The family of Kenneth J. Koperski, 77, has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to attend the military honors of their loved one as he makes his final journey. It will be our honor to do so.
“Ken” served in the USAF from 1966-1970, stationed out of March Air Force Base. He was honorably discharged at the rank of Sergeant (E-4). While stationed on Guam and Okinawa, he was assigned to a support unit that helped load cargo planes deployed for Vietnam.
After he returned to civilian life, Ken worked as an electrician and a machine operator. In later years, he was appointed Councilman for the City of Colton, 3rd District. He was well known throughout the Colton community, and was elected Colton Citizen of the Year.
Ken was an avid gardener and loved to read the newspaper. He enjoyed doing crossword puzzles, watching sports, and playing poker. He was always volunteering at his church and at the American Legion Post 155 - Colton.
Ken is survived by his wife, Anita; sons, Mike and Gabe; and daughters, Lisa and Renee. He will be missed by 10 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. He was an only child.
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, approximately 5 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.
TIMETABLE FOR TUESDAY, 23 APRIL 20241130 - Stage at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 1106 N. La Cadena Dr., Colton, CA.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/7K3EL22cnA6GjfTr81200 - Mission briefing.
1300 - Flag line as hero is brought out from the church to the coach.
1315 - KSU to Montecito Memorial Park, 3520 E. Washington St., Colton, CA.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/2jtZNFMyQaKbqr2291330 - Flag line for hero at the gravesite.
Lillian Riddell
SoCalPGR Ride Captain/Mission Ops
lilygirl54@roadrunner.com
(909) 855-2623"Standing For Those Who Stood For Us"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 Ride Captain (RC). 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.
