We're here today to celebrate the life of 1LT Ken Ballard.  I have known Ken for almost 8 years.  I've watched the transformation of a boy into a man.  Ken has always been an example to others on the right way to live a life.  Go for the gusto, sieze each moment like you own it.  Have compassion for those your life crosses paths with.  Some people come and go from our lives and some touch our lives and we are never the same, that's the kind of man Ken is... He has the most incredible sense of humor of anyone I've ever known, he could always make me laugh, but he was never afraid to share what was real... he didn't run from it or avoid it.  Yesterday as I drove in from the airport, Metallica came on the radio and I cranked it up as I felt Ken would want me to.  It was the song "Carve upon my stone a body lies but still I roam."  It's been said that only the good die young and I can't help but wonder about that. Some lives get it right sooner than others and it's time for them to go.  Ken got it right.  Ken is and will always be with us in our hearts and memories and all around us.  Ken when it's my turn to go, I will look forward to seeing you, my friend, my hero, I salute you.

BETTINA K. AVENT

CPT, AG, USAR

Commanding