PGRNY Completed Missions

Honor Mission

Bruce E. Rivers

US Marine Corps
Vietnam War Veteran
US Navy (Ret.)

Multi-City, NY - 01-30-2026

Mission applies to the following Region(s):

Region 4, Region 5

About the Mission:

The family of Bruce Errick Rivers has requested Patriot Guard Riders' participation in his military honors funeral services. Bruce, 78, of Pleasantdale (Town of Schaghticoke), passed on Saturday, January 24, 2026 at Slate Valley Center in Granville, NY.

Born in Malone, NY, Bruce was a 1967 graduate of Shenendehowa High School in Clifton Park, and Hudson Valley Community College in Troy. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War, on 9 August 1967 and was trained as a Rifleman (Specialty 0311).  He was sent to Hue, Vietnam during the Tet Offensive, one of the longest and bloodiest battles of the war. There, he was wounded in combat first by shrapnel, and later by enemy rifle fire. He was honorably discharged at the rank of Corporal (E-4) on 10 June 1970, and completed his inactive reserve obligation on 8 August 1973.

After his service in the Marine Corps, Bruce went on to serve in the United States Navy, retiring on 30 September 1993 with a rating of Aviation Electricians Mate and a rank of Petty Officer 1st Class (E-6).  For his service, he was awarded; Presidential Unit Citation, Meritorious Unit Citation, Purple Heart w/Star (2 awards), Combat Action Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal (3 awards), National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal w/1960 Device, Sharpshooter Badge - Rifle (M‑14) and Marksman Badge - Pistol (.45 cal.).

Bruce was an outdoorsman by heart and loved fishing and hunting. He was a skilled woodworker and was a communicant of St. Augustine’s Church in Lansingburgh.

Primary Staging Date and Staging Time:

01-30-2026 at 09:15am

Staging Location:

St. Augustine's Church
28 - 115th Street
Troy, NY 12180

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 Information:

Staging at the church with a flag line for the arrival of family and guests. A Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for 10:00 am, followed by escort to Saratoga National Cemetery for a 12:00 pm interment with military honors.

Is there a Second Stage to this Mission?

yes

Second Staging Date and Staging Time:

01-30-2026 at 11:30am

Second Location:

Saratoga National Cemetery
200 Duell Road
Schuylerville, NY 12871

Second 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

Second Stage - Special Information:

Please stage quietly and in accordance with current guidelines.

Is there a Third Stage to this Mission?

no

Submitted by:

Ray Sestak

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