PGRNY Completed Missions

Honor Mission

Charles Denison Thompson III

United States Army
Vietnam War Era Veteran

Multi-City, NY - 08/14/2025

Mission applies to the following Region(s):

Region 4, Region 5

About the Mission:

The family of Charles "Charlie" Denison Thompson III has requested Patriot Guard Riders' participation in his military honors funeral services. Charlie, 85, passed on 3 October 2025.

Born on May 4, 1940, in Niagara Falls, NY, Charlie grew up in Charleston WV. He entered active duty with the United States Army on 15 October 1963 and served as a Physical Sciences Assistant (MOS 01F20). He served for 1 year and 10 months assigned to the US Army Environmental Hygiene Agency (USAEHA), located at Edgewood Arsenal, which is now part of the Edgewood Area of Aberdeen Proving Ground, in Maryland. He was honorably discharged on 1 September 1965 at the rank of Specialist 4th Class (E-4), and for his service, was awarded the US Army Good Conduct Medal.

After his military service, Charlie was employed for 35 years at Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory as a researcher and manager. He played the French Horn with the Schenectady Symphony Orchestra for 42 years, the Guilderland Town Band for 50 years, the Music Company Orchestra for 30+ years and various other local groups.

Portions of the above narrative are contained in Charlies obituary, available for viewing online by clicking here

Primary Staging Date and Staging Time:

08/14/2025 at 12:45pm

Staging Location:

Glenville Funeral Home
9 Glenridge Road
Schenectady, 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 dignified transfer. Escort to Saratoga National Cemetery for interment with military honors to follow. Estimated KSU is 1:30 pm.

Is there a Second Stage to this Mission?

yes

Second Staging Date and Staging Time:

08/14/2025 at 02:00pm

Second Location:

Gerald B. H. Solomon National Cemetery
200 Duell Rd
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.