Honor Mission
Richard C. Keckler
US Marine Corps
Vietnam Veteran
Multi-City, NY - 05/24/2023
Mission applies to the following Region(s):
Region 6, Region 7, Region 8, Region 9
About the Mission:
Captain Keckler served in the Marine Corps Reserve. He was called to active duty as a 2nd Lieutenant on 10 September 1965, and was trained as a Pilot on CH-46 ”Sea Knight” helicopter. He was sent to Vietnam to serve with the USMC First Marine Aircraft Wing, and spent 1 year 4 months there. In August of 1968, he received a Purple Heart for wounds received during the TET Offensive. He was promoted to Captain on 1 November 1967. Released from active duty on 15 September 1970, he was honorably discharged on 7 September 1971.
Awards: Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Purple Heart, Air Medal w/40 Device, Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal w/2 Bronze Campaign Stars, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry w/Palm Device and Vietnam Campaign Medal w/ 60 Device
Following his distinguished military career, Mr. Keckler went on a distinguished 25 year career flying helicopters as a Special Agent Pilot for the DEA, most notably in the surveillance of Henry Hill, about whom "Goodfellas" was written. He also participated in the "Pizza Connection" takedown of the heroin distribution network in 1984.
Patriot Guard Riders has been asked to stand for this American Hero who has surely stood for us.
A full obituary is available for viewing online by clicking here
Primary Staging Date and Staging Time:
05/24/2023 at 10:00am
Staging Location:
Edwards-Dowdle Funeral Home
64 Ashford Avenue
Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522
**To ride up as a group from Long Island/NYC, please stage at Little Bay Park (entrance to Fort Totten) by 9AM. KSU 9:15AM**
Lead Ride Captain and Contact Info:
William Byrne - wbyrnerollingthunderli@gmail.
516-765-0905
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:
Dignified transfer and short escort to Immaculate Conception Church.
Is there a Second Stage to this Mission?
yes
Second Staging Date and Staging Time:
05/24/2023 at 10:30am
Second Location:
Immaculate Conception Church
16 N. Broadway
Irvington, NY 10533
Second Lead Ride Captain and Contact Info:
William Byrne
wbyrnerollingthunderli@gmail.
516-765-0905
Second Stage - Special Information:
Please stand flag line for arrival of procession. Dignified transfer upon arrival. Dignified transfer and escort to Gate of Heaven Cemetery to follow mass.
Is there a Third Stage to this Mission?
yes
Third Staging Date and Staging Time:
05/24/2023 at 11:30am
Third Location:
Gate of Heaven Cemetery
10 W. Stevens Avenue
Hawthorne, NY 10532
Third Lead Ride Captain and Contact Info:
William Byrne
wbyrnerollingthunderli@gmail.
516-765-0905
Third Stage - Special Information:
Please stand flag line for arrival of procession
Is there a Fourth Stage to this Mission?
no
Submitted by:
Wayne Cohen - SRC Region 8 NY
05/19; MER
