The family of MGySgt Frank M Kojder, 81, formerly of Barstow, requests the participation of the Patriot Guard Riders in the final farewell of their friend and father. It would be our honor and pleasure to do so.
Frank was born on December 20, 1939 in Chicago, IL to Frank and Estelle Kojder. He graduated from Proviso East High School in 1958. Master Gunnery Sergeant (Ret) Frank M Kojder died peacefully in his Gardnerville, NV home on June 1, 2021.
In July 1958 he joined the Marine Corps and completed basic training at MCRD San Diego. He served two tours of duty in Vietnam as a forward radio operator and retired after 22 years on June 30, 1980, while stationed at MCLB Barstow. A veteran of the Vietnam War, he was awarded the National Defense Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Presidential Unit Citation w/1*, Meritorious Unit Commendation w/1*, Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Commendation, Combat Action Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal w/5*, Vietnam Service Medal w/6*, Vietnam Presidential Unit Citation, and Meritorious Unit Commendation w/2*.
Frank also earned an AS degree from Barstow Community College in June 1985. Frank joined the Knights of Columbus in 1984 and served faithfully there before moving to Garnerville. He enjoyed traveling with his grandson Justin, taking photos, visiting museums RVing and being active with the local Senior Center. He was employed at the Marine Corps Logistics Base till retirement. He also belonged to the Lions Club in Gardnerville and the Sierra High Rollers, a RV group.
He is preceded in death by his father Frank A., mother Estelle J., brother Marvin J., his wife of 40 years Althea R Kojder and son James M Kojder. He is survived by his second wife of 14 years Deanna Kojder, three daughters Debbi McDaniel, Leslie Hunt and Jessica Murphy, and a grandson Justin S. McDaniel.
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 of approximately 90 miles. 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.
NOTE: Covid-19 restrictions may still apply. Please have face coverings/masks available, if needed.NOTE!! WARM TEMPS!! Bring water and cover your skin. Thank you for your participation.TIMETABLE FOR 24 JUNE, 2021:0750 - Stage at Meads Mortuary, 36930 Irwin Rd, Barstow, CA
https://goo.gl/maps/ZNvUvK1TgCw5K838A 0800 - Pledge of Allegiance and Briefing
0815 - Est KSU for Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, CA 92518
https://goo.gl/maps/GCgwT4D9ZPgP6vF19 (Approx 90 miles)
0945 - Approx arrive at RNC stand by till dismissed
R/C Brian Zane
“Spyderman”
So Cal PGR Ride Captain760-953-9915
brianzane.bz@gmail.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.
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.
