Richard “Rick” “Shovelhead” Thomas Sr. USN & PGRPA SRC/ 23 July 2021 / Corry & Cecil Township, PA
19 Jul 21 |
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Richard “Rick” “Shovelhead” Thomas Sr.
U.S. Navy
Vietnam Era Veteran
PGRPA Senior Ride Captain
23 July 2021
Corry & Cecil Township, PA
The Patriot Guard Riders have been invited by the family of Richard “Rick” “Shovelhead” Thomas Sr., a U.S. Navy veteran and our Brother, a Patriot Guard Rider, Senior Ride Captain for Region 1 in Pennsylvania, to escort then stand in silent honor for his interment at The National Cemetery of the Alleghenies.
Rick served in the United States Navy from April of 1969 during the Vietnam era until he was honorably discharged, with the rank of Seaman January of 1971.
Decorations include the National Defense Service Medal.
After time served Rick continued serving and became a member of VFW Post #264 Corry, PA.
Rick was also actively involved as a proud member and Brother as one of our own through PGR, joined the 17th of May 2006. Last duty, Senior Ride Captain for Region One of Patriot Guard Riders of Pennsylvania. Rick stood for countless heroes and their families. Many lives were impacted by his love for his country, those who defend it and sadly, those who gave their all.
Rick had a selfless wish, to donate his body to science so he can help diagnose and treat those who have or will have the same rare illness of Cancer as he did. Shortly after his passing, Rick’s body was taken as an Anatomical Gift to the University of Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.
Later Rick’s family reached out inviting us to a Celebration of Life for Rick on the 10th of November 2018. Many showed up to honor Rick and pay their respects to the family. Memories were shared, tears were shed, a family of one.
On the 28th of June 2021 Rick’s family reached out once more. This time notifying us, Rick is home.
Rick’s Last Wish
For our Unsung Hero, Brother Leader and Friend, inviting all to honor Rick’s Last Wish which falls on his 72nd Birthday, to be interred with military honors and buried in the hallowed grounds with our American Heroes in The National Cemetery of the Alleghenies.
Rick served our country with honor, now it’s our turn to stand in honor for him.
Fri, 23 July 2021
Staging: 8:30 AM
Corry Plaza
300 West Columbus Avenue, Corry, PA
https://goo.gl/maps/m36zLTeKj8LUpsGE7
Briefing: 8:45 AM
KSU, Escorting to NCOTA: 9:00 AM
National Cemetery of the Alleghenies
1158 Morgan Rd, Cecil Township,PA 15017
https://goo.gl/maps/PJYsN
Routes:
First Leg
US-6 West to US-19 South to SR-198 West to I-79 South
First Rest & Fuel Stop: 10:50 AM
Exit 105 @ SR-108
Love’s Travel Plaza
1011 New Castle Road, Slippery Rock, PA
https://goo.gl/maps/KKuH84sttdpKTr4x9
KSU: 11:20 AM
Second Leg:
I-79 South to Exit 54, Bridgeville, SR-50 South
Second Rest & Fuel Stop & Alternate Staging: 12:00 PM
Sheetz Convenience Store
3109 Washington Pike, Bridgeville. PA
https://goo.gl/maps/7EBv5P5Sk1ZF9g3EA
KSU: 1:00 PM
Third Leg:
Washington Pike South to Morgan Road, turn right on Morgan Road to The National Cemetery of the Alleghenies
Rally Points:
Anyone can join the Escort along the way as it passes I-79 entrance ramps, at the two Rest & Fuel Stops above or at The Cemetery of the Alleghenies.
Upon arrival of The National Cemetery of the Alleghenies dismount, Flag Line set
Interment at 1:30 PM
Members can attend all of a mission or any part of the mission. PGR sets no time for a member to escort and or stand a mission. We Thank you for whatever time you give us and the families of our heroes appreciate your time.
Remember that the National Cemetery is a Federal Reservation and NO WEAPONS are permitted. Also, masks are no longer required for those fully vaccinated. If not fully vaccinated you are required to wear a mask while social distancing, during the service, interment and if indoors.
Before heading out please watch the weather, dress accordingly and bring your 3 X 5 hand held American flags.
First & Second Leg Ride Captain’s:
Dale Mallory
tazmall@hotmail.com
(724) 992-9186
Jeff Scott
jhogshop@hotmail.com
(814) 384-4614
Assisting: Randy Good
rgood1956@gmail.com
(814) 520-2612
Third Leg Ride Captain:
Jim Shaw
jeshaw@comcast.net
(412) 217-5967
