PGRNY Completed Missions

Honor Mission

Bernard J. Sweeney, Jr.

US Army, WWII - MIA

Multi-City, NY - 10/10/2023

Mission applies to the following Region(s):

Region 8, Region 9

About the Mission:

Sgt. Bernard J Sweeney Jr. was reported MIA during a battle with German forces in the Hurtgen forest on December 16, 1944. He had enlisted out of NY City and was 22 years old. Remains from the Ardennes American Cemetery were disinterred in April 2019 and sent to the DPAA where in 2012 he was identified. Patriot Guard Riders, through State Captain Bill Schaaf, offered to stand as Sgt. Sweeneys' family, and to honor him on his return to his country almost 79 years later.

Primary Staging Date and Staging Time:

10/10/2023 at 09:30 am

Staging Location:

Alexander-Rothwell Funeral Home
6447 Route 25a
Wading River, NY 11792
Click here for map

Lead Ride Captain and Contact Info:

Pete Jepson
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631-922-6330

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:

Important Notes:  Be on time as there will be many groups involved, and they will start forming up at 10 am for a 11am start from the funeral home.
Most Important: The hero is going to be brought from the funeral home to Calverton on a horse-drawn caisson. There will be a comparison horse (riderless horse) behind, led by a Captain. The procession will travel approximately 3.7 miles at a walking speed. If you are uncomfortable or unable to ride at slow speed due to balance, heat or clutch problems, please respond to Calverton directly so that we don't impede the procession. Being at Calverton would be important for the honor of this returning hero.

Is there a Second Stage to this Mission?

yes

Second Staging Date and Staging Time:

10/10/2023 at 10:30 am

Second Location:

Calverton National Cemetery
210 Princeton Blvd.
Calverton, NY 11933

Second Lead Ride Captain and Contact Info:

Mike Osip
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631-494-8981

Second Stage - Special Information:

Meet RC Mike at front gate. **Route 25 will be closed at11am** so make sure you get to Calverton before that. If RC Mike has been moved by Calverton personnel, call him for his location. Remember to bring your flags. Might want to bring water/snacks with you as the procession will arrive around 12 noon or so. RC Mike will then lead members to a parking area close to the burial section.

Is there a Third Stage to this Mission?

no

Submitted by:

Pete Jepson SRC Region 9

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