The family of CPO Ronal Kevin Keller, age 51, has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to be present to honor their Hero for his service to his country. It will be our privilege to do so.
Kevin served in the United States Navy from 8 August 1989 until his retirement on 31 May 2010, at age 39.
Kevin served during the Persian Gulf War, Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF), and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). He was an AZ – Aviation Maintenance Administrationman, tending logs and records for aircraft. During the Persian Gulf War he was stationed at Top Gun at Miramar and HSL 45 (Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron) at NASNI ( Naval Air Station North Island). He completed deployments on the USS Ford and USS Olendorf. After HSL 45, he was stationed at Miramar where he met his wife, Maggie. Kevin was also stationed on the USS Stennis in Maintenance Control. The Stennis was scheduled to deploy February 2002 but that was accelerated to November 2001 in response to 9/11. On his next deployment in 2004, he had been moved to Maintenance Admin. He also served on the SSDF (Ship’s Security Defense Force) during that tour. He also served in Japan where he supported squadrons deploying into the Fleet AOR (Area of Responsibility). His final duty station was at Brunswick, Maine, with Patrol Squadron TEN (VP-10) (which is one of the original naval aviation squadrons and one of the oldest patrol squadrons in the U.S. Navy). He completed a partial deployment to Qatar with VP10. His medals are numerous, including: Navy Commendation Medal (2), Navy Marine Corps Achievement Medal (6), Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Navy Battle "E" Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal (6), National Defense Service Medal (2), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (4), Navy Overseas Service Ribbon (2), and Pistol Marksmanship Medal.
After his retirement from the Navy, Kevin worked at Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA). He enjoyed tinkering around the house and on cars, coaching, reffing, watching soccer, and spending time with his family.
Kevin is survived by his wife, Margaret (Maggie), sons, Mark and Xander Keller, and a sister, Shaakira Freeman.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this American Hero. For those interested, and all PGR members are welcome, please see the time table if you would like to participate.
Time Table for Monday, 11 October 2021:1100 - Stage at Guardian Angels Catholic Church, 9310 Dalehurst Rd., Santee, CA 92071
https://goo.gl/maps/NzkFX7b54RKZpQ5bA1115 - Mission briefing
1200 - Flag line from church to where the service will be (approximately 200 feet)
1205 - Full military honors
R/C: Santa Ken Brassell
So Cal PGR Ride Captainkenbrassell@gmail.com
619-333-9685
You do not have to be a Veteran or a motorcycle rider to attend this mission. All PGR members are 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.
Please remember that our mission is to stand tall and silent, and with honor and respect for our Heroes. No talking, smoking, or cell phone use during the flag line or service. Please keep radios off and engine noise to a minimum. Observe the 15 MPH speed limit. Remember, cemeteries are hallowed ground. Show respect to all who are there, not just the ones we are honoring.
