A close friend, and executor of the estate of Major Kenneth Ray Walden, has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to be present to honor him for his military service to his country. It will be our privilege to be there.
Ken Walden was born May 25, 1968 in Anaheim, California to Marvin Morris Walden and Ruthie Mae (Jackson) Walden, and passed away in Wheat Ridge, Colorado June 26, 2018. He had just turned 50 prior to his passing from a 2 year battle with cancer.
Major Walden entered as an officer in the Marine Corps June 7th 1998 until his Honorable Discharge on August 31, 2014 (16 years 2 months 4 days). He did seven tours of combat duty. Major Walden received numerous medals and awards for his service to our country including (2) meritorious service medals, (3) Navy and Marine Corps commendation medals, combat action ribbon, Afghanistan campaign medal with (2) stars, Iraq campaign medal with (3) stars, and practiced martial arts. In addition, he was a Double Distinguished Award Marksman.
After leaving the Marine Corps he went on to work for the Veterans Affairs as a Contract Administrator for 6 years.
Ken Walden was also ranked #3 on the West Coast as a surfer in the early 90’s thus the reason for his final services to be in the ocean. After the military honors, his best friend and others will paddle out on their surfboards and form a circle, an urn in the shape of a biodegradable turtle will be released into the middle, flowers will be tossed as the turtle dissolves and Ken will be committed to the sea he loved.
Major Walden lost his father, a veteran, about 3 years ago and his mother last year. Ken is survived by his brothers, Eric Walden, Miguel Walden, Quincy Walden, his sisters, Linda Davenport, and Carol Lemon, and numerous nieces and nephews.
We will form a flag line on entry to the Bay St. Parking lot as well as lending assistance with parking the group together. A Permit has been secured for Tower 20 and the use of the Bay St. Beach Parking lot in Santa Monica from 0700 to the end of the event. The Marines will be in attendance with a Color Guard, Bugler and a Firing Detail.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran.
Time Table for Saturday, 25 AUG 2018:0515 - Meet at ABC Donuts, 10620 Imperial Hwy, Norwalk, CA 90650
https://goo.gl/maps/HeD8kmfYENu0530 - KSU for Santa Monica Beach
0630 - Approx Arrival at Beach Parking Lot #4S, 2030 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90405
https://goo.gl/maps/cooGZkvRNK820645 - Mission briefing
0700-0730 - Arrival of guests
0800 - Flag line for Military Honors followed by paddle out for ashes to be spread at sea
R/C Tom Barry
SoCal PGR Ride Captainadmin@armobility.com
(714) 206-1227
You do not have to be a Veteran or a motorcycle rider to attend this mission. Everyone is welcome. We encourage those who do not ride to attend in your car. If this will be your first mission go to the initial staging area and you will be briefed there by the R/C (Ride Captain). Dress for motorcycle riding or dress casually if you are driving a cage (car). Please feel free to attend any portion of this mission you can. Please ride/drive safely.
