A sad day for the 278th

Though I am sure it is of little comfort to his loved ones, it is clear that SSG Stephen Kennedy died a hero's death.

While offering up prayers for his family it is important to remember that the work he did here transcends a normal lifetime. The children in the pictures below are proof of that. The people here know our sacrifice and, like allies in wars past, will build monuments to that sacrifice and what we accomplished together.

Decades from now, when the old men of the 278th return to a democratic Iraq to remember what we did here, SGT Paul Thomason and SSG Stephen Kennedy will be the names we honor.

The statement from the TN Army National Guard is found here.