Honor Mission
Mark G. Grochan
US Marine Corps
Vietnam Era Veteran
NYS Corrections Officer (Ret.)
Multi-City, NY - 10/03/2024
***UPDATED 30 September 2024 - 06:50 hrs***
Primary Staging location has been changed.
See updated information below.
Mission applies to the following Region(s):
Region 4, Region 5
About the Mission:
The family of Mark G. Grochan has requested Patriot Guard Riders participation in his military honors funeral services. Mark, 74, passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home on Monday, September 23, 2024.
Born in Albany, Mark grew up in Nassau and was a graduate of Columbia High School. He enlisted in the US Marine Corps during the Vietnam War, on 17 May 1967, and was trained as an Automotive Mechanic (Specialty 3516). He served 3 years on active duty, including 1 year and 17 days overseas on Okinawa. He was honorably discharged on 19 May 1970, and completed his inactive reserve obligation on 30 April 1973. Mark was discharged at the rank of Corporal (E-4), and for his service, was awarded a Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal and a Rifle Sharpshooter Badge.
After his military service, in 1981, Mark began his career as a Corrections Officer with the State of New York Department of Correctional Services. He started at the Greene County Correctional Facility and then went to the Hudson Correctional Facility where he retired from in 2004 as a Correction Sergeant. He was a life member of the Rensselaer Elks and a member of the West Stephentown Baptist Church.
Portions of the above narrative are contained in Mark's obituary which is available for viewing online by clicking here
Primary Staging Date and Staging Time:
10/03/2024 at 09:15am
Staging Location:
UPDATED
West Stephentown Baptist Church
1672 NY 43
West Stephentown, NY 12169
Lead Ride Captain and Contact Info:
Ray Sestak
518-669-3358
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:
UPDATED
Staging at the church for escort to Saratoga National Cemetery. Anticipated KSU 09:30.
Is there a Second Stage to this Mission?
yes
Second Staging Date and Staging Time:
10/03/2024 at 10:30am
Second Location:
Saratoga National Cemetery
200 Duell Road
Schuylerville, NY 12871
Second Lead Ride Captain and Contact Info:
Ray Sestak
518-669-3358
Second Stage - Special Information:
Interment with military honors scheduled for 11:00 am. Please stage quietly and in accordance with current guidelines.
Is there a Third Stage to this Mission?
no
Submitted by:
Ray Sestak
rs 09/27; MER
