PGRNY Completed Missions

Honor Mission

Lester S. DeVarnne

United States Army
Vietnam War Veteran

Multi-City, NY - 07/24/2025

Mission applies to the following Region(s):

Region 4, Region 5

About the Mission:

The family of Lester Stephen DeVarnne has requested Patriot Guard Riders' participation in his military honors funeral services. Lester, 78, died Saturday, July 19, 2025, at St. Peter’s Hospice Inn.

Born in Schenectady, NY, Lester entered active duty in the United States Army on 25 July 1966. He completed basic training at Fort Dix, NJ, and received further training as a Single Engine Observation Utility Aircraft Repairman (MOS 67B20). He went on to complete a tour of duty in Vietnam, assigned to the 223rd Combat Support Battalion, 203rd Reconnaissance Airplane Company, 1st Aviation Brigade, the "Hawkeyes", where he was awarded an Air Medal while assigned to Phu Hiep, near Tuy Hoa, Vietnam.

He went on to complete 2 years of active duty and was honorably discharged at the rank of Specialist 4th Class (E-4) on 20 July 1968. He completed his inactive reserve duty obligation on 24 July 1972 and for his service, was awarded; the Air Medal, US Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal w/1960 Device, Aircraft Crewman Badge and Marksman Badge - M14 Rifle.

After his military service, Lester had a career as a carpenter.

Lester's full obituary is available for viewing online by clicking here

Primary Staging Date and Staging Time:

07/24/2025 at 10:30am

Staging Location:

Gleason Funeral Home
730 Union St.
Schenectady, NY 12305

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. A Funeral Service is scheduled for 11:00 am, followed by a dignified transfer and escort to Saratoga National cemetery for a 12:30 pm interment with military honors.  Forecast calling for near 90 degrees.  Please bring water to stay hydrated and ensure that all flags are securely fastened to your vehicle.

Is there a Second Stage to this Mission?

yes

Second Staging Date and Staging Time:

07/24/2025 at 12:00pm

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:

Interment with military honors scheduled for 12:30 pm. 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.