The United States Marines that were in the Gulf War with our Hero, Michael Robert Hopkins, 53, have requested the attendance of the Patriot Guard to pay Honors to their fallen Brother. It will be our Honor to do so.
Michael was born on April 10, 1968 and from day one his feet hit the ground running. Michael had a rough life and he was always going 100 mph with his tail on fire. He tackled life just like that everyday knowing something good would come out of it. He always knew that where ever life took him, he was going to go in head on even if it meant he was going to get bruised a little in the process. He was never in too much of a hurry to slow down and help someone no matter if it threw him off his timeline or not.
Michael joined the United States Marines just 13 days before his 22nd Birthday. When April 23rd 1990 came around he knew he was ready to make a mark in life and do some real good. Once Michael was a Marine it was pretty obvious he was exactly where he needed to be and he proved it both on the range and being sent in Combat to help out during the Gulf War. Michael proudly served as a machine gunner during his time in combat. During Michael's time in both the Marines, and the Marine Reserves, he earned the Navy/Marine Corps achievement award, Good Conduct Medal, Marine Reserve Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal.
After Michael was Honorably Discharged from the Marine Corps, at the rank of Cpl, he struck out to work in the Construction Field. He tackled that as anything else flat out for 10 yrs working Construction.
Michael loved riding his motorcycle on his off hours, he also loved his Husky Shiloh who went everywhere with Michael. Michael also loved his rock music and heavy metal, as well as fishing, horseback riding, and of course Country music.
Along with all that Michael did, he also helped raise his girlfriend's 2 daughters, Natalie and Charli to make sure they had a great start in life.
In November 2019 Michael started to not feel like himself so he went and got checked out. Turns out that he had Pancreatic Cancer and the Doctors gave him 2 months to live. Being the Marine that he is, he decided its not time to go yet. With the help of his Combat brothers they took care of him for the next 2 1/2 yrs and were with him until the day the Good Lord called him home. On May 28,2021 Michael's platoon Sgt. was there on the last day when he closed his eyes for the last time along with his battle buddies that served along side him in the Gulf War.
Michael's Brothers in Arms are the ones that have requested the Patriot Guard to Honor their Brother whom they loved so much. Michael's Brothers in Arms will be there to make sure that he is taken to his last resting place alongside the Patriot Guard Riders.
As in all of our missions we will Stand Tall and let our Marine brothers know that we do care, and that we will "never forget".
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran. For those interested, and all PGR members are welcome, we will be accompanying the hero and his family from the mortuary to the cemetery of approximately 58 miles. Please see the time table if you would like to participate. For those who would rather go directly to the cemetery, we will meet you there.
NOTE: Some Covid protocols are still in effect at Riverside National Cemetery so bring your masks just in case.
PLEASE NOTE, WEATHER IS EXPECTED TO BE WARM. PLEASE DRESS ACCORDINGLY AND HYDRATE.
Time Table for Tuesday, July 6, 2021:
0700 - Stage Rischer Mortuary & Cremation Service, 1316 W. Whittier Blvd., Montebello, Ca. 90640
0715 - Mission Briefing
0745 - Flag Line as Hero is brought out to awaiting Coach
0815 - KSU to Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside Ca. 92518 (PGR to stage at area 9 near the first circle)
0930 - ETA at Riverside National Cemetery
0945 - KSU to shelter for final services for our Hero
R/C Mike "Joker" Courtright
So Cal PGR Ride Captain
mokynanapo@sbcglobal.net
714-321-3356
"Standing for those who stood for us"
Only 2 defining forces offered to die for you:
Jesus Christ, and the American Soldier:
One died for your soul, the other one died for your freedom.
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.
