A Marine from Jennings County who died in April during training is one of 16 military members who will be honored during a two-day, public memorial motorcycle ride in southeastern Indiana.
The 2017 Ride to Remember will include a 30-minute memorial service for Lance Cpl. Jacky Ray Koenig Jr. starting at 4 p.m. June 11 — the second day of the event — at Vernon Cemetery, 315 S. Pike St. in Vernon.
Among the features of the service will be a presentation of flags and a portrait photo, a reading of the Koenig’s biography and accomplishments, singing of “God Bless America,” placement of a memorial plaque, a three-volley gun salute and the playing of taps.
Members of the southeast region of the Indiana Patriot Guard Riders first organized the annual ride in 2011.
Koenig, 20, of North Vernon, died April 8 at Marine Corps Base Smedley D. Butler in Okinawa, Japan.
He was a 2014 graduate of Jennings County High School and a member of the school’s track, cross-country and wrestling teams. Koenig also was a member of the school’s 1,000-pound weightlifting club.
Koenig joined the Marine Corps in 2015, and was stationed at Camp Pendleton near San Diego, California, before deploying to Camp Butler.
He also enjoyed cooking and mud runs, and while in Japan jungle warfare training and gym time.
Koenig was the son of Jack Koenig Sr. and Patricia Koenig, both of North Vernon.
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Who: Jacky Ray Koenig Jr.
What: Lance corporal in the United States Marine Corps
Age: 20; died April 8 at Marine Corps Base Smedley D. Butler in Okinawa, Japan
Hometown: North Vernon
High school: Jennings County, 2014 graduate
Family: Parents, Jack Koenig Sr. and Patricia Espinosa Koenig; sisters, Jana Armstrong, LeeAnn Chase, Rhianna Koenig, Sarah Ann Fox, MaryAnn Myers
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