PGRNY Completed Missions

Honor Mission

John W. Grotke

US Marine Corps
Vietnam War Veteran

Hamburg, NY - 06/24/2025

Mission applies to the following Region(s):

Region 1, Region 2

About the Mission:

The family of Marine Corps veteran John W. Grotke has requested Patriot Guard Riders' participation in his military honors funeral services. Mr. Grotke passed 19 June 2025 surrounded by his family.

John entered the Marine Corps on 8 November 1967 and trained as a Personnel Financial Records Clerk (MOS-3421). He had a 12 month tour of duty in Vietnam, and was honorably discharged at Marine Corps Air Station, El Toro, Santa Ana, California on 17 October 1969, with reserve obligation concluding 26 October 1973. For his service, Corporal John W. Grotke was awarded; National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal w/3 Bronze Stars and a Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal w/60 Device.

After John's military service, he worked and retired from National Fuel Gas of Western NY. John was a member of the American Legion Post #527 in Hamburg, NY, with 7 years as Post Commander.

Primary Staging Date and Staging Time:

06/24/2025 at 09:00am

Staging Location:

Kaczor's Funeral Home
5453 Southwestern Blvd.
Hamburg, NY 14075

Lead Ride Captain and Contact Info:

Don Becker
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Special Information:

Members will stand a respectful flag line for arriving family and guests. After a dignified transfer, PGR will escort Mr. Grotke to American Legion Post #527, Hamburg, NY. It's about a 6 mile escort to the Legion. Ride safe. Thank you for supporting our veterans.

Is there a Second Stage to this Mission?

yes

Second Staging Date and Staging Time:

06/24/2025 at 10:30am

Second Location:

American Legion
Post #527
2 Memorial Drive
Hamburg, NY 14075

Second Lead Ride Captain and Contact Info:

Don Becker
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Second Stage - Special Information:

Members will a stand flag line for arriving cortege and dignified transfer. Military honors will be at the legion at 11:00am. Thank you for honoring our heroes.

Is there a Third Stage to this Mission?

no

Submitted by:

SRC Dick Hancock

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