Honor Mission
Raymond M. Jefferson III
US Army
Gulf War Veteran
Multi-City, NY - 10/31/2024
***UPDATED 28 October 2024 - 06:50 hrs***
A Second Stage Point has been added to this
mission. Please see updated info below.
Mission applies to the following Region(s):
Region 4, Region 5
About the Mission:
The family of Raymond M. Jefferson III has requested Patriot Guard Rider participation in his military honors funeral services. Mr. Jefferson, 58, passed on Sunday, October 13, 2024.
Born in Albany, NY, Mr. Jefferson graduated from Guilderland High School where he excelled academically, mastered martial arts, and dominated on the wrestling team. After graduation, he went on to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Leadership, and was commissioned in the United States Army as a Second Lieutenant. He served on active duty from 1988 until 1999 in the primary specialties 02A Combat Immaterial, 11A Infantry and 18A Special Forces. A partial list of his training accomplishments include Jumpmaster, Pathfinder, and Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape (High Risk). He went on to serve with valor in three elite military and special forces units – the Presidential Honor Guard, the 3rd Ranger Battalion and 1st Special Forces Group/Green Berets. Mr. Jefferson was honorably discharged at the rank of Captain. A partial list of his awards and decorations include; the Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Expert Infantryman Badge, Parachutist Badge, Pathfinder Badge, Air Assault Badge, Ranger Tab and Special Forces Tab.
After his military service, Mr. Jefferson earned an MBA and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Harvard University, graduating with distinction as a Littauer Fellow. Upon graduation, he served as a White House Fellow working as a Special Assistant to the U.S. Secretary of Commerce and at the State Department with the Under Secretary for Management. He also served as a Fulbright Fellow in Singapore where he analyzed how public sector leadership is exercised in Singapore's Asian, multi-cultural environment.
Mr. Raymond M. Jefferson III was a very accomplished individual during both his military service and his civilian life. You are encouraged to read more about his accomplishments by viewing his obituary, which is available online by clicking here: Click here to read obituary
Primary Staging Date and Staging Time:
10/31/2024 at 08:45am
Staging Location:
Tebbutt Funeral Home
633 Central Avenue
Albany, NY 12206
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:
Staging at the funeral home with a flag line for a dignified transfer. Members will escort to Albany Rural cemetery for a 10:00 am Committal Service. This will be a temporary resting place until Mr. Jefferson can be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery in the Spring.
Is there a Second Stage to this Mission?
UPDATED
yes
Second Staging Date and Time:
10/31/2024 at 09:15am
Staging Location:
Albany Rural Cemetery
Mausoleum
3 Cemetery Avenue
Albany, NY 12204
Click here for map
Lead Ride Captain and Contact Info:
Ray Sestak
518-669-3358
Special Information:
Due to the anticipated size of the procession, cagers, and those riders not wishing to participate are encouraged to stage directly at the cemetery and form a flag line at the entrance to the Mausoleum for the arrival of the cortege. Please park only in the areas indicated on the attached map.
Submitted by:
Ray Sestak
rs 10/26; MER
