PGRNY Completed Missions

Honor Mission

Maynard L. Hellijas

United States Navy Veteran

Multi-City, NY - 04/04/2023

Mission applies to the following Region(s):

Region 4, Region 5

About the Mission:

Patriot Guard Riders has been requested by the family of Maynard L Hellijas to participate in his military honors services. Maynard LaVern “Vern” Hellijas of Burnt Hills passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 30, 2023, at his home.

Born in Warnerville, NY, Vern graduated from the former Cobleskill High School in 1947, where he had been very involved in their various music programs including the band, orchestra, and chorus. Shortly after graduation, he was accepted into the US Navy School of Music in Washington, DC. He was assigned to the 23-piece band, aboard the aircraft carrier, USS Franklin D. Roosevelt, the largest ship in the Navy at the time. While aboard, he enjoyed his deployment throughout the Mediterranean Sea, the Caribbean Sea, and the Atlantic Ocean.

On December 31, 1948, Vern was exceptionally fortunate to be included in a group of sailors who would visit the Vatican City in Rome, Italy. During this visit, he received a personal blessing by Pope Pius XII, a blessing that would be cherished for a lifetime. From the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt, Vern was transferred to the US Navy Band Great Lakes in Illinois and remained there until his honorable discharge in November of 1951.

After his discharge, Vern embarked on a 33-year long career in newspaper advertising. During this time, he was employed by The Schenectady Union-Star, The Saratoga Springs Saratogian, The Coatesville PA Record, and The Glens Falls Post-Star. The final two, Vern notably obtained managerial positions.

A full obituary is available for viewing online by clicking here

Primary Staging Date and Staging Time:

04/04/2023 at 09:15am

Staging Location:

Our Lady of Grace Church
73 Midline Rd.
Ballston Lake, NY 12019

Lead Ride Captain and Contact Info:

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

518-361-6410

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:

We will stage a flag line for the dignified transfer and arrival of family and friends and during calling hours until the 11:00 am service.  After the service members will escort to Saratoga National Cemetery for a 1:30 pm service

Is there a Second Stage to this Mission?

yes

Second Staging Date and Staging Time:

04/04/2023 at 01:15pm

Second Location:

Saratoga National Cemetery
200 Duell Rd.
Schuylerville, NY 12871

Second Lead Ride Captain and Contact Info:

Dan Nolin

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

Second Stage - Special Information:

Please stage quietly and in accordance with current staging procedures.

Is there a Third Stage to this Mission?

no

Submitted by:

Dan Nolin

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