The Patriot Guard Riders have been invited by the family of Kenneth G. Johnson, Jr., to join them in accompanying their hero from the family residence to Riverside National Cemetery. We are honored to fulfill their request.
Kenneth served in the United States Army from January 1967 to January 1970 and served Army Reserves until November 1971. He was honorably discharged at the rank of Captain (03). He completed the Ordnance Officer Candidate Course, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland. He was awarded the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal and Army Accommodation Medal.
After military life, Kenneth joined the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department in 1970 under Sheriff Block. He held various assignments which included the Hall of Justice, Firestone, and Carson, Industry Stations & Emergency Operations Bureau. He was promoted to Sergeant in 1982. He worked Lakewood and Norwalk Stations and SEB, which is the Sheriff's SWAT team. He promoted to Lieutenant in 1989. He moved on to Court Services Division, East Bureau, Lakewood Station; Men's Central Jail, Norwalk & Pico Stations; and the COPS team, which he managed. He then promoted to Captain in March 2001. He worked at Headquarters and was in charge of the Asian Crime Task Force, Hostage Negotiations, and Barricaded Suspects under Sheriff Baca. He retired in 2004. He later got a job working as a Golf Marshall at Goose Creek Golf Course in 2017-19 as he was an avid golfing enthusiast. He also enjoyed scuba diving.
Kenneth is survived by his wife, Linda Johnson, of 48 years. He will also be missed by his two adopted Korean children from his first marriage and his two children with Linda.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this military and law enforcement hero. For those interested, and all PGR members are welcome, we will be accompanying the hero and his family from the family home to RNC, approximately 35 miles. Please see the timetable if you would like to participate.
TIMETABLE FOR TUESDAY, 24 SEPTEMBER 20240830: Stage at McDonald’s, 6381 Haven Ave, Rancho Cucamonga, CA.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/2zvs7wjzWD72VcJv70900: Mission briefing.
0930: KSU to family residence for flag line. as the hero’s urn is moved from the home to the awaiting hearse.
1000: KSU to Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd Riverside, CA.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/UAoAQTYkLzPAM6nn71045-1100: Est arrival at RNC and move to assigned cortège.
1115: KSU to assigned shelter for flag line and military honors.
TOM BARRY
PGR California State Captain
casc@patriotguard.org
714-206-1227You 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.
