In Loving Memory Of

Staff Sgt. Stephen Curtis Kennedy

Sadly, we announce the loss of another military brother from the 278 th Regimental Combat Team, Staff Sgt. Stephen Curtis Kennedy. He leaves behind a loving wife and four children, ages 15, 12, 10 and 3. SSgt. Kennedy was killed, just 2 days before celebrating his 36 th birthday, during fierce fighting that followed an attack on a mixed force of about 25 US troops and 22 Iraqi Army troops by hidden insurgents. He was a member of Lenoir City's Company D with the 278 th . Stephen was a veteran of the Gulf War when he served as a Marine, where he joined right out of high school. He went on to the Florida National Guard before becoming a guardsman in Tennessee in 1998.

Our love and prayers are with his family during this tragic time. We will continue to pray for Tiffany and for their children, as well as the abundance of other family members and friends he leaves behind. We simply cannot convey how this saddens our hearts and remains on the minds of so many. We are so very proud of Stephen and of Paul, as well as ALL of the soldiers of the 278 th RCT. Our thoughts and prayers will also remain with those who are wounded. We praise God for the hedge of protection He has placed over our soldiers, and although we may not understand why, we know that He has a reason and a plan for taking two precious men from our lives thus far. We lay before His feet our heavy prayers to continue to protect our soldiers and bring them ALL home safely.

To SSgt. Stephen Kennedy, you will continue to live in our hearts and minds forever. Your ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten. We, as your brothers and sisters, will continue to do good and to prevail, in honor of you and so that your sacrifice will never be in vain.

278 th HHT Family Readiness Group

Donations may be made to the Stephen C. Kennedy Memorial Fund:

Stephen C. Kennedy Memorial Fund
C/O ORNL Federal Credit Union
PO Box 365
Oak Ridge, TN 37831-0365

Services are unknown at this time and will be announced as they become available.