SALUTE

Due to the incredible kindness of the Hospice of the Valley at Arizona State, a Vietnam War Veteran, Kenneth Jones (71) got to take one final motorcycle ride this past Monday morning. Sadly, Jones is receiving end-of-life care as a result of suffering from a series of strokes, but that didn’t stop him from getting to rev the engine one more time. After learning of Jones’ love for motorcycles his caretaker, McKella Williams, thought this would be an amazing way to salute someone who has fought for our country both at home and abroad. According to KSAZ Jones not only served in the military but, “worked as a state trooper in Pennsylvania as well [and] as an undercover narcotics officer”.







Jones was accompanied by more than two dozen riders from the American Legion and the Patriot Guard, an organization whose members attend the funerals of members of the U.S. military and first responders at the invitation of a decedent’s family. Jones’s wife, holding back tears, said she didn’t think he would ever have an opportunity like this ever again. Before departing on the ride, the group said a prayer and sang along to Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the U.S.A“. Afterward, the group took off from the Arizona State Veterans Home, with Jones sporting an American Flag bandana, and the Stars and Stripes being proudly displayed on the back of the accompanying motorcycles.

Although it’s hard for Jones to speak, he said that it was the ride of his life. His wife confirmed those sentiments by telling the camera she could tell he was so happy by the look in his eyes after they finished the 20-mile group ride around Phoneix. We Salute Kenneth Jones for his service to our country both in Vietnam and back home as a police officer.