The family of Kenneth R. Howell 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.
Ken passed away at the age of 80. He was ill for a long time before his passing. Ken’s leukemia was a result of exposure to contamination at Camp Lejeune, for which he was deemed 100% disabled by the military. After successful treatment for leukemia, he suffered a long list of illnesses including end-stage renal failure (a result of his chemotherapy treatments) and ultimately suffered chronic heart failure.
Ken joined the Marine Corps in 1970 and was honorably discharged in 1990. During this time in the Corps, he rose to the rank of Sgt. Major E-8. Ken served in Vietnam. He was a helicopter door gunner.
He was awarded the Rifle Expert Badge (6th award), Pistol Expert Badge (6th award), National Defense Services Medal, Vietnam Service Medal (w/ 1 star), Good Conduct Medal (w/ 5 stars), Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Navy Achievement Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation (w/ 1 star), Navy Commendation Medal.
After Ken retired, he was a Master of Arts in management at the University of Redlands. He also worked for Cox Cable training their communications training their managers & sales force.
He was a member of Shadow Mountain Church. A member of several car clubs, Christian Rods & Custom, Studebaker Club, & Mustang Club. Also, a member of the Masonic Lodge in Escondido. Ken was a Master Mason.
Ken is survived by his wife Maria. His five children & five grandchildren.
Ken is one of us. He was a PGR member for a few years. He rode a BMW Trike. Always had his wife Maria with him. We will miss him. A good Marine, husband, father, grandpa, and Patriotic American.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran. For those interested, all PGR members are welcome. This Mission will be an accompaniment from the family home to Miramar National Cemetery, approx. 6 miles. Please see the timetable if you would like to participate. For those who would rather go directly to the cemetery, we will meet you there.
The weather is expected to be hot so please eat something light and stay hydrated. It can make all the difference in withstanding the heat.
Timetable for Friday 01 AUGUST 20251245 - Stage at Walgreens 10787 Camino Ruiz San Diego, Ca. 92126
https://maps.app.goo.gl/3k9KmArtmedrYRtE6 1300 - Mission Briefing
1320 - KSU for family home
1340 - Flag Line of Honor for transfer of our hero to family car
1355 - KSU to Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Dr, San Diego, CA 92122
https://maps.app.goo.gl/6q12291a8njsRZYp71430 - Estimated time of arrival at Miramar National Cemetery
1300 - Flag Line of Honor, Funeral Service with Military Honors
R/C Ken Brassell
SoCal Patriot Guard Ride Captain(619) 333-9685
kenbrassell@gmail.com
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 is your first mission, go to the initial staging area, and you will be briefed by the R/C (Ride Captain). Dress for motorcycle riding or wear casual attire while driving a cage (car). Please feel free to attend any portion of this mission you can. Please ride/drive safely.
Remember that our mission is to stand tall and silent 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. Show respect to all who are there, not just the ones we honor.
