PGRNY Completed Missions

Honor Mission

James E. Smeltzer, Sr.

US Navy
Cold War Era Veteran

Schuylerville, NY - 07/21/2023

Mission applies to the following Region(s):

Region 4, Region 5

About the Mission:

The family of James Edward Smeltzer, Sr. has requested Patriot Guard Rider participation in his military honors funeral services. James, 61, passed on 19 June 2023 in Zephyrhills, Florida.

Born in Ballston Spa, James joined the US Navy after high school, on 24 July 1981.  He held a rating of Boatswains Mate and was trained as an Assault Boat Coxswain.  He served 3 years and 7 months at sea, including time aboard the USS Barnstable County (LST-1197), a Newport-class tank landing ship.  He was promoted to Petty Officer 3rd Class (E-4), with a rating of Boatswains Mate 3, and was honorably discharged on 21 January 1986.  For his service, he was awarded the Meritorious Unit Commendation, Navy Unit Commendation, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Navy Expeditionary Medal and Humanitarian Service Medal.

At the time of his death he was president and past employee of Team Holly Cleaning Inc. Jim enjoyed gardening and the preparation and preservation of his garden produce.

A full obituary is available for viewing online by clicking here

Primary Staging Date and Staging Time:

07/21/2023 at 11:00am

Staging Location:

Saratoga National Cemetery
200 Duell Rd.
Schuylerville, NY 12871

Lead Ride Captain and Contact Info:

Ray Sestak
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518-669-3358

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:

Interment with military honors scheduled for 11:30 am. Please stage quietly and in accordance with current guidelines.

Note: PGR will be in attendance for the services just prior to this one for Robert E. Woods, Sr. Please consider arriving early and attending that mission as well.
There is a strong likelihood for severe weather on Friday, so please dress accordingly.

Is there a Second Stage to this Mission?

no

Submitted by:

Ray Sestak

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