The family of Benjamin "Ben" E. Perkins, age 96, has invited the PGR to honor him for his military service, we will be honored to do so.
Ben Perkins enlisted in the US Army on November 21, 1942 and served with Field Artillery Battalions in the Pacific during WWII. He served until February 22, 1946 when he was honorably discharged at the rank of Private First Class.
After the military Ben made a career as a pile driver until approximately 1959 when he became disabled and was no longer able to work. After this music was a major interest for Ben, he loved to sing and participated in barber shop quartets, church choirs, for his family and and special events. Later in life, 70's and early 80's, he took classes and participated in musical theater at Long Beach Community College.
Ben loved watching his boys grow up playing baseball. Hobbies included rock hounding, garage sales - refinishing furniture. Ben also loved to read, especially Zane Grey novels and retained a collection that he shared with other fans through the years. John Wayne was his hero, he thrived on watching the old westerns, even those with the cowboy crooners. He would sing right along with them and all the old movie musicals he could get his hands on. In recent years he enjoyed watching the military history channel and those that depicted the lives and service of the American Generals, etc.
Ben was predeceased by his wife Mary in January, 2017, he is survived by 6 children, Carol, Duanne, Sherri, Rebecca, Jim & John. 18 grandchildren and 32 great grandchildren.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran.
Time Table for Friday, 11 MAY 18:
1230 hrs - Stage at Rose Hills Memorial Park, 3888 Workman Mill Rd, Whittier, CA 90601 (Gate 20)
https://goo.gl/maps/LC9n4WwJmxA21245 hrs - Mission briefing
1300 hrs - Flag line for hero and military honors
R/C Paul (PeaceKeeper) Anderson
So Cal PGR Ride CaptainDowney, CA
310.717.3656
PeaceKeeper1944@gmail.com
Blessed are the PeacemakersYou do not have to be a Veteran or a motorcycle rider to attend this mission. Everyone is 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.
