PGRNY Completed Missions

Honor Mission

Arthur R. Nelson

United States Navy
Vietnam War Veteran

Multi-City, NY - 09/02/2025

Mission applies to the following Region(s):

Region 1, Region 2

About the Mission:

The family of US Navy Cold War & Vietnam War veteran Arthur R. Nelson has requested Patriot Guard Riders' participation in honoring his life and service to our Nation. Mr. Nelson of East Aurora, NY passed away in Buffalo on 21 August 2025.

Mr. Nelson served for 3 years, 3 months on active duty in the US Navy from 1970-1972, with a Naval Rating of Fireman Apprentice (FA.) He had 21 months of foreign/sea service, including considerable time aboard the USS America (CVA-66), a Kitty Hawk-class supercarrier. The USS America was deployed three times off the coast of Vietnam to support combat operations in southeastern Asia.

Mr. Nelson received his honorable discharge from active duty on 19 May 1972, and he earned the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal w/1960 Device and a commemorative Cold War Service Medal.

Obituary:  Click here to read Mr. Nelson's obituary

Primary Staging Date and Staging Time:

09/02/2025 at 10:30am

Staging Location:

Baker-Swan Funeral Home
3256 Riverside Drive (Rt. 19)
Wellsville, NY 14895
Click here for map

Lead Ride Captain and Contact Info:

Don Higgins, RC, Reg-1
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Special Information:

PGR will stand by with a respectful flag line for arrival of the family. KSU at 11:30 AM for the 44-mile escort to Bath National Cemetery, San Juan Avenue, Bath, NY 14840. The burial with military honors is scheduled for 1:00 PM.

Please be prepared with a clean 3x5 American or US Navy flag, dress for the weather, and ensure your large flags are very secure for the 44-mile escort. Thank you for devoting your time to help honor the US Naval service of Arthur R. Nelson, and to support his loving family.

Is there a Second Stage to this Mission?

yes

Second Staging Date and Staging Time:

09/02/2025 at 12:30pm

Second Location:

Bath National Cemetery
San Juan Avenue
Bath, NY 14840
Click here for map

Second Lead Ride Captain and Contact Info:

Don Higgins, RC, Reg-1
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Second Stage - Special Information:

Please park at the upper flagpole, and prepare a respectful flag line at the ceremonial pavilion for arrival of the escort contingent. The burial with military honors is scheduled for 1:00 PM. Please be prepared with a 3x5 American or US Navy flag and dress for the weather. Thank you for devoting your time to help honor the US Naval service of Arthur R. Nelson, and to support his loving family.

Is there a Third Stage to this Mission?

no

Submitted by:

Don Higgins, RC, Reg-1

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