PGRNY Completed Missions

Honor Mission

John W. Shafer

United States Navy
Vietnam War Era Veteran

Multi-City, NY - 02-23-2026

***UPDATED 22 February 2026 - 14:45 hrs***
Due to impending weather, the Primary Staging 
portion of this mission is cancelled.  Those who wish,
may stage directly at Saratoga National Cemetery.

Mission applies to the following Region(s):

Region 4, Region 5

About the Mission:

The family of John W. "Jack" Shafer has requested Patriot Guard Riders' participation in his military honors funeral services. John passed away peacefully on February 11th, 2026, in Scotia, NY, at the age of 82.

Born on September 6th, 1943, in Flourtown, PA, John was raised in White Sulphur Springs, NY, and graduated from Liberty Central High School in 1962. He enlisted in the United States Navy on 23 July 1962 and was trained as a Digital Computer Technician/NTDS Display Technician (Specialty Numbers DS-1652/DS-1617). He served on active duty for 4 years and 1 month, including time at Reconnaissance Attack Squadron Three at Sanford Naval Air Station, Sanford, Florida. He was honorably discharged on 22 August 1966 at the rank of Petty Officer 3rd Class (E-4) and a rating of Data Systems Technician. He completed his inactive reserve obligation on 22 July 1968, and for his service, was awarded a National Defense Service Medal.

Upon completing his military service, Jack entered the workforce at Control Data in Niskayuna. During that time, he was the owner and operator of Rexford Radio & TV repair shop in Clifton Park. He also worked at WMHT as program operator. Later on in his career he worked for WHAZ, WGNA and IHeart Radio (Clear Channel) as a broadcast engineer.

Primary Staging Date and Staging Time:

CANCELLED

02-23-2026 at 10:15am

Staging Location:

Glenville Funeral Home
9 Glenridge Road
Glenville, NY 12302

Lead Ride Captain and Contact Info:

Ray Sestak
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
518-669-3358

Special Information:

Staging at the funeral home with a flag line for the arrival of family and guests. There are no services scheduled, only a dignified transfer and escort to Saratoga National Cemetery for a 12:00 Noon shelter service.

Is there a Second Stage to this Mission?

yes

Second Staging Date and Staging Time:

02-23-2026 at 11:30am

Second Location:

Saratoga National Cemetery
200 Duell Road
Schuylerville, NY 12871

Second Lead Ride Captain and Contact Info:

Ray Sestak
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
518-669-3358

Second Stage - Special Information:

Please stage quietly and in accordance with current guidelines.

Is there a Third Stage to this Mission?

no

Submitted by:

Ray Sestak

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