!! UPDATED !! NEW TIME TABLE CHANGES BELOW!!The family of retired CHP Officer and fellow PGR Member Steven J. Hopkins, 76, has invited the Patriot Guard Riders (PGR) to attend the Military Honors of their loved one as he makes his final journey. It will be our honor to do so.
Steven was born on 29 March 1946 and entered into Eternal Rest on 10 September 2022.
At the young age of eighteen, in hopes of becoming a pilot, Steven left his home in Southern California and voluntarily joined the Army and was deployed to Vietnam where he bravely served his country for three years, receiving several medals including the Purple Heart Medal, Air Medal w/12 Oak Leaf Clusters, National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Marksman Badge, Cross of Gallantry Medal, and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.
While stationed in Fort Eustis, VA, Steven met his then sixteen-year-old wife, Mary. After his military service, Steven and Mary married and returned to California where Steven proudly joined the California Highway Patrol. For the next 33 years, as a dedicated first responder and training officer, Steven protected the highways on his much-loved state-issued motorcycle.
After his retirement, he bought his own red Harley that he rode for fun and for riding as a Patriot Guard Member. A little fun fact unknown to most people was Steven’s love of the guitar; he played whenever possible to give glory to God and to inspire his grandchildren. He also enjoyed vegetable gardening, bird watching, and coffee. His other talents included mechanics and carpentry.
He is survived by his wife Mary, his two daughters Monica and Amy, and his five grandchildren Jonah, Jackson, Joshua, and twins Abby and Emma. He has seven siblings, all sisters Sheila, Anita, Eileen, Mary Ellen, Janice, Virginia, and Barbara.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this American Hero. For those interested, and all PGR members are welcome, we will be accompanying the Hero and his family from the family home to the cemetery, approx 42 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: There will be dog tags and a plaque.
UPDATED!! Time Table for Friday 18 November 2022:1000 hrs - Stage at the Chevron Station, 390 N. Lemon Ave., Walnut, CA 91789 (location is .8 miles from the family home)
https://goo.gl/maps/uKWYm98WHYHPDCqQ71015 hrs - Mission briefing
1020 hrs - KSU to family home (address and directions will be provided during the Mission Briefing)
1030 hrs - KSU to Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, CA 92518 from family home
https://goo.gl/maps/fV1qkBgq4PvqtR12A1130 hrs - Est. arrival at RNC
1300 hrs - KSU to assigned shelter for Flag line, Service and Military Honors
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. 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.
