duty in the US Army, and was stationed on Okinawa and in Viet Nam. His specialty was Construction Machine Operator. Bob was honorably discharged from active duty as an E4 and transferred to the US Army Reserve where he served for another 12 years and attained the rank of SSGT.   He earned the Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Vietnam Service Medal. He was also an M14 Sharpshooter.

Bob worked at Remington Arms in Ilion where he was employed as a machinist for over thirty years. He remained an ardent patriot throughout his days and was a lifetime member of the Ilion/Frankfort VFW Post 502.

You can read his full obituary here.

Primary Staging Date and Staging Time:

06/30/2022 at 09:45 a.m.

Staging Location:

Annunciation Church
50 West St.
Ilion, NY 13357

Click here for a map.

Lead Ride Captain and Contact Info:

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

315-525-6802

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:

PGR will provide a respectful flag line for arrival of the family prior to his Mass of Christian Burial at the Annunciation Church, 50 West St, Ilion, NY 13357.
Following the mass, we will honor Mr. Des Champs with a dignified transfer, and PGR will provide an escort (approximately 22 miles) to St, Marys Cemetery, 2-36 St Marys Ave, Clinton, NY 13323.

We will likely follow routes 5S and 12B.

A dignified transfer, Military Honors and a PGR plaque will be rendered at the graveside.
Click here for a map to the cemetery.

Please arrive 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 service of John Robert Des Champs, Sr., and to support his loving family.

NOTE: The son and nephew of Mr. Des Champs are proud US Navy veterans (CPOs) and will likely ride with us.

Is there a Second Stage to this Mission?

no

James Sieffert

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