Honor Mission
Kenneth D. Phillips
US Army
Global War on Terrorism Veteran
Multi-City, NY - 10/19/2022
***UPDATED - 17 October 2022 - 07:20 hrs***
Primary Staging Location and time has been changed.
Please see updated information below
Mission applies to the following Region(s):
Region 4, Region 5
About the Mission:
The family of Kenneth D. Phillips has requested Patriot Guard Riders participation in his military honors funeral services. Kenneth, 29, known to all his friends as “Freedom Phillips” or just “Freedom,” left this life suddenly, Wednesday, October 12, 2022.
Born in Troy, Kenny was very proud of his military service. He enlisted in the United States Army after high school and completed three tours of duty overseas, including Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kuwait. After eight years of service in which he was awarded many commendations, decorations, and citations for meritorious service in imminently dangerous and forward areas, he was honorably discharged at the rank of Sergeant in November 2020 due to combat related injuries. For his service, Kenny was awarded the Army Commendation Medal w/ "C" Device, Army Commendation Medal (3rd award), Army Achievement Medal (3rd award), Meritorious Unit Commendation (2nd award), Army Good Conduct Medal (2nd award), National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the Afghanistan Campaign Medal w/Campaign Star.
We will never know what Kenny went through and saw, but hope to always remember his amazing personality, smile, laugh, and his natural talent to turn an average night into a karaoke and dance party. He was an incredible father and friend and an absolute pleasure to be around.
Portions of the above narrative are contained in Kenny's obituary, available for viewing online by clicking here
Primary Staging Date and Staging Time:
UPDATED
10/19/2022 at 10:30am
Staging Location:
UPDATED
Faith Lutheran Church
50 Leversee Rd.
Troy, NY 12182
(Click for map)
Lead Ride Captain and Contact Info:
Ray Sestak -
518-669-3358
Special Covid-19 Mission Guidelines:
Updated 8 March 2022
Based on the most current COVID-19 Prevention Guidelines: Protect Yourself and Your Family from COVID-19, and CDC Guidelines of 3 March 2022, going forward, the Lead Ride Captain for any mission will be responsible for determining whether PGR members will have to mask up or not. Please ensure that you have a mask with you, should the need arise, and respect the LRC’s decision in these matters.
Special Information:
UPDATED - Anticipating very large attendance, staging has been changed to Faith Lutheran Church. Members will form a flag line for the arrival of family and guests. Funeral service begins at 11:15 am, followed by dignified transfer and escort to Saratoga National Cemetery for interment with military honors.
Is there a Second Stage to this Mission?
yes
Second Staging Date and Staging Time:
10/19/2022 at 01:30pm
Second Location - PLEASE NOTE UPDATED STAGING INSTRUCTIONS
Saratoga National Cemetery
200 Duell Road
Schuylerville, NY 12871
Second Lead Ride Captain and Contact Info:
Ray Sestak
518-669-3358
Second Stage - Special Information:
Interment with military honors scheduled for 1:30 pm.
Note that there is a new staging protocol for Saratoga National Cemetery. PGR members will stage by parking ONLY on the right side of the roadway near Section 21. If that area is full, the overflow parking area will be on the right side of the roadway near Interment Shelter 1. Please park as closely together as possible. As always, you are asked to stage quietly and respectfully. Interment services for this mission will be conducted in Interment Shelter 1. Please click here to view a map of the designated area
Is there a Third Stage to this Mission?
no
Submitted by:
Ray Sestak
rs 10/16; MER
