The Colorado Patriot Guard Riders have been invited to stand in honor for Col. Anthony Giannangeli, USAF, Vietnam KIA, and his wife, Mary Louise Giannangeli, as they are remembered and laid to rest on Friday, 3-Sept. This will be a multi-part mission.
Col. Giannangeli was shot down as part of a crew on an electronics warfare plane on April 2nd, 1972. He was listed as MIA, eventually changed to KIA on Sept 12, 1978. His remains were never found. His wife, Mary Louise, never gave up hope on his possible return up until her passing in the summer of 2020.
The Mission the Colonel was shot down on is the basis for the Gene Hackman/Danny Glover movie "Bat 21"
The Family has asked the PGR to lead the procession from the Church to the Air Force Academy Cemetery with bikes. LEO support for this is pending.
Part 1 - Funeral Service
8:30AM Stage, Divine Redeemer Catholic Church, 927 N. Logan Ave., Colorado Springs
8:45AM Briefing
9:00AM Set Flag Line up to start of service at 9:30AM
Part 2 - Procession to AFA Cemetery
*If you wish to participate in the procession, you need to be at the staging/briefing for Part 1
Part 2 (Times are estimated)
10:15AM Stage Bikes/Safety Brief w/ CSPD if they are able to support
10:30AM Service end
10:45AM Prepare to Depart
Part 3 USAFA Cemetery
11:30 AM - Brief for those not at Part 1
11:45AM - Set Flagline at Gravesite (Awaiting Details on site location)
Cages and those who do not wish to participate in the procession will depart the church at the start of the funeral mass and will proceed to the AFA Cemetery. Flags will be transported from the church to the cemetery. DOD Card Holders may use either entrance to the USAFA, all others will need to use the Northgate entrance. Driver's License or other form of valid ID will be required.
'Damnit Jim' Balcerovich and Rich 'Honor Man' Blackaby will serve as Ride Captain's. Rich will bring flags for Part 1 and Part 3.
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories console you and bring you peace and comfort.
Will be there for the USAF portion,
... Jack "St Thunder"
Note for this service, if Riding onto the AFA, full base gear will be required, to include DOT approved Helmet, Full Finger Gloves, Long Sleeves, Full Length Pants, Over Ankle Shoes/boots, and Eye Protection.
My sincere condolences to the Giannangeli Family for the loss of their love one. Thank You for your Service and may you both Rest in Peace.
Deepest respect , Thank you for your service.
With gratitude and respect for your service -- farewell to our brother in arms. Our sincere sympathies go out to a family who waited and hoped for so long.
My prayers are going out to the Giannangeli Family. May they both rest in peace. The good Lord opened up the gates above the clouds for their souls. May their family and friends grieve in peace. Sorry for your loss.
Prayers going up for the families and friends of COL> Anthony Giannangeli, Vietnam Veteran and KIA along with his wife Mary Louise Giannangeli. A true American Hero and Icon. Rest In Honored Peace.
To the family and friends of Anthony and Mary Louise Giannangeli;
Sincere condolences for your loss. COL. Anthony Giannangeli was a true Vietnam Veteran hero. So sorry for your loss. May they both rest in peace.
It will be an honor to attend this mission.
I wish to send my sincere condolences and prayers to the family and friends of COL. Anthony Giannangeli a Vietnam US Air Force Hero and his devoted wife Mary Louise Giannangeli. I am grateful for the service that was provided us, in the past, so we can enjoy the freedoms we have today. Thank you both for your service to each other and our country.
--
‘Can Do’ Bob Aholt
PGR Southern Colorado Assistant State Captain
To the Giannangeli family, I extend to you my deepest condolences on your loss. We thank you for Anthony's service and Mary's dedication to him and her family. True American Hero's, both of them. May they rest now, reunited, in eternal and well deserved peace.