The family of CPO Keith Johnson has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to attend a memorial in honor of this Hero and his service to his country. It will be our privilege to do so.
Keith Alan Johnson enlisted in the US Navy in 1973 and served until 1994, a period of 21 years, 5 months, 11 days. During the Vietnam War he served in the Philippines and also participated in Operation Frequent Wind, the orchestrated evacuation of American civilians and at-risk Vietnamese from Saigon, South Vietnam. In the 1990s Chief Johnson served in the Gulf War in Operation Desert Storm. Chief Johnson served as an Operations Specialist Chief at the time of his retirement.
Chief Johnson received many medals, ribbons and citations in his career including the Kuwait Liberation Medal, Coast Guard Special Operations Ribbon, Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation 3rd, Humanitarian Service Medal, Combat Action Ribbon (Frequent Wind), National Defense Service Medal 2nd, Navy Achievement Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award 2nd, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon 5th, Navy Unit Commendation, Southwest Asia Service Medal W/2 Bronze Stars and the Good Conduct Award.
CPO Johnson proudly served aboard the Belknap-class destroyer leader/cruiser USS Horne, the Knox-class frigate USS Francis Hammond, and the Brooke-class frigate USS Schofield.
In civilian life he worked in the airline industry as a Supervisor for Airport Security.
CPO Johnson is survived by his wife Dionesia Johnson, sons Justin and James, his two sisters Sue and Carol, and 2 grandchildren.
The family has asked for a flag line as they enter the chapel.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran. For those interested, and all are welcome, please see the time table below.
Time Table for Friday, 29 AUG 2014:1700 – Stage at St Luke's Christian Pre-School, 5633 E. Wardlow Rd., Long Beach, CA 90808
https://goo.gl/maps/RY7NJ1715 – Mission Briefing
1740 (approx) Flag Line as Family enters Memorial Service
R/C: Vern GrimshawSoCal PGR Ride Captain
vgrimshaw@aol.com
562-458-4421
"Lead with Respect; Serve with Compassion"
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 to share your condolences for the family at this link:
https://www.patriotguard.org/showthread.php?394207
