!!!UPDATED/CORRECTED TIMETABLE BELOW!!!The family of Stephen Leslie Cooper 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.
Stephen was born September 21, 1946 and passed on September 20, 2020, one day before his 74th birthday.
He entered the United States Marine Corps on May 27, 1966 and was honorably discharged on August 25, 1969. He served two tours of duty in Chu Lai Vietnam as an F4 jet engine mechanic. He received the National Defense Service Medal; Vietnamese Service Medal with 4 stars; Vietnamese Campaign Medal with device; Combat Action Ribbon; Good Conduct Medal; Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon; Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon; Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon; Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross with Palm and Frame) Ribbon Bar; Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Civil Action Color with Palm and Frame) Ribbon Bar.
After Stephen returned home, he went on to receive an AA in journalism and worked for the Daily Breeze for 35 years, a local hometown newspaper. He was an avid fisherman, loved to camp, liked to golf, and was a talented artist and photographer. He also loved sports: NASCAR, the LA Dodgers, LA Rams, LA Raiders, and LA Lakers.
He found purpose in caregiving for his mother until her passing and helped care for his niece and her children. He later became quite involved with Little Saigon in Westminster, CA, developing friendships with other Vietnam veterans. He would eventually become the Vice President of Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 756. He was actively involved with a special program benefiting Vietnam veterans and South Vietnamese military families suffering from PTSD, as well as a multitude of programs relating to Vietnam veterans in the Orange County area.
Stephen is survived by his sister Nancy Gilles; daughters, Lori and Lisa; 8 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by Victoria Kim (love he found later in the last years of his life).
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran. For those interested, and all are welcome, we will be accompanying the hero and his family from the mortuary to his final resting place. 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. If you cannot accompany this Hero please consider meeting us at the entrance of the Cemetery with a flag line as the hero arrives.
NOTE: Please observe the latest “COVID-19” restrictions. TIMETABLE FOR THURSDAY, 29 OCTOBER 20200800 – Stage at Sunnyside Cremation and Funeral Home, 12301 Magnolia Street, Garden Grove, CA 92841.
https://goo.gl/maps/6H4NWVYVz3KnmSRHA0830 – Mission Briefing
0845 – Flag line as our Hero is moved to the coach.
0850– KSU to Riverside National Cemetery, (Staging Area #4 for family, north of Staging Area #8 for PGR) 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, CA 92518.
https://goo.gl/maps/ZpFTpmYneAByUfvB61030 – KSU to the assigned grave site for Flag line, Service and Military Honors.
RC: Steve “Taz” George
SoCal PGR Ride Captain
714-931-3950
sghdbeast@gmail.com
You 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.
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.
