The family of Geri Lynn Cooper, 67, has requested the assistance of the Patriot Guard Riders in honoring their hero on the occasion of her Military Honors at Riverside National Cemetery. We will proudly accommodate that request.
Geri came from a very large family (middle child of ten siblings) and was a tomboy who enjoyed ranch life in the suburbs of Riverside. Her love of horses began at an early age. Our hero entered the US Army after a brief stint at Riverside City College toward the end of the Vietnam Era.
While on active duty she was trained as a Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic stationed in Darmstadt, Germany. Upon separation she worked in the catering and hospitality professions and continued to pick up additional skills and professions, including co-captaining watercraft up to 74 feet that motored from Mexico to Alaska.
Geri missed the comradeship of the Army and joined the California National Guard and was deployed to Kosovo as an intelligence analyst. She was also quite involved with the Guard’s DARE youth program serving as a mentor to young women. Geri, as a member of the “Women in the Wind” motorcycle group, would impress the young ones by showing up on her Harley.
Geri and her husband of 22 years, John Fullerton, moved to Texas after his retirement and enjoyed travel, horseback trail riding, and camping. Last December she was unfortunately diagnosed with Stage 4 abdominal cancer. Along with the support of her entire family, known as
“Coopers Troopers,” she put up a brave fight. Before her final days she even took the opportunity to celebrate her own remarkable life with her friends and family.
Geri never was much for looking back and relished the opportunities that lay ahead. Her favorite quote was by Dennis the Menace, “I want to go everywhere and do everything!”
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran. For those interested, and all PGR members are welcome, this is a flag line only (FLO) mission at Riverside National Cemetery. For those who would like to participate, please see the timetable and we will meet you there.
NOTE: The weather will probably continue to be HOT. Please remember to eat and stay hydrated. It can make a difference in your ability to withstand the heat.TIMETABLE FOR FRIDAY, 08 SEPTEMBER 20231115 - Stage at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, CA 92518, (Lemay Blvd, near the restrooms).
https://goo.gl/maps/T2kTjRpwu7Egba1W81130 - Mission briefing.
1145 - Await arrival of Hero and KSU to assigned cortège.
1215 - KSU to assigned shelter for flag line and military honors.
Steve “Captain Chaos” Blumenfeld
SoCal PGR Ride Captain
SSGT USAF 1970-1974661-212-2284
steveb.pgrcc@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 Ride Captain (RC). 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.
