Saturday July 11, 2015
PGR Memorial Service for Fallen PGR Member and US Marine Corp, Vietnam Veteran, Sgt Jerry "Bear" Medley - Susanville, CA

Today (Sat) thirteen Northern Nevada PGR members assembled in Reno and traveled together to join up Northwest of Susanville CA with thirty two NorCal PGR members on motors to make a 45 motor and 4 cage escort through Susanville to the Susan River Fire Station for the memorial service of our fallen brother, U.S. Marine Vietnam Veteran Jerry "Bear" Medley.

Our Flag Line was 45 members though a total of 54 Patriot Guard were present. Service and rifle team was conducted by the Susanville VFW Post, the Flag Ceremony by the U.S. Marine Corp.

A plaque and many letters of condolence was presented to Jan Medley from Calif. and Nevada members.

Food was provided for all who attended. It was a beautiful day and a great turnout for "Bears" family and friends.

PGR members met at the Brake Check area on SR 36 west of Susanville at the top of the hill at 1230hrs and departed with a Missing Man Formation and escort Bear on his Trike through town to the Fire Station for Bear's final Mission ride.

The Patriot Guard Riders having been invited by the family of fallen Patriot Guard Rider - US Marine Corp - Vietnam Veteran, Sgt Jerry "Bear" Medley, to stand and honor during his Memorial Service at Susan River Fire Station, Susanville, CA.. The mission involved a procession to, and a flag line at the Susan River Fire Station, Susanville, CA for family and friends to pass through.

On a beautiful summer day, 45 PGR motors and six Cages, a total of 54 PGR members, met west of Susanville to group and give Sgt Jerry "Bear" Medley his final ride through town to the Susan River Fire Station where all were present to show Honors to Sgt Jerry "Bear" Medley and his family at his Memorial Service.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the following people for their assistance and participation in this Mission for our friend Sgt Jerry "Bear" Medley:

Ride Captain Robert "Cowboy Bob" Rogers of the Sacramento Capital Region Flag Brigade with Doc and friends who traveled to place the American Flags and Service Flags at the Fire Station and presented Bears wife Jan with a Marine Flag and a Challenge Coin,

Ride Captain Bob Prosser and his group from the Redding, CA area,

Ride Captain Bill Drummond and his group from the Reno, NV area,

and Ride Captain Skip Kelly who drove down from Alturas to assist the Susanville PGR stand Honor Line with American Flags during this Mission.

I would also like to thank Chief Jim Uruburu of the Susan River Fire Department and his personnel for the use of their Station, who without their assistance, this Mission would not have been possible.

In addition to our Patriot Guard Riders we had a great representation of many groups on this Mission. They include :
Patriot Guard Riders
American Legion
VFW
U. S. Marine Corp Honor Team
California Department of Corrections Honor Team
Iron
Warriors Susan River Fire Department

Lastly, but not the least, I am thankful to my friend, Sgt Jerry "Bear" Medley, Patriot Guard Rider - US Marine Corp - Vietnam Veteran, and American Hero 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.

Rest in Peace my friend, your Mission is complete.

Sgt Jerry "Bear" Medley served his country proudly in the US Marine Corp from 3 May 1966 to 18 Feb 1970. Sgt Jerry "Bear" Medley served in Vietnam with the 3rd Battalion 4th Marines. Sgt Jerry "Bear" Medley was awarded the following decorations : Purple Heart -Vietnam Service Medal - Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device - Presidential Unit Citation - Combat Action Ribbon - and the Good Conduct Medal.

After his service in the US Marine Corp, Sgt Jerry "Bear" Medley went back to his home town in Forrest Hill, CA and became a Reserve Deputy for the Placer County Sheriff's Department. Following in his Father's footsteps, Bear also became a Volunteer Firefighter with the Forrest Hill Fire Department. Sgt Jerry "Bear" Medley then went to work for the California Department of Corrections and moved to Lassen County where he worked at the California Correctional Center in Susanville. During his time with the Department of Corrections, Sgt Jerry "Bear" Medley worked out of the Lake County Camp and the Del Norte County Camps before eventually retiring from the Department with 28 years of service. Sgt Jerry "Bear" Medley was a proud US Marine Corp - Vietnam Veteran and loved being a member of the Patriot Guard Riders and was a primary fixture at our Missions. Because of his love of life, his sense of humor and his love for his family, he will be missed by many. I for one, will miss a good friend and his constant stories. Rest in Peace my friend.

MEMORIAL SERVICES: were held at 14:00 hrs, at the Susan River Fire Department Main Station on US Hwy 395 in Johnstonville, Susanville, CA 96130. The Susan River Fire Department Main Station is located on US Hwy 395 south of the City of Susanville.

RC– Rick “Taildragger” Schultz

ARC - Blake "Burnout"
blake@NorCalPGR.org