“Ken’s Tribute”

            In the military, there is a remembrance ceremony for POWs and MIAs, this ceremony reflects the respect for those that could not be found or suffered through a period in an enemy’s prison.  You will hear and see another traditional ceremony, today.  This ceremony respects a fallen comrade and signifies that we have lost someone that will truly be missed.  But, let’s, now, think of the man that Ken was and how he affected each of your lives. 

When I first meet Ken, I was the Supply Sergeant for MTSU and he was just another person taking up time and space in my supply room, not to mention taking time away from solitaire.  I talked to him because he wouldn’t go away like the rest of the freshmen. You see solitaire or checking e-mail just seemed more important than issuing gear to a bunch of freshmen.  After talking to him, I could tell he was going to be a pain because he was prior service.  But what I found was a friend, a person of great character, and a person that few people could rival in humor (no matter how weird it was).  As time wore on and I hung out with Ken (even when I wasn’t supposed to be), I realized that being an officer wasn’t much different than an NCO.  So, after talking to my friends I joined the ROTC department as a student.  Now, the shoe was on the other foot because Ken was now my mentor.  I couldn’t have had a better friend than Ken and my brother (not by blood but by heart) will be missed. 

Myk, T, Step, and I will truly never be the same because Ken affected our lives that much.  I have lost two sisters and now my brother in arms must be laid to rest.  But my friends and family have shown me the importance of love, the importance of being there for one another, and the importance of asking for help when needed.  I celebrate my marriage due to Ken.  Unbeknownst to me, Ken pulled my wife aside and gave her one of Ken’s little motivational speeches and because of his concern for myself and her, we are happily married. 

Finally, Ken and my sisters remind me of those that came before them and how precious our time on earth really is.  I looked for a quote to end with but I could not find one appropriate.  So, I will say, “Cherish the time with your friends and family. And don’t be sad when they leave, but rejoice for them because they have moved on to better things.”