The family of SCPO Kurt Keys, age 70, 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.
Senior Chief Kurt Keys joined the United States Navy in 1973 and served until his retirement in 1994. Kurt was a Sonar technician and received numerous awards and ribbons including Navy achievement medal, two bronze stars, Navy unit accommodation ribbon and Navy pistol Marksmanship ribbon. Kurt joined the Navy when he was 20 years old and served during Vietnam and Desert Storm. Kurt was a very proud sailor and would actually get very excited for deployments.
Kurt was the oldest of four and grew up in Jacksonville North Carolina where his dad served as a Marine and his mom was a nurse. During his life he put God first, his family second and his country third.
Kurt had many interests including drawing, music and motorcycles! He was an active member of Bikers For Christ. He was a natural leader and fighter.
Sixteen years ago Kurt was diagnosed with Leukemia and because of his chemotherapy treatments he became a quadriplegic. Because of his fighting spirit he never complained or let his handicap get to him.
Kurt is survived by his wife Joan, Son Kyle and his daughter Amanda. Kurt also had one granddaughter.
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 his final resting place. 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.
Time Table for Tuesday December 27th, 2022:0930 - Stage at Partridge Creek Mortuary, 10330 Mission Gorge Road, Santee, CA 92071
https://goo.gl/maps/yiP5rtayRHcF9eWL70945 - Mission Briefing
1000 - Flag Line for Dignified Transfer to Coach
1015 - KSU for Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Dr, San Diego, CA 92122
https://goo.gl/maps/W1LQJ1pWXLGmBMB2A 1045 - (Est) Arrive at Miramar National Cemetery
1115 - Flag Line, Funeral Service with Military Honors
R/C Stacey McCarthy “Lil Bit”
So Cal PGR Ride Captain(619) 277-5176
smoerschell@yahoo.com
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.
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. Remember, cemeteries are hallowed ground. Show respect to all who are there, not just the ones we honor.
