Today we honor the birthday of Sergeant Richard Arthur Kowalker, born September 21, 1948, in Middletown, Connecticut. Though he passed away on May 2, 2025, his spirit continues to ride tall in the hearts of all who knew him, especially the thousands of Connecticut veterans and families he so selflessly served.

A proud Marine, Sgt. Kowalker completed a combat deployment in Vietnam from April 1968 to May 1969 and served a total of 11 years in uniform. He earned the Purple Heart, Vietnam Service Medal, and Presidential Unit Citation. After returning home, he worked at Long Lane reform school, but it was his later mission that defined the soul of his life: honoring fellow veterans in their final moments with dignity, compassion, and unwavering devotion.

In 2005, Sgt. Kowalker adopted Melody, a Morgan mare who would become his most faithful companion in a sacred calling. With no prior horse-handling experience, he trained side-by-side with Melody to lead the solemn tradition of the riderless horse—a horse saddled, yet riderless, with reversed boots in the stirrups to symbolize a fallen warrior. Together, Richard and Melody became a revered presence at more than 700 military funerals throughout Connecticut. When Melody passed away in 2018 at the age of 33, Sgt. Kowalker continued to honor veterans with his presence, even without her beside him.

Over the years, Sgt. Kowalker stood vigil for more than 5,000 veterans—often showing up without invitation or official assignment, simply because he believed every veteran deserved that final honor. Whether braving storms, traveling long distances, or walking for miles when his trailer was lost in a fire, he never faltered in his mission.

On this day, his birthday, we remember Sgt. Kowalker not just as a Marine, but as a living symbol of the Marine Corps motto, Semper Fidelis. He was a lifelong member of nearly every veteran organization in Connecticut and was cherished by the Marine Corps League, Hardware City Detachment, and thousands of military families across the state.

Sal V. Sena Sr., a fellow Marine and respected veteran leader, once wrote:

“It is with a heavy heart that I inform all the Connecticut Veterans of the passing of Richard Kowalker, aka ‘The Riderless Horse Marine’. I had the pleasure and Honor of working with Richard in the Military Funeral Honors with the Marine Corps League… Over the years, Richard has honored over 5,000 Veterans in their final Hour.”

Today, as we celebrate his birthday, we stand united in gratitude for Sgt. Kowalker’s legacy. He was more than a Marine—he was the final salute, the steady presence, the one who never let a veteran be forgotten.

Happy Birthday, Sergeant Richard Kowalker. Your ride continues in our hearts.