Jon K. Rider

Another 5 years without the wisdom, friendship, and humor of Jon Kirk. Still missing you, Jon. Tom Smith, now Winchester VA

Colonel Rider and I served together in the Pentagon in the late 80´s. Rest easy, Colonel....

Another year of dimness minus the bright light and wisdom of Jon Kirk Rider. You made quite an impression on my life, Jon.

It's hard to believe ten years have passed since Jon departed for greener pastures. The hole he left is still not filled. Semper Fi, Colonel.

Jon was my brothers Lt Col in Vietnam. He was with my brother when he was Kia in Quan nam province. Rest in peace. God Bless

Colonel Rider and I served together in the Pentagon, National Military Command Center where he was the Assistance Deputy Director of Operations for Team 3.
It was 30 years ago next week that I reported for duty as Operations NCO for Team 3
Colonel Rider was always there to give me wise council as we worked TOGETHER to make our team the best.
I am sad to hear of his passing even years after the fact.

I had the HONOR and pleasure serving with Col. Rider when he was the G-2 3rd Marine Divsion 1980-1981. He was a true leader and role model for all Marines . Thank you. Col. for all you did for me as a young Marine . May you Rest in a Peace. God Bless you.

I had been meaning to contact Jon (and Ellen for whom I also have great regard, not knowing Jon/Ellen had been divorced) in last few years and I blew it. We had not been in touch in many years but I had known where he was, etc. We went to Vietnam together back in 1965 w/2/7. Jon's great sense of humor captured me and I needed that since I was the ONLY 2nd Lt in the Battalion. **** rolls downhill and I got ALL of the **** duties aboard ship. Since I took more grief from the 1st Lts than anyone...

Jon was a hero of mine. He was funny and kind to a serious tom boy who lived around the block from him. I remember one summer when he, and other of his friends all got mohawk hair cuts. Then all got very serious scalp sunburns.. and snickers from all the adults in the neighborhood. I frequently used Jon's recovery story from his burn injury as a example of persistence and bravery.
I remember his desire to always do the right thing. During his time in Vietnam, he wrote my mother, a...