PGRNY Current Missions

Honor Mission

Raymond J. Dixon

United States Navy
Vietnam War Veteran

Multi-City, NY - 09/17/2025

Mission applies to the following Region(s):

Region 4, Region 5

About the Mission:

The family of Raymond J. Dixon has requested Patriot Guard Rider participation in his military honors funeral services. Raymond, 77, passed on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at his residence.

Ray was born in Amsterdam, NY.  After a short stint of working at General Electric, he enlisted in the US Navy during the Vietnam War on 30 April 1968. He was trained as an Aviation Fire Control Technician Airman and served aboard the USS Ranger (CV-61), a Forrestal-class aircraft carrier, and the USS Enterprise (CVN-65), the world's first nuclear aircraft carrier. He served on active duty for 3 years and 9 1/2 months, including 2 years and 9 months at sea. He was honorably discharged with a rating of Aviation Fire Control Technician Airman (AQAN), and a rank of Seaman (E-3). For his service, he was awarded; a Meritorious Unit Commendation, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal w/3 Bronze Campaign Stars and a Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal w/1960 Device.

After his discharge, Raymond held several different jobs and went on to graduate cum laude from the College of Saint Rose with a degree in Secondary Education with an English Concentration.

Primary Staging Date and Staging Time:

09/17/2025 at 10:45am

Staging Location:

McVeigh Funeral Home
208 N Allen St.
Albany, NY 12206

Lead Ride Captain and Contact Info:

Ray Sestak
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
518-669-3358

Special Information:

Staging at the funeral home with a flag line for the final hour of Visitation, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm. A funeral service will be conducted at 12:00 pm, followed by escort to Saratoga National Cemetery for interment with military honors at 2:00 pm.

Is there a Second Stage to this Mission?

yes

Second Staging Date and Staging Time:

09/17/2025 at 01:30am

Second Location:

Saratoga National Cemetery
2000 Duell Road
Schuylerville, NY 12871

Second Lead Ride Captain and Contact Info:

Ray Sestak
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
518-669-3358

Second Stage - Special Information:

Please stage quietly and in accordance with current guidelines.

Is there a Third Stage to this Mission?

no

Submitted by:

Ray Sestak

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