Remembering Staff Sergeant Kenneth Mayne

The opinions reflected in this blog do not necessarily reflect those of the Patriot Guard Riders, its members or affiliates.

On September 4th 2008, Staff Sergeant Kenneth W. Mayne was killed by an enemy explosive during combat operations in Baghdad, Iraq. Sergeant Mayne lived in Arvada, Colorado and was an 11 year Army veteran. He was originally assigned to the 101st Airborne Division, but transferred to the 4th Infantry Division, so that he could be stationed at Fort Carson; close to home. After his passing, his mother,
Michelle Benevidez, told a news station in Denver that he felt strongly about his mission in Iraq, and that he knew he was helping the people of Iraq,
regardless of why the US went to war. She went on to say that he enjoyed helping the children in Baghdad’s Sadr City slum. Benevidez recounted that her son said that if we can change an Iraqi child’s view of Americans, we won’t need to be there in 20 years. Sergeant Mayne was a patriot.

The Patriot Guard Riders were formed in response to protests at military funerals by a group from a church in Kansas. The Kansas group used their First Amendment rights to suggest that the American casualties in Iraq were brought about by our own moral lapses. The Patriot Guard was formed to provide a way to respectfully shield the family of the fallen service member from these protests with lines of its members bearing American flags.

Earlier this year I joined the Patriot Guard Riders. On Saturday, September 13th, SSG Mayne was put to rest. I was honored to participate in this ceremony, by being a part of the Patriot Guard Riders.

We met at 8:00 AM at a Denny’s restaurant. I had never met the other riders before, but they were easy to spot. The Patriot Guard Riders are usually clad in black leather jackets emblazoned with military and ride patches. Like me, many have gray(ing) beards. I was welcomed to the organization by the local captain, and presented with a first time riders’ pin. When we took off and headed north on I-25, my only regret was that I had a third cup of coffee at Denny’s.


We stopped at the Newcomer Funeral Home in Denver. There, we met up with the rest of the Colorado Chapter of the Patriot Guard Riders. There were probably a hundred of us, give or take a few. The state captain, Steve “Road Dog” Deboer, briefed us about our mission for the day. We weren’t expecting any protesters, but we really did not need that reason to honor Sergeant Mayne. At 10:30 AM we lined the parking lot of the funeral home with riders holding flags.

From there, we travelled to Fort Logan National Cemetery. This was a place where, as one rider described to me, the price for freedom is visible. Grave markers, lined with military precision, covered acres of Colorado land. This was where my children’s Godfather, Raymond DeWitt was buried.


We lined the route with flags. The horse drawn caisson pulled the remains of Sergeant Mayne to Pavilion A at Fort Logan. The family and friends followed. Many were wearing Hawaiian shirts – part of Sergeant Mayne’s own request. He did not want mourning at his passing. He preferred a festive atmosphere, and music by Jimmy Buffett.



We stood for close to two hours holding flags at this funeral. It was the least we could do in respect of the sacrifice that Staff Sergeant Kenneth Mayne gave for us.

It was an honor to participate.


Rocky Mountain News September 5th 2008

The Patriot Guard Riders website