PGRNY Current Missions

Honor Mission

James E. Watts

US Army
Vietnam War Veteran

Multi-City, NY - 04/08/2025

Mission applies to the following Region(s):

Region 1, Region 2

About the Mission:

The family of Vietnam War Veteran and Purple Heart recipient James E. Watts has requested Patriot Guard Riders' participation in his military honors funeral services. James passed on 24 March 2025 at the age of 77 after a long battle with cancer.

After graduating from Medina High School, James entered the Army, serving his nation for 24 months on active duty as an Intelligence Specialist (MOS-11B20). James had a 12 month tour of duty attached to the 17th Cavalry, "B" Company at Dak To and Pleiku, Vietnam base camps. James was honorably discharged on 22 August 1969 at Fort Knox, Kentucky. For his service, he received the following awards; Purple Heart Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal w/60 Device, Combat Infantryman's Badge and Sharpshooter Badge (M-16).

After his service, James was active in his community.  He volunteered for the 4-H Club in Medina, NY for 30 years, was a member of the Shelby, NY Fire Company, and drove a bus for Community Action Transportation Systems (CATS) in Albion, NY for 36 years.

Primary Staging Date and Staging Time:

04/08/2025 at 10:00am

Staging Location:

Trinity Lutheran Church
1212 West Ave.
Medina, NY 14103

Lead Ride Captain and Contact Info:

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

Special Information:

Members will form a flag line for arriving family and guests for prayer services. After prayers and dignified transfer, members will process to Western New York National Cemetery for a 1pm interment service with military honors. Make sure your clean flags are secure for the 18 mile escort. Thank you for supporting our veterans.

Is there a Second Stage to this Mission?

yes

Second Staging Date and Staging Time:

04/08/2025 at 12:30pm

Second Location:

Western New York National Cemetery
1254 Indian Falls Rd.
Corfu, NY 14036

Second Lead Ride Captain and Contact Info:

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

Second Stage - Special Information:

Members will form a flag line for arriving family and Mr. Watts. Thank you for standing for our heroes.

Is there a Third Stage to this Mission?

no

Submitted by:

SRC Dick Hancock

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