The family of Kenneth R. Wood, 83, 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.
Kenneth enlisted in the US Navy in 1958 serving four years on the East Coast, 1957 – 1966 (Army National Guard, 1 year): 1958-1966 (U.S, Navy, 8 years). The last four years of his eight-year naval career was on the USS Ticonderoga (Gulf of Tonkin incident, 1964) In addition to the Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon, he earned two Good Conduct Medals, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Vietnam). He was Honorably Discharged in 1966.
Kenneth learned a tremendous amount of mechanical aptitude and engineering from his grandfather. This fostered a character trait he would adopt throughout his life “namely there is no problem that could not be solved”. It is this mentoring that laid the foundation of who he was to become as a young man. In the era of fixing things, he became a self-made engineer and problem solver. One of his favorite work ethics was “Be a problem solver not a problem maker.” This would be his mantra throughout his careers and life. Ken impacted many people either through his guidance at work or on projects in the community. He helped anyone in need and would assist in any task no matter how great the challenge.
Ken served as a volunteer Reserve Police Officer for the El Cajon Police Department, and later transferring to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department as a Sergeant for a combined 15 years of serving his community.
Kenneth is survived by his wife of 61 years, Carmelinda (Lynn) Wood; son, Kenneth R. Wood Jr. and wife, Lisa (Bianco); daughter, Maria (Wood) and husband, Marko Garcia; Four grandchildren: grandsons Kenneth Wood, III, David Wood, RJ McCullough, and wife Elivia (Freeman), and granddaughter Alyssa Garcia. Two great grandchildren: great granddaughter Kaiya Wood and great grandson, Cyrus Wood. He is survived by two brothers, Gary Wood and wife, Kris of Prescott, AZ: and David Wood of Manhattan Beach, CA.
NOTE: This mission posting facilitates your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran. For those interested, and all PGR members are welcome, we will be accompanying our hero and his family from the mortuary to his final resting place, approx. 16 miles. Please see the timetable if you would like to participate. We will meet you there for those who would rather go directly to the cemetery.
Time Table for Friday October 7th, 2022:0830- Stage at Aztlan Mortuary 7856 La Mesa Blvd, La Mesa, CA
https://goo.gl/maps/vgMvUkwMAYcF9fui90845 – Mission Briefing
0930- KSU for Miramar National Cemetery, 5799 Nobel Drive, San Diego, CA 92122
https://goo.gl/maps/muoJHisHGmTmHPcZ61000- Approx. arrival time
1015- Flag line transfer to horse drawn carriage and Military Honors service
R/C Stacey McCarthy “Lil Bit”
(619)277-5176You 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.
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.
