Patriot Guard Riders

Honor Mission

SFC Richard Leon Watson, KIA

USN – WWII
MULTI-CITY, MULTI-STATE – 05-24-19

Seaman First Class Richard Leon Watson was born in Crossett, Arkansas. He was a graduate of Bonita High School and joined the U.S. Navy on August 9, 1940 at the age of 19. He completed the Navy Training Course as Seaman First Class with a mark of 3.25 on March 9, 1941. Seaman Watson was assigned to the Battleship USS Oklahoma moored in Pearl Harbor. The ship sank when it was hit by torpedoes on December 7, 1941 during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. 429 sailors and marines on the ship were killed, including 20 year old Seaman Watson. By 1950, all unidentified remains were laid to rest as “unknowns” at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. In 2014, nearly 400 unaccounted service members were exhumed and the process of DNA testing began to identify the remains and to turn the remains to their loved ones at home. While all of the remains were not able to be identified, Seaman Watson was identified and is being returned to rest with his family at Bonita Cemetery. The family requested the Patriot Guard escort and stand in respect for their heroes return and it is a profound honor to do so.

Gate 8, Jackson International Airport

W. Cross St.
Jackson, Mississippi 39208

Justin Moudy

601-415-0230

Asst: Keith Grantham

601-503-3773

Riders will stage in the parking lot along Freightways Dr. in preparation to escort SFC Richard Leon Watson to Louisiana. A brief rider meeting will take place. Military Honors will be rendered as the coach exits Gate 8 as is appropriate. Riders should have full tanks, there will be no fuel stops. LEO support has been arranged for the entire mission. At the Louisiana Welcome Center on I-20 west bound, a dignified transfer will be made to LA Patriot Guard Riders and Louisiana LEO for the second segment of the Escort Mission.

Louisiana Welcome Center and Rest area

I-20 westbound 1.5 miles west of exit 186
Mound, Louisiana 71282

Buck Harper

Bastrop, La.

318-282-1899

We will gather and have a ride meeting and prayer in preparation to Mississippi Patriot Guard arrival with remains of Seaman Watson appr 2-2:30 pm.

After a dignified transfer we will proceed with LEO escort down I-20 westbound to exit 138 at Rayville, La where we will exit off and proceed north on hwy 425 to Oak Ridge, La (11 miles) then to Mer Rouge, La. (11 miles). There we will intersect US Hwy 165S and La Hwy 2 and proceed west to Golden Funeral Home, 2016 East Madison Ave, Bastrop, La.71220.

Approx 85 mile escort from rest area.

There we will stand a respect line while Seaman Watsons remains are placed in the mortuary.

Golden Funeral Home

2016 East Madison Ave
Bastrop, Louisiana 71220

Buck Harper

Bastrop, La.

318-282-1899

Flags will be placed. A team will stand by the door for arrival of family, friends and dignitaries for the 2:30pm service for Seaman Watson. We will have a riders meeting during the service. After service we will escort him to his final rest at Bonita Cemetery in Bonita, La. 71223. It is a 20 mile escort on US Hwy 165N thru Mer Rouge then to Bonita. Parking at cemetery will be a problem so pay close attention to ride captains instructions.