Collection fo Paul Palika's Memorial Paver @ Laguna Seca Raceway

[isiahstites]

Hello everyone, I posted this in the original thread I started about the passing of Paul Palika. It didn't seem to get much response so I thought maybe membership may not be following the thread as closely.

So I wanted to get this out in the open for everyone to see. If you can help with $5 or $50 any and everything would greatly be appreciated. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact me via PM or here in this thread.




Good evening everyone my name is Scott Stites I was a friend of Paul's. We lived in the same neighborhood and he passed by my home everyday on his way home from work. Often he would stop and we would chit chat. Paul and I shared several of the same passions (Marine Corps - Motorcycling - BMW's) and become good friends over the course of 7-8 years. Paul taught my wife the in's and out's of motorcycling at Palomar College and a couple of one on one sessions in are neighborhood.

All week I have felt like I wanted to do something in Paul's memory as my wife and I respected him so much as a man, a Marine and as a motorcycle instructor.

This evening I got permission from Paul's wife Liz to move forward with my idea. I want to get Paul a paver at the Laguna Seca Raceway in Monterey, California. It would be a memorial so to speak so that all of the people that Paul touched in the motorcycle community could visit him and pay their respects while at the raceway.

I have also told Liz that anything over the price of the paver would go directly to her or to her organization Kindred Spirits. Liz has agreed to sit down with me once the funds have been raised to determine exactly what will go on the paver. I would like to get Paul the big paver (12x12) and also get Liz the replica. This comes at a cost of $600.

Please cut and paste this and put it on all of your motorcycle forums. Make sure when the money is sent that it is sent as a donation. Otherwise paypal will take a portion (3-4%) as a fee.

Paypal address is stites@cox.net

http://www.mazdaraceway.com/pages/LSFund-steps

http://www.lagunasecaracewayfund.org/steps_to_corkscrew.html

Thank you,
Scott Stites


http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r98/isiahstites/Corkscrew_Terrace.jpg


http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r98/isiahstites/Big_Brick.jpg

[Deans BMW]

Scott, the Motorcyclist Cafe Forum will donate $100.00 tomorrow by acclimation I might add. We could not think of a more worthy cause. Paul brought so much to the cause of Motorcycling, a definite blessing to all of us.

We the "Cafe" owe so much to the Pauls of this world.

Scott, thanks for what you are doing.

[isiahstites]

Scott, the Motorcyclist Cafe Forum will donate $100.00 tomorrow by acclimation I might add. We could not think of a more worthy cause. Paul brought so much to the cause of Motorcycling, a definite blessing to all of us.

We the "Cafe" owe so much to the Pauls of this world.

Scott, thanks for what you are doing.

Great news Deano! Thank you so very much.........

[isiahstites]

From the Patriot Guard website



It is with a heavy heart that we post this mission for the loss of one our fellow Patriot Guard Riders.

Paul Palika was killed while riding his motorcycle to work on 21 Mar on rain soaked I-805 in San Diego.
Paul's family, friends and fellow riders have ask the Patriot Guard Riders to help in a memorial ride, escort and memorial service for this hero.

Paul couldn't wait to join the Marine Corps when he was a kid. He served 2 tours in Vietnam. Not because he was so gung ho by then, but because he felt guilty that his buddies were still over there. He was never naive about his country, with all it's faults and failings, but he had a deep love for it and was as proud an American as you would ever meet. Paul was currently working as the Safety Officer for Naval Special Warfare (Navy Seals).

Among the many accolades that Gunny Palika received in civilian life, he was also a very decorated Marine receiving the following commendations and awards:

The Purple Heart
National Defense Medal
Navy Unit Citation
Vietnam Service Medal
Meritorious Unit Citation
Combat Action Ribbon
Good Conduct Medal
Sea Service Ribbon
Navy Achievement Medal with Combat V
Rifle Expert 13 times
Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal
Pistol Expert 3 times
Humanitarian Service Medal

Besides being a member of the Patriot Guard Riders, Paul was also an instructor for Street Masters, Iron Butt Association member (with over 500,000 miles), BMW Motorcycle Owners Club, MSF instructor and an ordained minister. He was also very active with therapy dogs (his own was Archer) and worked with the wounded warriors through the V.A. Paul will always be remembered for his kindness and the guiding light he gave to many.

An old friend of Paul said, Gunny Palika was an example of what a Marine should be, he was an example of what a MAN should be. Confident yet dignified, strong and powerful yet with a gentleness and soothing way that defined what we came to understand as the "Peaceful Warrior"

Paul is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Liz, his daughter Karen, son in law Shannon and his granddaughters Tori, Kristin, Katilyn, Amie and the hundreds that he had touched over the years.

Your mission is complete Gunny, may you rest in peace. I know you will show us the way when we arrive with you.

Semper Fi

Timetable for Sunday, 03 APR 11

1130 - Stage near 314 Harbor Dr, Oceanside,CA 92054 http://tinyurl.com/4oeeg2z The actual staging area is in a parking lot just after you go through the tunnel under the railroad tracks by Oceanside Harbor.
1200 - Mission briefing
1230 - KSU for an escort (11 miles) to, Kindred Spirits Dog Training facility, 3343 E. Vista Way, Vista, CA 92084 http://tinyurl.com/46ug6eg and flag line.
1400 - Memorial service and celebration of life.

This escort is for bikes only. If you would like to attend the memorial service in your (cage) car, please go directly to Kindred Spirits. We are expecting a lot of bikes for this ride, please be on time for the R/C meeting.

Here is the request from the host of the memorial, Kindred Spirits:

Bring a chair, a dish to share (if possible) and please carpool if driving a cage. This ceremony is open to the public and parking is limited. Your well-behaved dogs are also welcome.

[Deans BMW]

Scott, the "Cafe" has sent its donation.

[isiahstites]

Scott, the "Cafe" has sent its donation.

I got it thank you Dean and the Cafe!

[isiahstites]

Just got this pashnit.com

Scott ~

I just got some very good news.......

A student from the April '10 Streetmasters class has written an article (photos by "your truly", of course ) on his, and his daughter's, experience with the course.
He has been shopping the article to all the moto-mags and it has been accepted, and will be published, for the May 2011 issue of Rider magazine.
Frans wanted to split the payment with me and, until recently, I had suggested other uses for the funds.
After a volley of e-mails back and forth this morning, Frans and I have agreed to donate the proceeds from the article to your Paver Fund.
This should put a pretty sizeable dent in your budget

Frans will be bringing his checkbook on Sunday and we will find you and Liz Palika, someway - somehow
__________________

[isiahstites]

Members of the Cafe' once again thanks for the donations. I am keeping this thread and the one at Pashnit updated with the same posts. So far it's been a struggle for donations but I am confident I will reach the goal.

If there is anyone out there that is willing to help it would be greatly appreciated!

Currently sitting at $220 and need $600 to order the paver.

I spoke with Amanda a couple days ago and she said there are still plenty of 12x12 pavers available. Also she said they only set the pavers one a year. I am hoping to get the order in ASAP as I would like it to go in this years batch so it can be seen at this years races if they are installed by then.

If I can't get enough donations to do this I will put in for OT at work and pick up whatever the remaining costs total to meet the goal.

Thanks to all that have donated here and on a few other websites.

Scott

[isiahstites]

Here is an article in yesterdays paper about Paul and the man he was. His service is today and it's quite strange there in an excitement in air to celebrate this mans life. Unlike any other feeling I have felt going to a service.

http://www.nctimes.com/news/local/columnists/inperson/article_bd7cdada-7460-57ca-b78f-2b84c5f1f899.html

[isiahstites]

Thanks to all that donated we made it with a few bucks to spare!! The remaining balance will be donated to Kindred Spirits Dog Training and Education Center.

Here is what the memorial will look like. Cami's dad Dave Lyson of Keystone Quality Printing donated his time and the art work to complete the memorial.

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r98/isiahstites/PaulPalikaMemorial.jpg

[Donson]

Well done!

[Deans BMW]

Scotty, that looks great

Thanks

[DarthRider]

I'm glad this all worked out on the memorial Scotty.
Would you please post a pic when it's in place?
Aren't motorcycle people great? I'm proud to be one...

[1MPH]

Well done Scott.
I'm proud to know you.

[FryDaddy]

Scott, a great memorial to a great man who was also a great ambassador for motorcycling. Thank you for making this happen.

Terry

[isiahstites]

I'm glad this all worked out on the memorial Scotty.
Would you please post a pic when it's in place?
Aren't motorcycle people great? I'm proud to be one...

I sure will Dave as I am gonna do my best to go and see the MotoGP this year at Laguna.

I called the people who had the pavers today and placed our order. I sent over the file for approval and the EGA was to detailed, which is what I expected. They returned this and I think it's gonna look great.

Additionally I believe we made the cut off so Paul's paver should go in June in time to be seen at the MotoGP race this year. I haven't paid yet as Mazada Raceway has to approve the paver first. Once approved I will then be asked to pay for the paver and the granite replica that will go to Paul's wife Liz.

Super stoked!!

If you see the paver this year please take a picture and post it or send it to me via email.

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r98/isiahstites/MAZDAPAULPALIKA.jpg

[vintagemxr]

A first class effort Scott. You've done well by your friend's memory.

the other Doug

[isiahstites]

The paver is payed for and I just made a donation for $175.00 (remaining balance) in Paul's name to the Kindred Spirits Dog and Canine Education Center.

Thank you for everyone who helped out with this memorial.

Scott Stites

[Arby]

The paver is payed for and I just made a donation for $175.00 (remaining balance) in Paul's name to the Kindred Spirits Dog and Canine Education Center.

Thank you for everyone who helped out with this memorial.

Scott Stites

Thank you for your efforts on behalf of your friend.

RB

[isiahstites]

This is a replica of the paver/memorial that will be placed at Laguna Seca Raceway this month prior to the MotoGP races. The paver will be placed on the steps to the corkscrew.

This evening my friend Paul's (RIP) wife Liz came over to pick up the replica. It was great chatting with her about Paul and some of his mannerisms and what a great man he was.

Thank you to all those who donated to make this memorial possible!



http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r98/isiahstites/100_9485.jpg