Tuesday May 28, 2013
Interment - Pvt Virgil Pratt, US Army - WWII Veteran - Alturas, CA

The Patriot Guard Riders haveing been invited by the family of fallen U.S. Army WWII Veteran - Pvt. Virgil Pratt to stand and render honors & respect during his interment services in Alturas, Ca. at the Alturas Cemetery on E. 8th St.

Mr. Pratt was born on Sept. 3, 1914 in Alturas, Ca. and enlisted in the U.S. Army on June 25, 1941. He served with 147th Field Artillery Regiment of the South Dakota National Guard, a part of the Provisional Field Artillery Brigade as a telephone & telegraph lineman. They were ordered to the Philippines as part of "The Pensacola Convoy" and had departed Pearl Harbor only a few days before the Japanese attack, after which their destination was immediately changed to Australia. While in Australia he contracted a very severe fever while working in the swampy lowlands and was sent back to the U.S. mainland to recover and served there until the war's end. Pvt. Virgil Pratt was separated from active duty on Sept. 10, 1945 and was later honorably discharged.

Upon his return to Alturas, he served in many of the local community organizations in a vast number of positions, including:
Toastmasters Club; Masonic Lodge; Swimming pool committee; Memorial Park committee; Knights Templar; Modoc County Centennial committee; and helped organize the Modoc County Sheriff's Posse. He was also a very proud military veteran and was heavily involved in the VFW, holding offices of Post Commander, District Dept. Chief of Staff, National Deputy Chief of Staff, State Inspector, State Budget Committee and National Aide de-Camp---just to name the highlights.

Mr. Pratt passed away on Jan. 1, 2013. He was a very patriotic, dedicated and proud military veteran. Because of his dedication and his love of life, he will be deeply missed. Carry on Pvt. Pratt, you mission here is complete.

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The mission involved a flag line at the Alturas Cemetery, Alturas, CA for family and friends to pass through. On partly cloudy day, seven (7) motors and four (4) cages for a total of12 PGR members showed to present Honors for this true American Hero and last of a great generation, where the PGR stood Honor Line at his final resting.

I would like to give a special thanks to Modoc County Sheriff Mike Poindexter for standing at the Service, Reno Nevada PGR “Lucky” who traveled to assist the new Modoc County – Alturas Chapter of the PGR, and the Susanville PGR who stood Honor Line with American Fags during this Mission.

I would also like to take a moment and congratulate Skip Kelly of Alturas who after this Mission will become a bona fide Ride Captain for the Patriot Guard Riders with his new Chapter in Modoc County. Again Congratulations and Best Wishes with the new Modoc County PGR.

Also present with our Patriot Guard Riders we had a great representation of many groups on this Mission.
They include :
U. S. Army Honor Guard, Redding, CA
Patriot Guard Riders
American Legion
Veterans of Foreign Wars
Lastly, but not the least, I am thankful to US Army - WWII Veteran, Pvt Virgil Pratt, an American Hero and last of a great generation, and his family. Your watch has been stood, your duty to protect this nation is complete, and you’ve earned the right to be called a true American Hero. Your service and sacrifice will not be forgotten.
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RC: Skip "Boonierider" Kelly
Modoc Patriot Guard Riders
skip@norcalpgr.org cell: (530) 260-1739

Rest in peace... Your Mission is complete

RC– Rick “Taildragger” Schultz
taildragger@citlink.net
PGR - Ride Captain Susanville, CA