BAUMHOLDER, Germany -- A 16th Sustainment Brigade Soldier who died recently was honored during two memorial services held July 31 in Baumholder, and Aug. 2 in Grafenwoehr.
16th Sustainment Brigade Soldiers paid their respects to Spc. Kevin Kennerson, who served with the 317th Support Maintenance Company, 18th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion. The first ceremony was hosted by the 16th Sust. Bde. headquarters in Baumholder, and the second by Kennerson's company in Grafenwoehr.
A native of Mesa, Arizona, Kennerson was remembered by both his peers and leaders as a Soldier who would always lend his time to anyone in need of help.
"Spc. Kennerson was a great Soldier, team player, and a good friend to many in the 'Wolf Pack' family," said his platoon leader, 2nd Lt. Daniel Craft. "While still new to the military, Spc. Kennerson displayed great potential, which is a direct reflection of his great upbringing and commitment to excellence."
Spc. Kennerson enlisted in 2013 and went to basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, then stayed there for Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic Advanced Individual Training.
While assigned to the maintenance support platoon he held duty positions as a scheduled service mechanic, unscheduled service mechanic, and maintenance support mechanic.
Early on the morning of July 27, Kennerson was found unresponsive in his barracks room. Emergency personnel tried to revive him and were unsuccessful. The cause of death remains under investigation.
Kennerson earned the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal, as well as other decorations and awards. Kennerson is survived by his parents, John Kennerson and Tammy Morrison.
While Kennerson's leaders remembered his tireless devotion to duty, peers like fellow 317th Spt. Maint. Co. wheeled mechanic Spc. Omar Harris remembered the small daily interactions that made him a joy to have around.
"Kennerson had this thing he would do in which he would always giggle after he talked and it would just make you feel like everything was going to be alright," said Harris. "He was the most positive and motivated person you could ever be around and I will miss that."
Social Sharing