If you would like to leave a personal message for the family of Kevin Jenrette please feel free to do so.
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Our prayers and love go out to your Family during this time of loss. As I read these postings it only shows how much of an impact Kevin made on the lives of so many. I can only imagine the number of young impressionable soilder’s lives that Major Jenrette has touched through his unwaivering leadership and faith. He has impacted so many lives from a life time of knowing him or only kowing him for a year at a small college in the hills of North Ga.
I knew Kevin from NGC and I had the privilege of meating up with him in a parking lot of a small church on Wahsega Rd. We would see each other in passing while I worked for the Sheriff’s Office and we would stop and chat about where friends of ours had moved on to after NGC and other happenings in our lives.
A lot of us will never know the hardships that our military men and women go through in their daily lives in the worst parts of the world. He is a Hero in the true since of the word. Crossfit HQ does something special for fallen Heros. To name a gruelling workout after the fallen Soldier, Marine, Sailor, Policeman, or Fireman. Even though I’m not a part of Crossfit HQ, myself and several other Deputies in Texas put a Work out together called “Jenrette”. Although a simple crossfit work out can never embody what it is to live the life of a Hero, it can remind us everytime the work out is read, said out loud, or completed of the Life of that Hero and can attempt to symbolize Kevin’s mental and physicall toughness and warrior spirit.
Kevin and your family Shannon have given up so much to provide a world a chance at more freedoms and peace. We hold you closed to our hearts. Our family will continue to lift up your family with prayer.
Walter(NGC class of ‘97) and Gwen(NGCSU class of ‘99).
We did not know Kevin personally but as we read the many tributes to him we offer our most heartfelt sympathys to you and your family. We know thru faith that someday we’ll understand every blank page of life and every torn page of pain. All tear stained pages our Lord will someday explain. Just know that we thank Kevin for his service to our country and most importantly the profound affect he played in the lives of so many in his short life. May God be with you and your family during this most difficult time.
I didn’t know Kevin as many of the people posting here did, but I wish I had. The tremendous legacy of how he obviously led his life, the people he touched, and how he left a lasting impression speaks volumes of the character of the man, the husband and father he was. As I write this with tears in my eyes I can not express how sorry I am for the families loss. Kevin paid the ultimate sacrifice for country and family and for that the we are all eternally thankful.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Jenrette Family. Kevin had an infectious smile that touched everyone that knew him. Kevin and I were friends at NGC. What a shock to hear the news. May he rest in peace and may the family be at peace through the strength of Christ.
Kevin epitomizes what a man and a soldier should be. We are sorry our kids will never be able to meet him, but we will be sure to tell them stories from NGC and tell them what an important job he had. Kevin will be missed by all who knew him and all who never had a chance to meet him.
Shannon and kids, thank you for letting Kevin do what he loved and for protecting all of us. He sacrificed all for us to live free and happy. You are all in our prayers and thoughts.
To Shannon, Corey, Brody and Meagan Rose, COL & Mrs Jenrette my deepest condolences.
As my wife and Andrew Lane have mentioned, I have had a rough go off it lately mourning the loss of my good friend Kevin. I have started this message to you at least 20 times in my heart and have not been able to complete it. Kevin Jenrette was the man I wanted to be. Father, Husband, Ranger, Aggressor, Fraternal Brother, Friend, and most importantly A Noteworthy Christian. Kevin possessed all the attributes of life that I hope to one day obtain. I was first told of Kevin’s passing by fellow Aggressor Andrew Lane while preparing for the same deployment. In the time since, I have tried to think of what to say that could somewhat ease your mourning. So many people have already said it so eloquently, I can only echo their sentiments.
To the Jenrette family, I would like to tell you a couple of stories about Kevin that I had the pleasure of taking part in. Corey, Brody and Meagan Rose, know that your dad was the best man that I have ever known. I met your dad at NGC as we began college. I had already done a tour in the navy before attending NGC. Kevin possesed a military maturity level that immediately drew me to him; we became friends immediately. Kevin and I went through Aggressors as Dogs together, along with Andrew Lane and others. Many miles were trekked together with your Dad and Sir Lane all across places like Hawk Mountain, Hightower Express, Justice Gap to name a few. Even though the training was “rough”, to say the least, Kevin and I would always grin at each other for motivation. Just his smile kept me going for miles. At the end of our journey together as Aggressor Dogs, several things happened that I was fortunate to have been with Kevin as they occurred. Sometime during that year, another ROTC chapter decided to defile the Aggressors by destroying our rock. The Aggressor rock was quickly replaced with another, but the dog class was determined to not let this happen again. It was Kevin and I that came up with the idea to cement the rock into its own base. It was Kevin that rode with me to Home Depot to purchase the cement and wood for the project. And it was Kevin that agreed with me that we didn’t need to ask plant ops for permission to construct a base for our rock. We all got together one afternoon and began our project. Kevin and I planned to bury sentimental items under the rock prior to pouring the cement. For those of you not Aggressors, and Aggressors prior to 1991 I will share with you the three items under the rock even today. 1. A dog patch to commemorate the pain and suffering endured to become an Aggressor. 2. A map protractor so that no Aggressor ever becomes lost or disoriented in life. and 3. A can of Copenhagen snuff, so that no Aggressor should ever go without a pinch later in life. Kevin placed that can of Copenhagen in the ground that day, only after cutting it open and taking a big 3 finger pinch. He said he wanted to make sure it was fresh enough to last. We poured the cement in place, smoothed it over, and inscribed our names into it. I am so very proud that my name is adjacent to Kevin’s.
As Sir Lane has mentioned, Kevin was my main accomplace in liberating the UGA Bulldog Bn ROTC sign from its building on Main Campus, Athens, GA. As with everything Kevin did in the military, this too was executed perfectly. After acquiring PRC 77s and manpacks, we set off for Athens, 3 young men in BDUs in blacked out camoflauged faces and hands. We left NGC around 2200hrs and arrived around midnight. We had already conducted map recons of the streets and confidently drove around the block several times. Bryan Evans, our security element, set up on the upper viranda at the UGA main book store/student center and provided visual surveillence for us. Kevin sported the manpack and I the crowbar. With precision, Kevin and I crossed 400 yards of campus environment up to the front doors of the Bulldog Bn. Checking the doors to see if they were open or not, we found them locked. Kevin radioed to Evans to watch for movement as we tested the waters. Kevin rattled the doors and we both peered in for movement, ready to sprint at a moments notice down the hill to our pre-approved pickup point. Nothing stirred. I began to pop the first rivet that held the sign to the door. The noise it made was deafening. Kevin kept watch as I quickly dispatched the other 3 rivets. The sign popped off and Kevin picked it up and radioed in for Evans to get the escape vehicle and pick us up. Evans radioed that he thought he saw a light come on and all Kevin said was “We’ve got to go now Cowboy, NOW!” We covered the 500 meters to our pickup point in what seemed like seconds. The ride home seemed like hours. Not until we passed over I-85 and was almost into Gainesville did we feel relieved. All the dogs from our class signed that sign and we presented it to LTC Fornshell as a gift for being our advisor. It was a good mission.
Kevin, Lane, myself, and Paw Paw (can’t remember his last name) were anxious for our Aggressor Berets so much that immediately the next day after iniation, the four of us skipped half a day of class, loaded up in Kevin’s Jeep Cherokee and high tailed it to Brigade Quartermasters in Kennesaw to get our newly earned badges of honor. Kevin grinned the entire way down there and back.
Shannon, I’m sorry that I have not had the pleasure of meeting you in person yet, and that it is in this way that I do. But know that my wife and I both loved Kevin very much as a friend, classmate, coworker, and Christian. Even though we haven’t met, I’ve always kept up with your family. Every time I’ve seen Kevin in his office or on TDY, I’ve always inquired about you guys. Kevin was a PROUD Family Man. His picture of you was always prominent in his office with pictures of your children. I remember when he told me you guys were going to have a little girl. He asked me how do raise little girls? I told him it was easy, they raise you, one pinky finger at a time. He smiled from ear to ear. I too, got to chat with Kevin prior to him to leaving Oglethorpe Armory the day he deployed. I had to call him on an XO matter. Dawn told me of him stopping in to tell her bye earlier that day. We both cherish the fact that we got to tell him we love him.
Kevin was an inspiration within the Sigma Chi Fraternity as well, I am proud to call him Brother. In Hoc Signo Vinces!
There are other stories to tell and I will always be available for Corey, Brody, and Meagan if/when they ever want to hear them.
If I too, succumb to this war I will not fear my passage over to heaven; one of my best friends has already cleared the path and reconned the area. After meeting Jesus and thanking him for saving my soul, I want Kevin Jenrette to be the very next person I see. I want to hug Kevin’s neck and take him and introduce him to my Nanny and my Daddy and tell them everything about this wonderful man!
Shannon, please know that my family stands ready to help you and your children in any way at a moments notice.
Again, my deepest condolences and prayers for God’s comfort for you and your entire family.
I am so sorry for your loss. I have always remembered Kevin as a very kind and good man when I was in LWMA. He will be remembered by all of us that knew him. If there is anything I can do please contact me anytime.
To the Jenrette Family:
My family and I are praying and thinking of you in your time of loss.
I only knew Kevin for a short wile, as I left NGC my sophomore year, a decision I often regret. I pulled out the yearbook from my freshman year and showed my wife and children several of the cadets that I knew from my short time there.
Memories instantly came to mind from when I was an Aggressor Candidate. I went through a year after Jenrette, Lane, Evans, & Jones; the latter 3 were my “Froggie Buddies” – I think because of this all 4 of them loved to harass me even more than normal.
As Brookshire has stated, Kevin was the epitome of a US Army Soldier, and one that every soldier that has served would want to follow.
I am also very glad to hear that Kevin was saved and knew Jesus as his Savior.
Reading Andrew’s story on the roll call done in memory of Kevin while they were training made me think of the hymn, When the Roll Is Called Up Yonder.
“Then when all of life is over, and our work on earth is done,
And the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there”.
One day we’ll all be able to meet up w/ him in Heaven, and who knows, it might even be Kevin that responds, “All present and accounted for”.
In no way am I eloquent enough to express the sadness felt upon the loss of this fine man. Kevin was an outstanding soldier, family man, and a fine companion. I have nothing but fond memories of him. With regret, I acknowledge that time and life has allowed me to drift apart from the finest people I have known. I have always had a sense of pride when speaking of my friends that did serve in the military. I hope that I can live my life in such a way that next time I see Kevin’s smile he can say, without reservation, that he was proud that I was his friend. It is unfortunate that we tend to recognize how good a person is only when they are gone. I do not want to think about all the things that I could have done in support of this fine man. Instead, I will think only of the things we can do for Shannon and the kids. When the times of need arise it is my hope that Shannon will ask for help. Not out of sympathy, but out of gratitude and a desire for self worth will we respond. May God bless the entire Jenrette family in this time of mourning. Kevin, you did leave a legacy worthy of admiration.
I did not have the pleasure of ever meeting Major Jenrette; however, I know that it is my loss. From talking to fellow Guardsmen and reading emails that have been sent out, I know that as a man and as a Soldier, Major Jenrette is a shining example of both. I keep your family in my prayers.
Mandy and I want to express our sincere condolences to the Jenrette family. We recognize the the sacrafices Kevin’s famly has made while Kevin served our country. We are greatful. I was a couple of years ahead of Kevin at NGC and I met him through Sigma Chi and the Corps. Kevin and Mandy were in the same class. Kevin always impressed me how he was driven and squared-away. Kevin always made me chuckle with the antics he would get into with the aid of Tombo, Nixon, Brookshire and others. Kevin had a lot of fun whatever the task, always with an infectious smile, a lot energy and a kind heart. Even though he didn’t know it, Kevin had a profound positive influence on the lives that he touched. He touches us even today by reminding us to keep in touch with old friends and honor the friends we have lost.
To the Jenrette Family I am so sorry for your loss:
I have been reading these entries with tear filled eyes thinking that I can not express myself like so many people have. As a fellow 1995 NGC graduate, friend of Kevin’s and a spouse of a National Guard Soldier I decided that I had to write something. When I remember Kevin I remember his sweet smile and great personality. I was lucky to have talked to Kevin at a 5K race in Athens two years ago. After the race, we talked and he smile a big “proud daddy” smile when talking about his children.
I continue to get emotional when I think about his ultimate sacrifice. May God bless his family and I hope his children always remember that their dad is a “True American Hero”.
Jenrette Family:
I knew Kevin @ LWMA. I was shocked to learn of Kevin’s death. Please accept my condolences. My thoughts and prayers are with you during your time of loss. May God bless you and comfort you during this time.
As I grow older more of my friends are passing away which is expected as we age. The sudden loss of Kevin and his fellow soldiers seems to be a violation of the natural order of things. A tragic toll of war. This life indeed is a mystery.
I often think of what an appropriate epitaph might be for those that go or are taken away too soon. I feel the words of Raymond Carver would be an appropriate epitaph for my dear comrade, and fraternal brother.
“And did you get what
you wanted from this life, even so?
I did.
And what did you want?
To call myself beloved, to feel myself
beloved on the earth.”
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. May family, friends, neighbors, and the greater church of the living God be your comfort in this time of great sorrow.
Mark W. Farlett, Lieutenant Colonel, US ARMY
Sigma Chi, Theta Epsilon Chapter
To the Jenrette Family and friends,
It is with a reflective heart that I write this post. Kevin and I were good friends. We went the NCG together and were part of the select group that influenced the Corps. He from the Agressors and I from the Columbo unit. We both went on to serve together in the 25th. Both of us getting selected for specialty platoons as Support Platoon Leaders. I remember both of us thinking initially we had been screwed, and then later realizing what a vote of confidence it was by the leadership. Kevin, always being the envelope pusher, adopted the call sign of Bastard 6. I almost fell out of my Humvee the first time I heard that come across the net. After 25th we went on to serve in RTB. He went home to 5th while I stayed at Benning and served at 4th. We crossed paths occasionally and always enjoyed catching up with each other. Ironically we both left the Active duty Army to serve the ARNG. He chose to work at the state level, while I became a title 10 Guardsman. We worked together to get many Soldiers trained and leave a mark on the next generation of studs.
There was not a finer officer and Ranger than Kevin Jenrette. He lived the Ranger Creed and was a example for all of us. He was my friend and I will miss his company and crooked smile. I look forward to seeing him one day when my time comes. I am sure he will tell me to “hurry up” and ask what took me so long.
My deepest and sincere condolences go out to his family and all of us left behind. I will see you at the final objective tomorrow.
RLTW,
MAJ Breck Paris
NGC is a unique place where we all got to grow up together. Something about being together in those mountains bonds us and makes us all family. We were both younger than Kevin, but we both remember him fondly. He was a wonderful guy, a great soldier and friend to so many.
Our hearts are heavy, and we are keeping all of his family and friends in our thoughts and prayers. We are so thankful for not only his sacrifice, but the sacrifices of Shannon, their children, and Kevin’s parents.
God Bless Kevin and all the soldiers that have paid the ultimate price for our freedom.
I was a classmate of Kevin’s at NGC. Although I didn’t know him as well as so many others, I wanted to offer my condolences to the entire Jenrette family and his close friends. May it bring some comfort in the coming days to know that he is with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
John 14
1″Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. 2In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. 3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4You know the way to the place where I am going.”
Our dear friend George Hearne whose son Barry served with your son notified us. Our son was also in the service[class of 95 USAFA] so we feel your pain. I was in the army in Korea. Your son was a great American. Our deepest condolence’s to the entire Jenrette family. G-d bless his soul
My heart is truly with you during this time, especially since our lives parallel each other in so many ways. My husband, Brent, and I were friends and classmates with Kevin at NGC. Brent is in Iraq now and in an austere location, so we have been unable to communicate about Kevin. I’m looking forward to sharing our feelings and stories about him and passing them to you in time. A wife shouldn’t have to think about what she will do if her husband is taken on the battlefield, but a military wife does. Children shouldn’t have to concern themselves about their daddy’s safety, but military kids do and they know he is a long way from home. It is even more difficult to explain “where” heaven is and why we can’t just drive there. I have four children and my thoughts keep coming back, over and over, to your three little ones. I wondered what I would tell my daughters and I keep coming up with the same thought. Kevin was a gift from God. He was a good man. He believed in doing the right thing and lived life that way. He was a loving, caring, concerned husband and father who made ALL of his decisions based on his family. I say these things, not having seen Kevin since college, but because he reminds me of Brent and that is what I know to be true of a good man.
Our prayers are with you from Ft. Hood, Texas to Winder, Georgia,
Jennifer Gardner Dixon (Brent “Chief” Dixon) NGC ‘94
I have not had the pleasure of meeting you, but I, like so many others, knew Kevin from NGC. I would like to thank you for all that Kevin did for our country. Kevin was a wonderful, helpful, and a very kind gentleman (I too remember his “boyish” smile; it’s forever etched in my mind). I am not married to anyone serving in the military and I can not imagine all the sacrifices you have already been through over the years and now you all have had to face the biggest sacrifice of all – the loss of your friend, soul mate, husband & daddy. Shannon, words can not express how saddened I am for you to have lost your companion in life. Corey, Brody & Meagan, if I could, I would bring your daddy back to you ~ no child should have to grow up without their dad. Kevin touched so many of us in so many different ways; he was one heck of a guy and will be missed tremendously. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family for now and forever.
There is not much more I can say that has not been said, but upon hearing the news of Kevin’s passing my heart just sank like a ton of bricks. I only knew Kevin for a brief period as I was only at NGC for 2 years. I do know that during the times that I have spent with him, that he is a man of great honor and character. The country has lost one of its best. My condolences to the Jenrette family.
I didnt know Kevin but it does hurt to know i lost a brother.Being a Sigma Chi i know he was a good man and reading through the comments reassures me of it, it truly sounds like he will be missed and my thoughts and prayers will be with his family and friends.
Please accept my deepest condolences. I was a year behind Kevin at NGC and was greatly mentored by his leadership and character. From the first time I met him on a warm Thursday afternoon at the Aggressor Rock (that so proudly bears his name) for tryouts, I quickly realized this was a man who would have a significant impact on my life. Little did I know then what a profound and lasting impact that would be. Kevin was a superb leader, always leading from the front and setting the example. In the brief time I was privileged to know him, my respect for him increased daily.
Unfortunately, over the years, I lost contact with Kevin. I would speak with old friends and inevitably the conversation would turn to “how is so and so doing?” Kevin’s name would always come up, and through friends I learned of his exploits in the military as well as him starting a wonderful family. This past weekend, I had the honor of meeting members of his family for the first time and had a chance to see what a loving husband and father he was. I also had a chance to see what a lasting and significant impact Kevin has had on the lives of so many. It is not surprising, considering Kevin was such a man of character, but it was inspiring to see how much better of a place this world has been made by having Kevin in it.
There are few people you meet that truly have a lasting impact on your life. Kevin was one of those few am blessed to have known him. Words cannot express how sorry I am for your loss. Kevin will be dearly missed, but please know that his spirit and legacy will live on in all of us who were fortunate enough to have known him. God Bless you all.
Writing a tribute to Kevin is easy. The hard part is choosing the right words to provide justice to his character. Tombo, Roger and I were blessed to know and love Kevin for almost 16 years and all of our adult lives.
We formed a common bond in the early 1990’s and developed a brotherhood that we all have cherished. I believe that our love and loyalty for each other was based on our common values.
In hindsight, I know it was because we were all raised to respect certain things. In Kevin’s case, those values came from Colonel and Ursula Jenrette. If you ever have the privilege of meeting Mr. and Mrs. Jenrette, Oma or Jennifer then you can easily relate to what I am talking about. The love and hospitality that they show to anyone they meet is heartwarming and their sincerity is genuine.
There is not enough room on my hard drive to tell all of the stories or share all of the memories that I/we shared with Kevin. However, I would share some things he valued and exemplified by actions and not words:
Bravery- Kevin was never afraid to choose the “hard right” over the “easy wrong. Often times people wonder what the difference is and I would submit that choosing the “hard right” is usually the option that you would least like to do. Obviously, Kevin could have made the choice to not deploy or be separated from Shannon and the kids. Once deployed, he could have made the choice to stay within the relatively safe confines of a Forward Operating Base by performing staff officer duties. Kevin volunteered for the tough job. Some people talk about doing the “tough” duty and other people just do it. Kevin did it.
Unselfish- I sort through the plethora of great memories and can always see examples of where or when Kevin chose to do the hard job. He could not stand the thought that someone was doing more than him. Whether it was carrying the M-60 machine gun during Pre-Camp or Advanced Camp or having to carry the heaviest ruck sack. Kevin would not allow the perception to exist that he was “getting over.”
Trustworthy- Simply stated, I would have trusted my daughter’s welfare to Kevin, Tombo, or Roger without hesitation. I have no doubt that any of them would accept her into their home and treat her as an equal to their own children. I know they would love her like their own and ensure that she was cared for and raised to respect the great things that we have in this country. We often tell the story of the four of us sharing a joint checking account in college. Many people can not trust some of their own family members with their money.
Courteous- Kevin was a gentlemen. He could always “let his hair down” and have a great time with us, but he never disrespected anyone without a reason. I remember him often going to my parents house with me and throwing out the “Yes Sir’s and Yes Ma’am’s. Later my Mom would always tell me “Those three friends of yours are so polite!” I’m glad you hang out with such good men. Granted, I refrained from telling my parents about some of our antics, but certain lines we never crossed when it came to respecting other people.
Humble- You could write several novels on Kevin’s accomplishments. He excelled on many fronts and his accomplishments were awe inspiring in many cases, however you would never know it by talking to him. I don’t know that I can recall a time when Kevin ever felt the need to “toot his own horn.” If fact, many times, I remember sitting with him and listening to other people talk about how great they were and Kevin just nodding in agreement without saying a word. The only exception to his humility was during football season. If anyone played Auburn, then he hated their guts (for at least 60 minutes) and if your team lost, then you would hear about it over and over again. Your best option was to plead “mercy on the court” and let him get it out of his system. Better yet, you just needed to say that you were an Auburn fan and then you would not have to worry about getting caught in the crossfire.
Committed- Being committed is kind of like being pregnant; either you are or you are not committed. Kevin was committed to his faith, his family and friends and to his country and community. His views were pretty simple. He cherished those things and if you did not like it, then it was your loss. Kevin would never compromise the people or county that he loved. Kevin would stop by and see me once or twice a month when I worked at North Georgia. I would always ask how Shannon and the kids were doing and his face would light up and he would give the token “Pooh” smile.
Reverent- Kevin was a great Christian! He loved God and was not afraid to tell you. He tried to live his life in accordance with the teachings of Christ and did a much better job than most people in this world.
Enthusiastic- When Kevin made a decision then it was done. Regardless of the conditions or how miserable everyone one around him was at the time, Kevin would use the environment to fuel his motivation and his enthusiasm was infectious.
Willing- Kevin was never one to “waffle.” Whether it was a decision to jump in a van to drive to Florida or Michigan or join Tombo on a road trip to look for Scout, Kevin was 100% willing to go with you or help you out.
Often times in life you meet people who “talk a good game” but seldom can back it up. These values were never “conditioned based” with Kevin or used as a watch word. Kevin never wavered from these values when it was convenient or when no one was looking. He exemplified this and many other traits through his actions not his words on a daily basis.
Kevin was not perfect, like all of us, I’m sure he made his share of mistakes in life. The difference is that unlike most people, Kevin never made excuses for his shortfalls. He acknowledged them, learned from them and made himself better.
I know that no words of mine could pay a proper tribute to what Kevin meant to his family, his friends, his community or his unit. Besides being a great Soldier, he was a loving husband, son and brother, an exceptional father, and a best friend. I will always take comfort in knowing that it only took Kevin 37 years to learn and accomplish all the important things in life that many people never get to experience or enjoy in a 100 years.
I guess my daughter, Ashleigh, summed it up. The day after I got back from Iraq, I linked up with Tombo and Roger to line up some things for Kevin’s return. Ashleigh saw the memory bracelets for Kevin and asked “Uncle Roger” if she could have one. The next day, my mother-in-law took her to go see the dentist. One of the dental assistants, looking at the bracelet, asked “What do you have there?” Ashleigh, in a matter of fact manner, said “it is for my “Uncle Kevin”; he died fighting for YOUR freedom (as she pointed at her).
We will miss you Pooh! I know Jake was quick to seek you out. I love you brother!
*****
Mike
To The Jenrette Family,
Your husband, father, son, brother, son-in-law, brother-in-law, and uncle is the epitome of what most aspire to be and many of us in our circle of friends obtained. That is a strong Christian role model who stands steadfast in his beliefs and does what is right by his family first and others second. Kevin was more than a friend to me. He was and always will be a brother to me. In addition he was a pledge brother in Sigma Chi, my best man in my wedding, a roommate for 3 years, the one I shared a checking account with along with 2 others, the one who took my wife to her dance while out in the field in my absence, the one I stood side by side in numerous weddings as groomsman / saber arch, the one I was selected with out of my peers to obtain the highest honor at NGC, the one I went to camp with at Ft. Bragg where all four of us received honors, the one I received my Infantry branch with and duty assignment to the 25th IN DIV, until failing a English class, the one who gave me my oath as I commissioned in the United States Army, the one I drove from Ft. Lee, VA to watch him graduate from Ranger school and take him out to eat for his first meal after graduation, an army buddy that I linked up with in one of the coldest places in Japan in the early morning hours to make sure he and his soldiers had the best, the one I missed by a few hours in linking up in Okinawa at 1/1 SFG HQ’s, the one I called upon at anytime to always know he had my back without even asking, Too many stories filled with times of rejoice, sorrow, laughs, pain, fun, and a lifetime of memories that will never be replaced nor not enough room to come close to writing about.
One thing that stands out most about my relationship with Kevin was on July 1st, 1999 around 5pm at Lula Park on HWY 52 when I gave him a statue of a man knelling at the Vietnam Wall for his wedding. Inscribed at the bottom was a quote from John 15:13 “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends”. Not knowing 10 years later this would be a reality. Upon giving him that statue, I told him that I loved him and we prayed together. Later that following evening Tombo, Mike, and I met with Kevin in that same spot before going separate ways and we ended our meeting with a prayer in the middle of the night. We hugged each other and drove off never to be in the same company again at one time. The last time I saw Kevin I was taking my son to a football game back in October of 2008 and I noticed a truck parked on the side of the road with the hood up. Not knowing who it was I rolled my window down to ask if they needed any help. As a man moved slowly towards my truck I noticed it was Kevin who appeared to be helping his father-in-law out with a dead battery. We chatted for a few minutes and Kevin got a chance to see my oldest son, Nick (11). That same ole smile came about his face as his spoke with Nick.
The day before his passing I had the fortunate opportunity to watch my youngest son Nate (7), playing baseball against Kevin’s oldest son, Corey (7). I was rushing back from Tampa, FL having been at the Special Operations conference and caught an early flight out of Tampa to make the game. It was such a sweet memory and one that I will cherish the rest of my days until I join Kevin with our heavenly father. As I watched both kids run off and on the baseball field it reminded me of my days of competing with Kevin not knowing the events of the next 9-12 hours were ahead of us all. Needless to say Corey’s team won 20-4 and deserved the win. Nate batted 2nd in his teams rotation and Corey batted 3rd in his teams rotations. Both of our boys went 3-4 in the game and both have a lot of potential if they stick with it. Nate did hit the grand slam for his team but still came up short. Very similar to me always competing with Kevin. He always brought out the best in me in whatever it may have been (Colombo / Aggressors) and I like my son, Nate, was usually on the losing end. My joy as I know Kevin’s was the same, was helping others become better at what they do in there personal and professional life. Taking the weakest link and making it stronger which was taught to us in our days at NGC by a mentor, Mark Howarth. Children in most occasions bring out the best in each of us.
A motto that Tombo, Mike, Kevin, and I always lived by was “Together We Fight, Together We Die”. Well my good, loyal, trustworthy, and faithful friend, a part of me died when you passed and will never be replaced until I cross the rivers deep to meet you again. My prayer as it has always been is when you need me, you just call and I will be their without any questions. You will always live in my soul, in my heart, and in my family as they will know who there Uncle Kevin is and what he stood for. My door is always open to you, Shannon, and your entire family at anytime, any day, and at any hour for whatever you may need. God Bless you all as you are in my thoughts and prayers and to Kevin I hope I served you well my brother. I love you.
I met Kevin in the fall of 1991 at North Georgia College. Having just finishing basic training to become an Army Infantryman, I thought the Corps of Cadets at North Georgia was incapable of handing me any real challenge. So I elected to try out for what appeared to be the most challenging military organization on campus, The Aggressor Platoon. I knew little about the platoon at the time other than that it taught infantry tactics and through suffering built camaraderie. I hardly knew any of the other dogs (Dogs was the term that upperclassmen used for the recruits). However, during the first three day Field Training Exercise I quickly realized that I was mistaken about not being challenged. In the dog class there began to emerge some true leaders, but one especially stood out. He was a fairly thin recruit, with muscles that were not particularly large, but for some reason no matter how hard we were smoked he seemed unphased. I’m sure he had to feel pain but I couldn’t see it on his face. Our final road march for the exercise was 15 miles if it was 100 yards and I remember we were all carrying these heavy ruck sacks that seemed to weigh you down with every step. We were all exhausted and having trouble keeping up with the upperclassmen and were being strung out with the space between each of us widening with every step. I was carrying one of the two M-60 machine guns and I was reeling from its awkwardness and weight. Then I remember that other dog I had noticed who was unphased by the smoke sessions came running up next to me. He looked over at me then he broke out into a skip. I smiled at his antic and he grinned back. Then I noticed he was carrying the other M-60. That other Dog was Kevin and from that moment on we were brothers.
Kevin, I and the other dogs suffered through the rest of the year, learning every stitch of the Ranger Handbook and learning more about our intestinal fortitude with each passing event. At the end of the year the dogs that remained were tight, having shared a common bond of suffering. All the dogs noticed how Kevin seemed to have some incredible strength within to drive on when things were tough and how he never seemed to tire. Kevin had emerged as a leader within the class. We all respected Kevin’s toughness, but as we became the leaders of a new dog class Kevin continued to impress us with even greater displays of character. I can remember whenever we were having the new Dog’s do pushups or carry large rucks Kevin was always doing pushups with them or carrying a ruck just as large. He was the type leader to never ask someone to do something he hadn’t done or was willing to do. If you think his skipping with a ruck sack on impressed me, you should see how it affected the new dogs. Kevin also had this way of mentoring. Instead of yelling like most of us did to motivate, Kevin would simply lean over and almost whisper his encouragement. A professional tactic that seemed to bring home the message to the Dogs.
Kevin and Roger were roommates and it was through Kevin that I met Rog. I am sure now and we knew then that what led us to become so close was our common bond in believing in working hard for everything you believe in, staying true to your values and above all being a man of character. The summer of 93 Roger roomed with Mike, a prior service intel analyst who’s character seemed to mirror our own. He was immediately part of our circle. Our friendship grew stronger and we were always together. Before too long everyone got used to seeing us all together and it was so common that if we went anywhere with one of us missing people would ask questions.
Our bond grew stronger and stronger until we would tell each other how much we loved each other, even in public. And the best part….no one outside our crew dared make fun of it.
Midway through our tour at North Georgia and deep into our course of brotherhood we all decided one day that we needed a name. At the time we all wore high and tight haircuts with some form of a short (and I mean short) flattop. We used a wax called butch wax, to keep our flat top pronounced. Looking around the room, someone spotted the product and it stuck, figuratively and literally. From that point on we were known as the butch crew.
The butch crew decided one day it would be a good idea to get matching tattoos. Oddly enough we decided on this action not for the traditional reasons that people got tattoos, our motivation was that this was another way to show our loyalty to one another…..wearing it on our sleeve for all the world to see. Our tattoo carried an infantry theme but it most distinguishing characteristic was a single word at the bottom. A word that to us encompassed all of our love and loyalty for one another. The word “Pals”. Every morning when I shave I look at that tattoo in the mirror and it reminds me, as it always has of our strong bond and the special friendship we shared.
As a point of humor regarding our tattoos, when we showed up at the parlor to have the art permanently bestowed upon our flesh, our self drawn picture of our art request was not very large. We had planned to have it embossed at that small scale. However, on scene Kevin got the urge to make it as large as our biceps and shoulders would allow. We debated back and forth on the scale of the art work and in the end it was Kevin’s natural leadership that won out. As you can imagine this larger scale tattoo made my girlfriend / now wife and mother even prouder of me. A concern I’m sure Roger and Kevin’s parents shared as well.
Early on in our college career I pledged Sigma Chi fraternity. I chose Sigma Chi because it embodied Christian values. Kevin and Roger pledged in the next class and I had the honor of being Kevin’s big brother in the fraternity. In the fraternity circle Kevin was well respected. Kevin could swing the whole room’s opinion on a subject just by the mere disclosure of his thoughts. He was a natural leader.
The Butch crew brotherhood was stronger than you could imagine. We trusted each other with every fiber of our being. In example, Roger had a field problem he had to attend and his girlfriend / now wife, Leeann really wanted to go to her sorority dance that was scheduled at the same time. Roger asked Kevin to go in his place and Kevin took Leeann to the dance, another testament to our strong bond.
Kevin had a John Deere hat that he always wore. The only time I ever saw him without it on was while he was in uniform. I’m pretty sure he was born with it. The brim was curved so tightly that it formed a perfect circle, creating blinders that had to block Kevin’s peripheral vision. We all thought it was a great trademark of character, displaying Kevin’s embracing of hard work (much like a farmer). Also, the hat’s apparent age spoke of wisdom and experience.
I had to have one like it, so I decided to get a Massey Furgeson hat, representing the manufacturer of another tractor. I thought my picking another tractor company would serve my purposes of looking as cool as Kevin but not give away my copying him. In the end, I’m pretty sure everyone knew I was following in his footsteps. I remember buying my hat and it seemed to stand too rigid. I ask Kevin for some guidance and he explained that I needed to pull the foam liner out of it, wet it down and let it dry and it would hurt to drag it behind the truck for a block or two.
Speaking of trucks, Kevin and I had matching white F-150s with standard transmissions. The only visible difference was that his 4×4 decal was one color and mine another. However, anyone who rode the backwoods and riversides with Kevin knew that there was a big underlying difference in our vehicles. Kevin’s vehicle could go places my vehicle was incapable of traversing. In reality, Kevin put more faith in his truck or his driving, we still don’t know which. If I thought the river was too deep for my truck, Kevin would demonstrate his truck’s ability to roll right across. I specifically remember riding with Kevin one day, that John Deere hat rolled tight to his head, trying to get his truck off a log he had ridden over. Wait, a log doesn’t do it justice, it was a fallen tree and its diameter had to be more than two feet. Kevin worked that transmission back and forth for over 10 minutes then he finally had us free. I remember, he just looked at me and smiled with that ever so bright smile. The one where he grinned so big his eyes looked as if he was squinting.
Our Jr. year the four of us inherited the renting of a small house from some respected upperclassmen. Our financial handling of paying our bills was a collaboration founded on trust. We all had one shared checking account where we contributed monthly the money needed to pay the rent and utilities. Every month the account had the required contribution from each of us and none of us ever had to remind the others to make their deposits.
Speaking of checkbooks, that reminds me…Kevin was very generous in all matters of life but especially in finances. He had a personal checkbook account in college with a ledger balance that must have been the size of his heart. We didn’t know where the money came from (though I’m sure Col and Mrs. Jenrette had something to do with it) but Kevin would always say “I’ve got it” and whip out a check for many of our day to day expenses.
Our Junior year summer, all of the Butch crew went to advanced camp to be evaluated on our leadership abilities. This evaluation was critical to our receiving our preferred branches upon commissioning so the stress level for everyone was always high. A graduating maximum score of “5” was our goal. Typically each platoon would only have one person from each college but North Georgia sent so many cadets that some of our platoons had 2 from our college. Kevin and I were in the same platoon. Some would think this was bitter sweet, being together but competing. But we saw it as a blessing. Kevin and I discussed our goal and we decided immediately it didn’t matter who was #1 but we were to be #1 and #2. The evaluations were based on leadership in Infantry tactics, the same tactics Kevin and I learned and now taught in the Aggressor Platoon. We felt right at home. On one FTX near the end of camp I specifically remember being evaluated as the platoon leader for a raid. Kevin didn’t carry a leadership role on this particular mission, he was an assistant machine gunner. Shortly after I gave the team leaders their orders we were gathering our belongings and getting ready to move out. I noticed Kevin making his way across the assembly area talking to each member. I wondered what he was doing since he wasn’t in a leadership role. I quickly realized that he was telling everyone they had better have their act together, that regardless of how tired they were they weren’t to mess up my patrol. This was Kevin taking charge and looking out for his brother when he could have just rested as the assistant machine gunner. I was pleased, but not surprised….that was Kevin’s style.
In the end Roger, Kevin and I all graduated with our “5” ratings and Kevin and I did better than we could have hoped in the Platoon rating. One of us was number 1 in the Platoon and the other was bumped up to the company honor graduate. Roger was his platoon honor grad as well. We all came home to tell Mike the score standard we had set and wished him good luck in achieving his “5”. Mike went to camp next and didn’t disappoint, living up the Butch Crew standard.
Our senior year Kevin and I were company commanders of C and D Co. We decided one night to get our company’s motivated with a little friendly mud fight on the side of a steep hill. Our cadets each met on the hillside and everyone locked horns with someone from the other company. It was a blast, but the thing I remember most was that naturally, Kevin and I should have probably wrestled each other. We didn’t and there was no discussion concerning the matter. I think we both had too much respect for one another to attempt to advance our own image at the expense of the other. So we left that night satisfied without ever having discussed the matter.
Some other great memories we all share of Kevin include his always wanting to go to stag to fraternity / sorority dances. His preferential way of avoiding drama. However, you couldn’t really show up without a date, so my wife Robin or Mike’s wife Stephanie would always set Kevin up with some friends of theirs, that he could simply take to the dance.
Kevin was somewhat impulsive. Whenever you were going to the beach or an out of town formal with Kevin he would show up the night prior wanting us to pack up and go. He always succeeded in convincing us so we always arrived early without a room being available and spent a day having fun based out of our car or at the hotel pool.
Kevin had a lot of pride and his accomplishments gave him good reason. When Kevin graduated Ranger School Mike and Roger went to congratulate him. After graduation Kevin picked up a yellow shirt that sported across the chest the word “Ranger”. We went to the beach a short time later and he was either proud or didn’t bring another shirt. He wore it for 5 days straight.
In hind sight, Kevin’s patriotism, loyalty, toughness and kindness made us all better people. He helped reinforce all of our best values and in recent years he became the Christian that I envy and that I’m sure God wanted him to be. We are all better people for having shared a bond with Kevin. Col and Mrs Jenrette, thanks for raising a son of such great morals, one we could share such a strong brotherhood with. The both of you, Shannon, Corey, Brody and Megan have all suffered a great loss. The rest of us share a portion of your pain. Kevin was a great American who gave the ultimate sacrifice. For that, our nation will forever be indebted to you. We will miss you Pooh. We’ll see you at the objective. Pals.
ALTW
In Hoc
*****
Tombo
I was one of yours back in ‘72 at Lyman Ward. The passing of your son hits hard here and I cannot even imagine what your wife and you are going through. I have just received notification of your son’s passing. I never new Kevin but I knew his dad to be a patriot, dedicated and a first class officer of the highest order. Reading some of the testimonials here only enhances my belief that you and your wife made this world a better place through your son’s existence. I and my son (who has benefited from your leadership skills instilled into me) are in rememberance of your family and Major Jenrette.
DB
As one of Kevin’s teachers, I will always remember him fondly and admire him for his dedication and composure. I am sure the Lyman Ward family of cadets, alumni, and faculty will miss him very much .
The Jenrette and Parker families will be in our thoughts and prayers.
He will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. We are blessed to have HEROES like Kevin Jenrette who protect us and our country. May God bless his family and hold them closely. In Hoc, Alpha Iota ‘96
I am extremely sorry for the loss of Kevin. He was a great young man and a good friend while I was at LWMA. Know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. He is a hero that will never be forgotten. God bless America.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May our almighty God give you grace and peace in this time of difficulty.
John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”
dear colonel. I have not been back to lwma since i graduated in 88.I often think about friends and teachers and how they influenced my life.Im 40 now and remember kevin like it was yesterday. The reason i remember him so much is he was always smiling and seemed never to have a bad day. When i was having bad days and saw are talked to kevin my day always got better. my heart goes out to you and your family. sincerly Jace Lane
I never dreaded having to write a letter to someone as I do the letter I am about to finally put to pen. The reason this is so hard is because there is little my words can do to make this pain go away you must be feeling. I am truly sorry for this. I will do my best to give another perspective as to what your son, husband and father meant to me, my brother, Will, Ted McDougall and countless others. Kevin was a good kid, a fantastic friend, and always a pure joy. It was this pure part of him that made all those around him admire him. Kevin knew how to have fun and a laugh that will be permanently in blazed in my mind. A big grin or welcoming smile seemed as issued as the military uniforms we wore.
When we met so long ago at a grocery store in Georgetown the day we all had graduated from Citadel Summer Camp was life altering. Kevin, Ted, Will and I had the summers of our lives. Swimming in the Wedgefield pool, riding bikes, crabbing in Pawleys Island creeks and playing Army in the woods building forts were all part of our day to day operation. We were inseparable and those few weeks each summer. The best part was knowing next summer after summer camp we could all do it again. So we all started growing up and Col. Bill got the job at LWMA. The summer prior you all had Will and I out for a vacation like no other. You all were fabulous host! We were able to do things no kid from South Carolina could imagine. To refresh your memory on how well you entertained the four of us here is the tour in a nut shell. LAX>Magic Mountain>Tijuana> Huntington Beachx5> Disney>Skating Delmar and Upland>LAX. Truly a whirlwind tour fit for a rock star! Then came the bomb shell that the Rion boys were going to LWMA with Kevin and Ted! Well it was no surprise we should go! Having Kevin and your family there made the transition as good as it could be for any two kids going into a strange new world. We all fell in line pretty quick and it was good to have Kevin there too be a friend when there were a lot of new faces. We all made it through with plenty of good and tough times. Kevin and I got to play football and other sports that I never would have tried in public school. We all left LWMA ready for the challenges of the real world.
After LWMA we all went our separate ways. Time has a knack of pushing folks off in the direction of their dreams. I went on to graduate from The Citadel and have a lovely wife and daughter here in Chicago. I knew through Ted that Kevin also was moving in the direction of a family and great military career. I was so happy to know that he had found a place where he could put his great skills of spreading good not only among his friends but around the world. I believe Kevin was always meant for great things, most great people aren’t so lucky. What disturbs me is how young he was to give such a sacrifice for us all and not be here later in life to tell us about it. I wish I had tried to communicate more with him as we got older. I felt that we had all the time in the world, he would always be my friend and we could pick up where we left off some day, and now I struggle with not having that chance. I am sure you are all feeling the same way. Kevin lived more in his life then most of us do in a life time. He lived a life of honor, love of God and country, kindness to friends and strangers and as rock for his family. Though his life was cut short doing a job few else could do, his life became a bench mark we should all wish for in our own lives. It is natural to feel angry, sad, disbelief and all those things that come with such tragedy. However now that I have had time to cry and miss Kevin the feeling I feel that has risen to the top is the one that Kevin deserves and that is pride In knowing him.
I do hope the both of you remember me, of all the years that have passed, i have always wondered about the two of you, just like a mother and a father, i truly do love and miss the both of you. I am truly sorry to hear about the loss of Kevin. However, i always knew he would succed in whatever he did. I looked up to him as a role model, and older brother while attending Lyman Ward. He will truly be missed by many, but never forgotten. I do hope Colonel, that you will write me an email when approiate. I miss, and love the both of you. Always remember, and never forget Colonel…. “K.A.B.T.E 93 HUUUU….SWORD DRILL!!!!!!!!!
I am proud to have have called Kevin a Sigma Chi pledge brother, Aggressor Platoon Dog brother, and most importantly a friend.
Many years have passed since I last spoke to or saw Kevin, but I think of our shared memories at NGC often. Kevin is one of the most honorable and sincere men I have ever or will probably ever meet.
I am sorry for the belated posting , but I just heard of the memorial website from a fellow officer stationed here with me in Korea. I returned to Active Duty in the Army a year ago to serve alongside heros like Kevin, and I will forever use his life and the way he lived it as an example to all the young soldiers of what a “man” should be.
Col. & Mrs. Jenrette,
I knew your son as I attemded the Academy during the first year of your tenure as commandant. I regret the size of the sacrifice required at the alter of freedom required of your son. Prior to this entry, I made a point of researching your son. The school, the Army, and yourselves have every right to be proud of the accomplishments which Kevin achieved. It is a tragedy that he leaves behind so many loved ones. But he died fighting for something he believed in, and set an example that we all can admire and learn from. May God bless you in your time of need, and cradle Kevin in his arms of mercy. I look forward to the day that I may have the honor of thanking him for his service in another roll call.
Col. & Mrs. Jenrette,
I knew your son as I attended the Academy during the first year of your tenure as commandant. I regret the size of the sacrifice required at the alter of freedom by your son. Prior to this entry, I made a point of researching your son. The school, the Army, and yourselves have every right to be proud of the accomplishments which Kevin achieved. It is a tragedy that he leaves behind so many loved ones. But he died fighting for something he believed in, and set an example that we all can admire and learn from. May God bless you in your time of need, and cradle Kevin in his arms of mercy. I look forward to the day that I may have the honor of thanking him for his service in another roll call.
He died so we could be free! Many men and woman have give their lives since 9/11/01. He died for something he believed in. HE also set an example that we all can admire and learn from. Col. Jenrette told me Kevin hated losing. He always gave everything he did his best! We all should be like Kevin and give everything we do our best! My prayers are with your family!
wow i didn’t know he had died i didnt know him but he is apart of the L-Dub Brotherhood. and my heart goes out to his family. This is an example of the courage in whinch LWMA instills within it’s boys to make them men, not to mention the strength that this academy provides for us to go out into this cold and lonely world. We are not alone more sacrifices will be made from our academy and others like it. But we will reamin strong.
Desmond Aizen Richardson
LWMA Class of ‘07
Charlie Company 1SG
I am so sorry it has taken me this long to do this, but I needed some time. Not only did I know your son from L.W.M.A, but Keving became a mentor for me very quickly. I followed him to North Georgia and just last year found him to be my Operations Officer in the 108th RSTA. I was looking forward to having a solid leader in your son. Unfortunately as were mobilized I was found to have a heart problem that prevented me from deploying. I dont know if it matters, I pray to God daily that it doesnt, but had I been there I would have probably been the Medic On Kevin’s patrol. I would have followed him just like I have found myself doing for 15 years. I guess I can only say that my wife and I offer you and your family our deepest sympathy, please know that our prayers, and our thoughts are with you always.
SGT Adam M Mcintosh
HHT 1/108th CAV (RSTA)
Senior Medic
I am truly sorrowed by the loss of Kevin, he was one of my best friends during my 7 years at LWMA. Kevin will always be a leader, a friend, a son, a brother, a man of god and the kindred spirit that encompasses all of these things. Whether it was playing football together or skiing in Austria, it semed as if he was always right there beside me. I understand the feeling of loss, I lost my Mother due to Liver disease on June 25th, 1997 and it there is not a day that goes by that i don’t think of her, yet I know she is always with me, her spirit fills my heart and is the fire that keeps me going. Although we may leave thislife in body, our spirits remain forever through Jesus Christ. I love and repect both of you very much, I will be at homecoming Friday night and can’t wait to see you both. My email is scott.chamblee@gmail.com, do not hesitate to write !
Always in our thoughts and Prayers. Scott Chamblee C/O 91″ LWMA
I am so sorry for your loss. I remember Kevin as a “nice guy” who was always smiling and was so up-beat it was contageous. I have wondered where and how the people I knew at LWMA were doing and I now know Kevin went on to infect many with his up-beat spirit. I pray for peace and comfort for his family. God Bless
LWMA 1986 -1987
My husband died on active duty also. My heart goes out to all of the family. I am so sorry about your loss. I appreciate Kevin’s sacrifice more than words can say.
Hunter still speaks very fondly of his time at Lyman Ward and especially of you Colonel. You helped him in so many ways and he would have been lost to us if not for your caring. He told us that he still keeps in contact with you on occassion.
We were so sorry to hear about Kevin. Our thoughts and prayers are with you always. I know words cannot bring Kevin back to you or heal the pain that you feel and time can only help so much. But Kevin will always be with you in spirit and in God safekeeping.
Hello,
my name is Frank and I was a good friendof Kevin during his time in Schweinfurt Germany. Here some words in German language to his family:
Liebe Jenretts,
meine Mama hat heute im Internet nach Euch gesucht und Bill gefunden über eine Internetseite. Hierdurch haben wir Kevins adresse gefunden und ich wollte mich schon per e-mail bei Ihm melden.
Auf der Suche haben wir davon erfahren dass Kevin gefallen ist.
Ich möchte Euch hiermit zusammen mit meiner Familie und Eltern unser aufrichtiges Beileid bekunden. Ich werde nie die schöne Zeit hier in Schweinfurt vergessen. Ich habe mich bei Euch imme wie ein zweiter Sohn gefühlt. Oft haben ich auch mit meiner Frau und Tochter über Euch gesprochen. Als wir z. B. French Toast gefrühstückt haben. Oder wie meine Frau in Garmisch gearbeitet habe und ich die Kasernen dort gesehen habe, habe ich an Euch gedacht.
Wir werden auch nie unseren Urlaub in Huntington Beach vergessen. Ich habe noch immer die Narbe an meinem Knie, welche ich mir beim Fußballspielen in Eurem Garten in Schweinfurt zugezogen habe.
In ewiger Freundschaft
Frank
I knew Kevin when we attended Lyman Ward Military Academy.. I remember his father Col. Jenrette and I would like to say that my thoughts and prayers are with you all…
col.&mrs jenrette,
there are not enought thank yous in the world for bravery that kevin gave for the freedom that he has fought for. im so sorry to find this news . i will never forget you colonel jenrette you was a great inspuration to me . may god bless you .
Our prayers and love go out to your Family during this time of loss. As I read these postings it only shows how much of an impact Kevin made on the lives of so many. I can only imagine the number of young impressionable soilder’s lives that Major Jenrette has touched through his unwaivering leadership and faith. He has impacted so many lives from a life time of knowing him or only kowing him for a year at a small college in the hills of North Ga.
I knew Kevin from NGC and I had the privilege of meating up with him in a parking lot of a small church on Wahsega Rd. We would see each other in passing while I worked for the Sheriff’s Office and we would stop and chat about where friends of ours had moved on to after NGC and other happenings in our lives.
A lot of us will never know the hardships that our military men and women go through in their daily lives in the worst parts of the world. He is a Hero in the true since of the word. Crossfit HQ does something special for fallen Heros. To name a gruelling workout after the fallen Soldier, Marine, Sailor, Policeman, or Fireman. Even though I’m not a part of Crossfit HQ, myself and several other Deputies in Texas put a Work out together called “Jenrette”. Although a simple crossfit work out can never embody what it is to live the life of a Hero, it can remind us everytime the work out is read, said out loud, or completed of the Life of that Hero and can attempt to symbolize Kevin’s mental and physicall toughness and warrior spirit.
Kevin and your family Shannon have given up so much to provide a world a chance at more freedoms and peace. We hold you closed to our hearts. Our family will continue to lift up your family with prayer.
Walter(NGC class of ‘97) and Gwen(NGCSU class of ‘99).
We did not know Kevin personally but as we read the many tributes to him we offer our most heartfelt sympathys to you and your family. We know thru faith that someday we’ll understand every blank page of life and every torn page of pain. All tear stained pages our Lord will someday explain. Just know that we thank Kevin for his service to our country and most importantly the profound affect he played in the lives of so many in his short life. May God be with you and your family during this most difficult time.
I didn’t know Kevin as many of the people posting here did, but I wish I had. The tremendous legacy of how he obviously led his life, the people he touched, and how he left a lasting impression speaks volumes of the character of the man, the husband and father he was. As I write this with tears in my eyes I can not express how sorry I am for the families loss. Kevin paid the ultimate sacrifice for country and family and for that the we are all eternally thankful.
Thoughts and prayers to his family.
In Hoc
Grant Cummings
Beta Upsilon
Washington State
Dear Jenrette Family:
My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Jenrette Family. Kevin had an infectious smile that touched everyone that knew him. Kevin and I were friends at NGC. What a shock to hear the news. May he rest in peace and may the family be at peace through the strength of Christ.
Sincerely
Christa Popham Cook
Kevin epitomizes what a man and a soldier should be. We are sorry our kids will never be able to meet him, but we will be sure to tell them stories from NGC and tell them what an important job he had. Kevin will be missed by all who knew him and all who never had a chance to meet him.
Shannon and kids, thank you for letting Kevin do what he loved and for protecting all of us. He sacrificed all for us to live free and happy. You are all in our prayers and thoughts.
To Shannon, Corey, Brody and Meagan Rose, COL & Mrs Jenrette my deepest condolences.
As my wife and Andrew Lane have mentioned, I have had a rough go off it lately mourning the loss of my good friend Kevin. I have started this message to you at least 20 times in my heart and have not been able to complete it. Kevin Jenrette was the man I wanted to be. Father, Husband, Ranger, Aggressor, Fraternal Brother, Friend, and most importantly A Noteworthy Christian. Kevin possessed all the attributes of life that I hope to one day obtain. I was first told of Kevin’s passing by fellow Aggressor Andrew Lane while preparing for the same deployment. In the time since, I have tried to think of what to say that could somewhat ease your mourning. So many people have already said it so eloquently, I can only echo their sentiments.
To the Jenrette family, I would like to tell you a couple of stories about Kevin that I had the pleasure of taking part in. Corey, Brody and Meagan Rose, know that your dad was the best man that I have ever known. I met your dad at NGC as we began college. I had already done a tour in the navy before attending NGC. Kevin possesed a military maturity level that immediately drew me to him; we became friends immediately. Kevin and I went through Aggressors as Dogs together, along with Andrew Lane and others. Many miles were trekked together with your Dad and Sir Lane all across places like Hawk Mountain, Hightower Express, Justice Gap to name a few. Even though the training was “rough”, to say the least, Kevin and I would always grin at each other for motivation. Just his smile kept me going for miles. At the end of our journey together as Aggressor Dogs, several things happened that I was fortunate to have been with Kevin as they occurred. Sometime during that year, another ROTC chapter decided to defile the Aggressors by destroying our rock. The Aggressor rock was quickly replaced with another, but the dog class was determined to not let this happen again. It was Kevin and I that came up with the idea to cement the rock into its own base. It was Kevin that rode with me to Home Depot to purchase the cement and wood for the project. And it was Kevin that agreed with me that we didn’t need to ask plant ops for permission to construct a base for our rock. We all got together one afternoon and began our project. Kevin and I planned to bury sentimental items under the rock prior to pouring the cement. For those of you not Aggressors, and Aggressors prior to 1991 I will share with you the three items under the rock even today. 1. A dog patch to commemorate the pain and suffering endured to become an Aggressor. 2. A map protractor so that no Aggressor ever becomes lost or disoriented in life. and 3. A can of Copenhagen snuff, so that no Aggressor should ever go without a pinch later in life. Kevin placed that can of Copenhagen in the ground that day, only after cutting it open and taking a big 3 finger pinch. He said he wanted to make sure it was fresh enough to last. We poured the cement in place, smoothed it over, and inscribed our names into it. I am so very proud that my name is adjacent to Kevin’s.
As Sir Lane has mentioned, Kevin was my main accomplace in liberating the UGA Bulldog Bn ROTC sign from its building on Main Campus, Athens, GA. As with everything Kevin did in the military, this too was executed perfectly. After acquiring PRC 77s and manpacks, we set off for Athens, 3 young men in BDUs in blacked out camoflauged faces and hands. We left NGC around 2200hrs and arrived around midnight. We had already conducted map recons of the streets and confidently drove around the block several times. Bryan Evans, our security element, set up on the upper viranda at the UGA main book store/student center and provided visual surveillence for us. Kevin sported the manpack and I the crowbar. With precision, Kevin and I crossed 400 yards of campus environment up to the front doors of the Bulldog Bn. Checking the doors to see if they were open or not, we found them locked. Kevin radioed to Evans to watch for movement as we tested the waters. Kevin rattled the doors and we both peered in for movement, ready to sprint at a moments notice down the hill to our pre-approved pickup point. Nothing stirred. I began to pop the first rivet that held the sign to the door. The noise it made was deafening. Kevin kept watch as I quickly dispatched the other 3 rivets. The sign popped off and Kevin picked it up and radioed in for Evans to get the escape vehicle and pick us up. Evans radioed that he thought he saw a light come on and all Kevin said was “We’ve got to go now Cowboy, NOW!” We covered the 500 meters to our pickup point in what seemed like seconds. The ride home seemed like hours. Not until we passed over I-85 and was almost into Gainesville did we feel relieved. All the dogs from our class signed that sign and we presented it to LTC Fornshell as a gift for being our advisor. It was a good mission.
Kevin, Lane, myself, and Paw Paw (can’t remember his last name) were anxious for our Aggressor Berets so much that immediately the next day after iniation, the four of us skipped half a day of class, loaded up in Kevin’s Jeep Cherokee and high tailed it to Brigade Quartermasters in Kennesaw to get our newly earned badges of honor. Kevin grinned the entire way down there and back.
Shannon, I’m sorry that I have not had the pleasure of meeting you in person yet, and that it is in this way that I do. But know that my wife and I both loved Kevin very much as a friend, classmate, coworker, and Christian. Even though we haven’t met, I’ve always kept up with your family. Every time I’ve seen Kevin in his office or on TDY, I’ve always inquired about you guys. Kevin was a PROUD Family Man. His picture of you was always prominent in his office with pictures of your children. I remember when he told me you guys were going to have a little girl. He asked me how do raise little girls? I told him it was easy, they raise you, one pinky finger at a time. He smiled from ear to ear. I too, got to chat with Kevin prior to him to leaving Oglethorpe Armory the day he deployed. I had to call him on an XO matter. Dawn told me of him stopping in to tell her bye earlier that day. We both cherish the fact that we got to tell him we love him.
Kevin was an inspiration within the Sigma Chi Fraternity as well, I am proud to call him Brother. In Hoc Signo Vinces!
There are other stories to tell and I will always be available for Corey, Brody, and Meagan if/when they ever want to hear them.
If I too, succumb to this war I will not fear my passage over to heaven; one of my best friends has already cleared the path and reconned the area. After meeting Jesus and thanking him for saving my soul, I want Kevin Jenrette to be the very next person I see. I want to hug Kevin’s neck and take him and introduce him to my Nanny and my Daddy and tell them everything about this wonderful man!
Shannon, please know that my family stands ready to help you and your children in any way at a moments notice.
Again, my deepest condolences and prayers for God’s comfort for you and your entire family.
“With a Heavy Heart!”,
Bobby Brookshire
NGC ‘95
Col. Jenrette and Mrs. Jenrette,
I am so sorry for your loss. I have always remembered Kevin as a very kind and good man when I was in LWMA. He will be remembered by all of us that knew him. If there is anything I can do please contact me anytime.
Garett Huber
LWMA class of 92′
To the Jenrette Family:
My family and I are praying and thinking of you in your time of loss.
I only knew Kevin for a short wile, as I left NGC my sophomore year, a decision I often regret. I pulled out the yearbook from my freshman year and showed my wife and children several of the cadets that I knew from my short time there.
Memories instantly came to mind from when I was an Aggressor Candidate. I went through a year after Jenrette, Lane, Evans, & Jones; the latter 3 were my “Froggie Buddies” – I think because of this all 4 of them loved to harass me even more than normal.
As Brookshire has stated, Kevin was the epitome of a US Army Soldier, and one that every soldier that has served would want to follow.
I am also very glad to hear that Kevin was saved and knew Jesus as his Savior.
Reading Andrew’s story on the roll call done in memory of Kevin while they were training made me think of the hymn, When the Roll Is Called Up Yonder.
“Then when all of life is over, and our work on earth is done,
And the roll is called up yonder, I’ll be there”.
One day we’ll all be able to meet up w/ him in Heaven, and who knows, it might even be Kevin that responds, “All present and accounted for”.
In no way am I eloquent enough to express the sadness felt upon the loss of this fine man. Kevin was an outstanding soldier, family man, and a fine companion. I have nothing but fond memories of him. With regret, I acknowledge that time and life has allowed me to drift apart from the finest people I have known. I have always had a sense of pride when speaking of my friends that did serve in the military. I hope that I can live my life in such a way that next time I see Kevin’s smile he can say, without reservation, that he was proud that I was his friend. It is unfortunate that we tend to recognize how good a person is only when they are gone. I do not want to think about all the things that I could have done in support of this fine man. Instead, I will think only of the things we can do for Shannon and the kids. When the times of need arise it is my hope that Shannon will ask for help. Not out of sympathy, but out of gratitude and a desire for self worth will we respond. May God bless the entire Jenrette family in this time of mourning. Kevin, you did leave a legacy worthy of admiration.
I did not have the pleasure of ever meeting Major Jenrette; however, I know that it is my loss. From talking to fellow Guardsmen and reading emails that have been sent out, I know that as a man and as a Soldier, Major Jenrette is a shining example of both. I keep your family in my prayers.
Mandy and I want to express our sincere condolences to the Jenrette family. We recognize the the sacrafices Kevin’s famly has made while Kevin served our country. We are greatful. I was a couple of years ahead of Kevin at NGC and I met him through Sigma Chi and the Corps. Kevin and Mandy were in the same class. Kevin always impressed me how he was driven and squared-away. Kevin always made me chuckle with the antics he would get into with the aid of Tombo, Nixon, Brookshire and others. Kevin had a lot of fun whatever the task, always with an infectious smile, a lot energy and a kind heart. Even though he didn’t know it, Kevin had a profound positive influence on the lives that he touched. He touches us even today by reminding us to keep in touch with old friends and honor the friends we have lost.
Thank you Kevin for serving our country.
God bless the Jenrette family.
Ben (’92) and Mandy (‘95) Miller
To the Jenrette Family I am so sorry for your loss:
I have been reading these entries with tear filled eyes thinking that I can not express myself like so many people have. As a fellow 1995 NGC graduate, friend of Kevin’s and a spouse of a National Guard Soldier I decided that I had to write something. When I remember Kevin I remember his sweet smile and great personality. I was lucky to have talked to Kevin at a 5K race in Athens two years ago. After the race, we talked and he smile a big “proud daddy” smile when talking about his children.
I continue to get emotional when I think about his ultimate sacrifice. May God bless his family and I hope his children always remember that their dad is a “True American Hero”.
Sally Turpin
Jenrette Family:
I knew Kevin @ LWMA. I was shocked to learn of Kevin’s death. Please accept my condolences. My thoughts and prayers are with you during your time of loss. May God bless you and comfort you during this time.
Love,
Nick Class of 1989 (LWMA)
Dear Jenrette family,
As I grow older more of my friends are passing away which is expected as we age. The sudden loss of Kevin and his fellow soldiers seems to be a violation of the natural order of things. A tragic toll of war. This life indeed is a mystery.
I often think of what an appropriate epitaph might be for those that go or are taken away too soon. I feel the words of Raymond Carver would be an appropriate epitaph for my dear comrade, and fraternal brother.
“And did you get what
you wanted from this life, even so?
I did.
And what did you want?
To call myself beloved, to feel myself
beloved on the earth.”
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. May family, friends, neighbors, and the greater church of the living God be your comfort in this time of great sorrow.
Mark W. Farlett, Lieutenant Colonel, US ARMY
Sigma Chi, Theta Epsilon Chapter
To the Jenrette Family and friends,
It is with a reflective heart that I write this post. Kevin and I were good friends. We went the NCG together and were part of the select group that influenced the Corps. He from the Agressors and I from the Columbo unit. We both went on to serve together in the 25th. Both of us getting selected for specialty platoons as Support Platoon Leaders. I remember both of us thinking initially we had been screwed, and then later realizing what a vote of confidence it was by the leadership. Kevin, always being the envelope pusher, adopted the call sign of Bastard 6. I almost fell out of my Humvee the first time I heard that come across the net. After 25th we went on to serve in RTB. He went home to 5th while I stayed at Benning and served at 4th. We crossed paths occasionally and always enjoyed catching up with each other. Ironically we both left the Active duty Army to serve the ARNG. He chose to work at the state level, while I became a title 10 Guardsman. We worked together to get many Soldiers trained and leave a mark on the next generation of studs.
There was not a finer officer and Ranger than Kevin Jenrette. He lived the Ranger Creed and was a example for all of us. He was my friend and I will miss his company and crooked smile. I look forward to seeing him one day when my time comes. I am sure he will tell me to “hurry up” and ask what took me so long.
My deepest and sincere condolences go out to his family and all of us left behind. I will see you at the final objective tomorrow.
RLTW,
MAJ Breck Paris
NGC is a unique place where we all got to grow up together. Something about being together in those mountains bonds us and makes us all family. We were both younger than Kevin, but we both remember him fondly. He was a wonderful guy, a great soldier and friend to so many.
Our hearts are heavy, and we are keeping all of his family and friends in our thoughts and prayers. We are so thankful for not only his sacrifice, but the sacrifices of Shannon, their children, and Kevin’s parents.
God Bless Kevin and all the soldiers that have paid the ultimate price for our freedom.
MAJ David and Dana Key NGC 98/97
I was a classmate of Kevin’s at NGC. Although I didn’t know him as well as so many others, I wanted to offer my condolences to the entire Jenrette family and his close friends. May it bring some comfort in the coming days to know that he is with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
John 14
1″Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. 2In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. 3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4You know the way to the place where I am going.”
God Bless,
Tiffany Michael Hancock (NGC ‘95)
Our dear friend George Hearne whose son Barry served with your son notified us. Our son was also in the service[class of 95 USAFA] so we feel your pain. I was in the army in Korea. Your son was a great American. Our deepest condolence’s to the entire Jenrette family. G-d bless his soul
Dear Shannon,
My heart is truly with you during this time, especially since our lives parallel each other in so many ways. My husband, Brent, and I were friends and classmates with Kevin at NGC. Brent is in Iraq now and in an austere location, so we have been unable to communicate about Kevin. I’m looking forward to sharing our feelings and stories about him and passing them to you in time. A wife shouldn’t have to think about what she will do if her husband is taken on the battlefield, but a military wife does. Children shouldn’t have to concern themselves about their daddy’s safety, but military kids do and they know he is a long way from home. It is even more difficult to explain “where” heaven is and why we can’t just drive there. I have four children and my thoughts keep coming back, over and over, to your three little ones. I wondered what I would tell my daughters and I keep coming up with the same thought. Kevin was a gift from God. He was a good man. He believed in doing the right thing and lived life that way. He was a loving, caring, concerned husband and father who made ALL of his decisions based on his family. I say these things, not having seen Kevin since college, but because he reminds me of Brent and that is what I know to be true of a good man.
Our prayers are with you from Ft. Hood, Texas to Winder, Georgia,
Jennifer Gardner Dixon (Brent “Chief” Dixon) NGC ‘94
Dear Shannon, Corey, Brody and Meagan ~
I have not had the pleasure of meeting you, but I, like so many others, knew Kevin from NGC. I would like to thank you for all that Kevin did for our country. Kevin was a wonderful, helpful, and a very kind gentleman (I too remember his “boyish” smile; it’s forever etched in my mind). I am not married to anyone serving in the military and I can not imagine all the sacrifices you have already been through over the years and now you all have had to face the biggest sacrifice of all – the loss of your friend, soul mate, husband & daddy. Shannon, words can not express how saddened I am for you to have lost your companion in life. Corey, Brody & Meagan, if I could, I would bring your daddy back to you ~ no child should have to grow up without their dad. Kevin touched so many of us in so many different ways; he was one heck of a guy and will be missed tremendously. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family for now and forever.
Leah Alcorn Quam
NGC (’93)
There is not much more I can say that has not been said, but upon hearing the news of Kevin’s passing my heart just sank like a ton of bricks. I only knew Kevin for a brief period as I was only at NGC for 2 years. I do know that during the times that I have spent with him, that he is a man of great honor and character. The country has lost one of its best. My condolences to the Jenrette family.
I didnt know Kevin but it does hurt to know i lost a brother.Being a Sigma Chi i know he was a good man and reading through the comments reassures me of it, it truly sounds like he will be missed and my thoughts and prayers will be with his family and friends.
In Hoc Signo Vinces
To the Jenrette Family,
Please accept my deepest condolences. I was a year behind Kevin at NGC and was greatly mentored by his leadership and character. From the first time I met him on a warm Thursday afternoon at the Aggressor Rock (that so proudly bears his name) for tryouts, I quickly realized this was a man who would have a significant impact on my life. Little did I know then what a profound and lasting impact that would be. Kevin was a superb leader, always leading from the front and setting the example. In the brief time I was privileged to know him, my respect for him increased daily.
Unfortunately, over the years, I lost contact with Kevin. I would speak with old friends and inevitably the conversation would turn to “how is so and so doing?” Kevin’s name would always come up, and through friends I learned of his exploits in the military as well as him starting a wonderful family. This past weekend, I had the honor of meeting members of his family for the first time and had a chance to see what a loving husband and father he was. I also had a chance to see what a lasting and significant impact Kevin has had on the lives of so many. It is not surprising, considering Kevin was such a man of character, but it was inspiring to see how much better of a place this world has been made by having Kevin in it.
There are few people you meet that truly have a lasting impact on your life. Kevin was one of those few am blessed to have known him. Words cannot express how sorry I am for your loss. Kevin will be dearly missed, but please know that his spirit and legacy will live on in all of us who were fortunate enough to have known him. God Bless you all.
Sincerely,
Brett Heard
We are honored to have known him.
To all that loved him,
he will always be with you in your heart.
To all who knew him,
you were blessed that you had the opportunity.
To everyone who met him,
tell the next person you see,
you knew a hero,
and his name was
KEVIN JENRETTE.
Johnny,
Please send me an email address at which I can send you a note.
Regards,
Colonel
Writing a tribute to Kevin is easy. The hard part is choosing the right words to provide justice to his character. Tombo, Roger and I were blessed to know and love Kevin for almost 16 years and all of our adult lives.
We formed a common bond in the early 1990’s and developed a brotherhood that we all have cherished. I believe that our love and loyalty for each other was based on our common values.
In hindsight, I know it was because we were all raised to respect certain things. In Kevin’s case, those values came from Colonel and Ursula Jenrette. If you ever have the privilege of meeting Mr. and Mrs. Jenrette, Oma or Jennifer then you can easily relate to what I am talking about. The love and hospitality that they show to anyone they meet is heartwarming and their sincerity is genuine.
There is not enough room on my hard drive to tell all of the stories or share all of the memories that I/we shared with Kevin. However, I would share some things he valued and exemplified by actions and not words:
Bravery- Kevin was never afraid to choose the “hard right” over the “easy wrong. Often times people wonder what the difference is and I would submit that choosing the “hard right” is usually the option that you would least like to do. Obviously, Kevin could have made the choice to not deploy or be separated from Shannon and the kids. Once deployed, he could have made the choice to stay within the relatively safe confines of a Forward Operating Base by performing staff officer duties. Kevin volunteered for the tough job. Some people talk about doing the “tough” duty and other people just do it. Kevin did it.
Unselfish- I sort through the plethora of great memories and can always see examples of where or when Kevin chose to do the hard job. He could not stand the thought that someone was doing more than him. Whether it was carrying the M-60 machine gun during Pre-Camp or Advanced Camp or having to carry the heaviest ruck sack. Kevin would not allow the perception to exist that he was “getting over.”
Trustworthy- Simply stated, I would have trusted my daughter’s welfare to Kevin, Tombo, or Roger without hesitation. I have no doubt that any of them would accept her into their home and treat her as an equal to their own children. I know they would love her like their own and ensure that she was cared for and raised to respect the great things that we have in this country. We often tell the story of the four of us sharing a joint checking account in college. Many people can not trust some of their own family members with their money.
Courteous- Kevin was a gentlemen. He could always “let his hair down” and have a great time with us, but he never disrespected anyone without a reason. I remember him often going to my parents house with me and throwing out the “Yes Sir’s and Yes Ma’am’s. Later my Mom would always tell me “Those three friends of yours are so polite!” I’m glad you hang out with such good men. Granted, I refrained from telling my parents about some of our antics, but certain lines we never crossed when it came to respecting other people.
Humble- You could write several novels on Kevin’s accomplishments. He excelled on many fronts and his accomplishments were awe inspiring in many cases, however you would never know it by talking to him. I don’t know that I can recall a time when Kevin ever felt the need to “toot his own horn.” If fact, many times, I remember sitting with him and listening to other people talk about how great they were and Kevin just nodding in agreement without saying a word. The only exception to his humility was during football season. If anyone played Auburn, then he hated their guts (for at least 60 minutes) and if your team lost, then you would hear about it over and over again. Your best option was to plead “mercy on the court” and let him get it out of his system. Better yet, you just needed to say that you were an Auburn fan and then you would not have to worry about getting caught in the crossfire.
Committed- Being committed is kind of like being pregnant; either you are or you are not committed. Kevin was committed to his faith, his family and friends and to his country and community. His views were pretty simple. He cherished those things and if you did not like it, then it was your loss. Kevin would never compromise the people or county that he loved. Kevin would stop by and see me once or twice a month when I worked at North Georgia. I would always ask how Shannon and the kids were doing and his face would light up and he would give the token “Pooh” smile.
Reverent- Kevin was a great Christian! He loved God and was not afraid to tell you. He tried to live his life in accordance with the teachings of Christ and did a much better job than most people in this world.
Enthusiastic- When Kevin made a decision then it was done. Regardless of the conditions or how miserable everyone one around him was at the time, Kevin would use the environment to fuel his motivation and his enthusiasm was infectious.
Willing- Kevin was never one to “waffle.” Whether it was a decision to jump in a van to drive to Florida or Michigan or join Tombo on a road trip to look for Scout, Kevin was 100% willing to go with you or help you out.
Often times in life you meet people who “talk a good game” but seldom can back it up. These values were never “conditioned based” with Kevin or used as a watch word. Kevin never wavered from these values when it was convenient or when no one was looking. He exemplified this and many other traits through his actions not his words on a daily basis.
Kevin was not perfect, like all of us, I’m sure he made his share of mistakes in life. The difference is that unlike most people, Kevin never made excuses for his shortfalls. He acknowledged them, learned from them and made himself better.
I know that no words of mine could pay a proper tribute to what Kevin meant to his family, his friends, his community or his unit. Besides being a great Soldier, he was a loving husband, son and brother, an exceptional father, and a best friend. I will always take comfort in knowing that it only took Kevin 37 years to learn and accomplish all the important things in life that many people never get to experience or enjoy in a 100 years.
I guess my daughter, Ashleigh, summed it up. The day after I got back from Iraq, I linked up with Tombo and Roger to line up some things for Kevin’s return. Ashleigh saw the memory bracelets for Kevin and asked “Uncle Roger” if she could have one. The next day, my mother-in-law took her to go see the dentist. One of the dental assistants, looking at the bracelet, asked “What do you have there?” Ashleigh, in a matter of fact manner, said “it is for my “Uncle Kevin”; he died fighting for YOUR freedom (as she pointed at her).
We will miss you Pooh! I know Jake was quick to seek you out. I love you brother!
*****
Mike
To The Jenrette Family,
Your husband, father, son, brother, son-in-law, brother-in-law, and uncle is the epitome of what most aspire to be and many of us in our circle of friends obtained. That is a strong Christian role model who stands steadfast in his beliefs and does what is right by his family first and others second. Kevin was more than a friend to me. He was and always will be a brother to me. In addition he was a pledge brother in Sigma Chi, my best man in my wedding, a roommate for 3 years, the one I shared a checking account with along with 2 others, the one who took my wife to her dance while out in the field in my absence, the one I stood side by side in numerous weddings as groomsman / saber arch, the one I was selected with out of my peers to obtain the highest honor at NGC, the one I went to camp with at Ft. Bragg where all four of us received honors, the one I received my Infantry branch with and duty assignment to the 25th IN DIV, until failing a English class, the one who gave me my oath as I commissioned in the United States Army, the one I drove from Ft. Lee, VA to watch him graduate from Ranger school and take him out to eat for his first meal after graduation, an army buddy that I linked up with in one of the coldest places in Japan in the early morning hours to make sure he and his soldiers had the best, the one I missed by a few hours in linking up in Okinawa at 1/1 SFG HQ’s, the one I called upon at anytime to always know he had my back without even asking, Too many stories filled with times of rejoice, sorrow, laughs, pain, fun, and a lifetime of memories that will never be replaced nor not enough room to come close to writing about.
One thing that stands out most about my relationship with Kevin was on July 1st, 1999 around 5pm at Lula Park on HWY 52 when I gave him a statue of a man knelling at the Vietnam Wall for his wedding. Inscribed at the bottom was a quote from John 15:13 “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends”. Not knowing 10 years later this would be a reality. Upon giving him that statue, I told him that I loved him and we prayed together. Later that following evening Tombo, Mike, and I met with Kevin in that same spot before going separate ways and we ended our meeting with a prayer in the middle of the night. We hugged each other and drove off never to be in the same company again at one time. The last time I saw Kevin I was taking my son to a football game back in October of 2008 and I noticed a truck parked on the side of the road with the hood up. Not knowing who it was I rolled my window down to ask if they needed any help. As a man moved slowly towards my truck I noticed it was Kevin who appeared to be helping his father-in-law out with a dead battery. We chatted for a few minutes and Kevin got a chance to see my oldest son, Nick (11). That same ole smile came about his face as his spoke with Nick.
The day before his passing I had the fortunate opportunity to watch my youngest son Nate (7), playing baseball against Kevin’s oldest son, Corey (7). I was rushing back from Tampa, FL having been at the Special Operations conference and caught an early flight out of Tampa to make the game. It was such a sweet memory and one that I will cherish the rest of my days until I join Kevin with our heavenly father. As I watched both kids run off and on the baseball field it reminded me of my days of competing with Kevin not knowing the events of the next 9-12 hours were ahead of us all. Needless to say Corey’s team won 20-4 and deserved the win. Nate batted 2nd in his teams rotation and Corey batted 3rd in his teams rotations. Both of our boys went 3-4 in the game and both have a lot of potential if they stick with it. Nate did hit the grand slam for his team but still came up short. Very similar to me always competing with Kevin. He always brought out the best in me in whatever it may have been (Colombo / Aggressors) and I like my son, Nate, was usually on the losing end. My joy as I know Kevin’s was the same, was helping others become better at what they do in there personal and professional life. Taking the weakest link and making it stronger which was taught to us in our days at NGC by a mentor, Mark Howarth. Children in most occasions bring out the best in each of us.
A motto that Tombo, Mike, Kevin, and I always lived by was “Together We Fight, Together We Die”. Well my good, loyal, trustworthy, and faithful friend, a part of me died when you passed and will never be replaced until I cross the rivers deep to meet you again. My prayer as it has always been is when you need me, you just call and I will be their without any questions. You will always live in my soul, in my heart, and in my family as they will know who there Uncle Kevin is and what he stood for. My door is always open to you, Shannon, and your entire family at anytime, any day, and at any hour for whatever you may need. God Bless you all as you are in my thoughts and prayers and to Kevin I hope I served you well my brother. I love you.
*****
Roger Nixon
I met Kevin in the fall of 1991 at North Georgia College. Having just finishing basic training to become an Army Infantryman, I thought the Corps of Cadets at North Georgia was incapable of handing me any real challenge. So I elected to try out for what appeared to be the most challenging military organization on campus, The Aggressor Platoon. I knew little about the platoon at the time other than that it taught infantry tactics and through suffering built camaraderie. I hardly knew any of the other dogs (Dogs was the term that upperclassmen used for the recruits). However, during the first three day Field Training Exercise I quickly realized that I was mistaken about not being challenged. In the dog class there began to emerge some true leaders, but one especially stood out. He was a fairly thin recruit, with muscles that were not particularly large, but for some reason no matter how hard we were smoked he seemed unphased. I’m sure he had to feel pain but I couldn’t see it on his face. Our final road march for the exercise was 15 miles if it was 100 yards and I remember we were all carrying these heavy ruck sacks that seemed to weigh you down with every step. We were all exhausted and having trouble keeping up with the upperclassmen and were being strung out with the space between each of us widening with every step. I was carrying one of the two M-60 machine guns and I was reeling from its awkwardness and weight. Then I remember that other dog I had noticed who was unphased by the smoke sessions came running up next to me. He looked over at me then he broke out into a skip. I smiled at his antic and he grinned back. Then I noticed he was carrying the other M-60. That other Dog was Kevin and from that moment on we were brothers.
Kevin, I and the other dogs suffered through the rest of the year, learning every stitch of the Ranger Handbook and learning more about our intestinal fortitude with each passing event. At the end of the year the dogs that remained were tight, having shared a common bond of suffering. All the dogs noticed how Kevin seemed to have some incredible strength within to drive on when things were tough and how he never seemed to tire. Kevin had emerged as a leader within the class. We all respected Kevin’s toughness, but as we became the leaders of a new dog class Kevin continued to impress us with even greater displays of character. I can remember whenever we were having the new Dog’s do pushups or carry large rucks Kevin was always doing pushups with them or carrying a ruck just as large. He was the type leader to never ask someone to do something he hadn’t done or was willing to do. If you think his skipping with a ruck sack on impressed me, you should see how it affected the new dogs. Kevin also had this way of mentoring. Instead of yelling like most of us did to motivate, Kevin would simply lean over and almost whisper his encouragement. A professional tactic that seemed to bring home the message to the Dogs.
Kevin and Roger were roommates and it was through Kevin that I met Rog. I am sure now and we knew then that what led us to become so close was our common bond in believing in working hard for everything you believe in, staying true to your values and above all being a man of character. The summer of 93 Roger roomed with Mike, a prior service intel analyst who’s character seemed to mirror our own. He was immediately part of our circle. Our friendship grew stronger and we were always together. Before too long everyone got used to seeing us all together and it was so common that if we went anywhere with one of us missing people would ask questions.
Our bond grew stronger and stronger until we would tell each other how much we loved each other, even in public. And the best part….no one outside our crew dared make fun of it.
Midway through our tour at North Georgia and deep into our course of brotherhood we all decided one day that we needed a name. At the time we all wore high and tight haircuts with some form of a short (and I mean short) flattop. We used a wax called butch wax, to keep our flat top pronounced. Looking around the room, someone spotted the product and it stuck, figuratively and literally. From that point on we were known as the butch crew.
The butch crew decided one day it would be a good idea to get matching tattoos. Oddly enough we decided on this action not for the traditional reasons that people got tattoos, our motivation was that this was another way to show our loyalty to one another…..wearing it on our sleeve for all the world to see. Our tattoo carried an infantry theme but it most distinguishing characteristic was a single word at the bottom. A word that to us encompassed all of our love and loyalty for one another. The word “Pals”. Every morning when I shave I look at that tattoo in the mirror and it reminds me, as it always has of our strong bond and the special friendship we shared.
As a point of humor regarding our tattoos, when we showed up at the parlor to have the art permanently bestowed upon our flesh, our self drawn picture of our art request was not very large. We had planned to have it embossed at that small scale. However, on scene Kevin got the urge to make it as large as our biceps and shoulders would allow. We debated back and forth on the scale of the art work and in the end it was Kevin’s natural leadership that won out. As you can imagine this larger scale tattoo made my girlfriend / now wife and mother even prouder of me. A concern I’m sure Roger and Kevin’s parents shared as well.
Early on in our college career I pledged Sigma Chi fraternity. I chose Sigma Chi because it embodied Christian values. Kevin and Roger pledged in the next class and I had the honor of being Kevin’s big brother in the fraternity. In the fraternity circle Kevin was well respected. Kevin could swing the whole room’s opinion on a subject just by the mere disclosure of his thoughts. He was a natural leader.
The Butch crew brotherhood was stronger than you could imagine. We trusted each other with every fiber of our being. In example, Roger had a field problem he had to attend and his girlfriend / now wife, Leeann really wanted to go to her sorority dance that was scheduled at the same time. Roger asked Kevin to go in his place and Kevin took Leeann to the dance, another testament to our strong bond.
Kevin had a John Deere hat that he always wore. The only time I ever saw him without it on was while he was in uniform. I’m pretty sure he was born with it. The brim was curved so tightly that it formed a perfect circle, creating blinders that had to block Kevin’s peripheral vision. We all thought it was a great trademark of character, displaying Kevin’s embracing of hard work (much like a farmer). Also, the hat’s apparent age spoke of wisdom and experience.
I had to have one like it, so I decided to get a Massey Furgeson hat, representing the manufacturer of another tractor. I thought my picking another tractor company would serve my purposes of looking as cool as Kevin but not give away my copying him. In the end, I’m pretty sure everyone knew I was following in his footsteps. I remember buying my hat and it seemed to stand too rigid. I ask Kevin for some guidance and he explained that I needed to pull the foam liner out of it, wet it down and let it dry and it would hurt to drag it behind the truck for a block or two.
Speaking of trucks, Kevin and I had matching white F-150s with standard transmissions. The only visible difference was that his 4×4 decal was one color and mine another. However, anyone who rode the backwoods and riversides with Kevin knew that there was a big underlying difference in our vehicles. Kevin’s vehicle could go places my vehicle was incapable of traversing. In reality, Kevin put more faith in his truck or his driving, we still don’t know which. If I thought the river was too deep for my truck, Kevin would demonstrate his truck’s ability to roll right across. I specifically remember riding with Kevin one day, that John Deere hat rolled tight to his head, trying to get his truck off a log he had ridden over. Wait, a log doesn’t do it justice, it was a fallen tree and its diameter had to be more than two feet. Kevin worked that transmission back and forth for over 10 minutes then he finally had us free. I remember, he just looked at me and smiled with that ever so bright smile. The one where he grinned so big his eyes looked as if he was squinting.
Our Jr. year the four of us inherited the renting of a small house from some respected upperclassmen. Our financial handling of paying our bills was a collaboration founded on trust. We all had one shared checking account where we contributed monthly the money needed to pay the rent and utilities. Every month the account had the required contribution from each of us and none of us ever had to remind the others to make their deposits.
Speaking of checkbooks, that reminds me…Kevin was very generous in all matters of life but especially in finances. He had a personal checkbook account in college with a ledger balance that must have been the size of his heart. We didn’t know where the money came from (though I’m sure Col and Mrs. Jenrette had something to do with it) but Kevin would always say “I’ve got it” and whip out a check for many of our day to day expenses.
Our Junior year summer, all of the Butch crew went to advanced camp to be evaluated on our leadership abilities. This evaluation was critical to our receiving our preferred branches upon commissioning so the stress level for everyone was always high. A graduating maximum score of “5” was our goal. Typically each platoon would only have one person from each college but North Georgia sent so many cadets that some of our platoons had 2 from our college. Kevin and I were in the same platoon. Some would think this was bitter sweet, being together but competing. But we saw it as a blessing. Kevin and I discussed our goal and we decided immediately it didn’t matter who was #1 but we were to be #1 and #2. The evaluations were based on leadership in Infantry tactics, the same tactics Kevin and I learned and now taught in the Aggressor Platoon. We felt right at home. On one FTX near the end of camp I specifically remember being evaluated as the platoon leader for a raid. Kevin didn’t carry a leadership role on this particular mission, he was an assistant machine gunner. Shortly after I gave the team leaders their orders we were gathering our belongings and getting ready to move out. I noticed Kevin making his way across the assembly area talking to each member. I wondered what he was doing since he wasn’t in a leadership role. I quickly realized that he was telling everyone they had better have their act together, that regardless of how tired they were they weren’t to mess up my patrol. This was Kevin taking charge and looking out for his brother when he could have just rested as the assistant machine gunner. I was pleased, but not surprised….that was Kevin’s style.
In the end Roger, Kevin and I all graduated with our “5” ratings and Kevin and I did better than we could have hoped in the Platoon rating. One of us was number 1 in the Platoon and the other was bumped up to the company honor graduate. Roger was his platoon honor grad as well. We all came home to tell Mike the score standard we had set and wished him good luck in achieving his “5”. Mike went to camp next and didn’t disappoint, living up the Butch Crew standard.
Our senior year Kevin and I were company commanders of C and D Co. We decided one night to get our company’s motivated with a little friendly mud fight on the side of a steep hill. Our cadets each met on the hillside and everyone locked horns with someone from the other company. It was a blast, but the thing I remember most was that naturally, Kevin and I should have probably wrestled each other. We didn’t and there was no discussion concerning the matter. I think we both had too much respect for one another to attempt to advance our own image at the expense of the other. So we left that night satisfied without ever having discussed the matter.
Some other great memories we all share of Kevin include his always wanting to go to stag to fraternity / sorority dances. His preferential way of avoiding drama. However, you couldn’t really show up without a date, so my wife Robin or Mike’s wife Stephanie would always set Kevin up with some friends of theirs, that he could simply take to the dance.
Kevin was somewhat impulsive. Whenever you were going to the beach or an out of town formal with Kevin he would show up the night prior wanting us to pack up and go. He always succeeded in convincing us so we always arrived early without a room being available and spent a day having fun based out of our car or at the hotel pool.
Kevin had a lot of pride and his accomplishments gave him good reason. When Kevin graduated Ranger School Mike and Roger went to congratulate him. After graduation Kevin picked up a yellow shirt that sported across the chest the word “Ranger”. We went to the beach a short time later and he was either proud or didn’t bring another shirt. He wore it for 5 days straight.
In hind sight, Kevin’s patriotism, loyalty, toughness and kindness made us all better people. He helped reinforce all of our best values and in recent years he became the Christian that I envy and that I’m sure God wanted him to be. We are all better people for having shared a bond with Kevin. Col and Mrs Jenrette, thanks for raising a son of such great morals, one we could share such a strong brotherhood with. The both of you, Shannon, Corey, Brody and Megan have all suffered a great loss. The rest of us share a portion of your pain. Kevin was a great American who gave the ultimate sacrifice. For that, our nation will forever be indebted to you. We will miss you Pooh. We’ll see you at the objective. Pals.
ALTW
In Hoc
*****
Tombo
Colonel,
I was one of yours back in ‘72 at Lyman Ward. The passing of your son hits hard here and I cannot even imagine what your wife and you are going through. I have just received notification of your son’s passing. I never new Kevin but I knew his dad to be a patriot, dedicated and a first class officer of the highest order. Reading some of the testimonials here only enhances my belief that you and your wife made this world a better place through your son’s existence. I and my son (who has benefited from your leadership skills instilled into me) are in rememberance of your family and Major Jenrette.
DB
As one of Kevin’s teachers, I will always remember him fondly and admire him for his dedication and composure. I am sure the Lyman Ward family of cadets, alumni, and faculty will miss him very much .
The Jenrette and Parker families will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Go RANGERS !!
He will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. We are blessed to have HEROES like Kevin Jenrette who protect us and our country. May God bless his family and hold them closely. In Hoc, Alpha Iota ‘96
Sir,
I am extremely sorry for the loss of Kevin. He was a great young man and a good friend while I was at LWMA. Know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. He is a hero that will never be forgotten. God bless America.
Jerry Shore (Chalker ‘88)
Jenrette Family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May our almighty God give you grace and peace in this time of difficulty.
John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”
Eric Fjetland, SMSgt, USAF, Ret.
dear colonel. I have not been back to lwma since i graduated in 88.I often think about friends and teachers and how they influenced my life.Im 40 now and remember kevin like it was yesterday. The reason i remember him so much is he was always smiling and seemed never to have a bad day. When i was having bad days and saw are talked to kevin my day always got better. my heart goes out to you and your family. sincerly Jace Lane
Dear Family and Friends of Kevin Jenrette,
I never dreaded having to write a letter to someone as I do the letter I am about to finally put to pen. The reason this is so hard is because there is little my words can do to make this pain go away you must be feeling. I am truly sorry for this. I will do my best to give another perspective as to what your son, husband and father meant to me, my brother, Will, Ted McDougall and countless others. Kevin was a good kid, a fantastic friend, and always a pure joy. It was this pure part of him that made all those around him admire him. Kevin knew how to have fun and a laugh that will be permanently in blazed in my mind. A big grin or welcoming smile seemed as issued as the military uniforms we wore.
When we met so long ago at a grocery store in Georgetown the day we all had graduated from Citadel Summer Camp was life altering. Kevin, Ted, Will and I had the summers of our lives. Swimming in the Wedgefield pool, riding bikes, crabbing in Pawleys Island creeks and playing Army in the woods building forts were all part of our day to day operation. We were inseparable and those few weeks each summer. The best part was knowing next summer after summer camp we could all do it again. So we all started growing up and Col. Bill got the job at LWMA. The summer prior you all had Will and I out for a vacation like no other. You all were fabulous host! We were able to do things no kid from South Carolina could imagine. To refresh your memory on how well you entertained the four of us here is the tour in a nut shell. LAX>Magic Mountain>Tijuana> Huntington Beachx5> Disney>Skating Delmar and Upland>LAX. Truly a whirlwind tour fit for a rock star! Then came the bomb shell that the Rion boys were going to LWMA with Kevin and Ted! Well it was no surprise we should go! Having Kevin and your family there made the transition as good as it could be for any two kids going into a strange new world. We all fell in line pretty quick and it was good to have Kevin there too be a friend when there were a lot of new faces. We all made it through with plenty of good and tough times. Kevin and I got to play football and other sports that I never would have tried in public school. We all left LWMA ready for the challenges of the real world.
After LWMA we all went our separate ways. Time has a knack of pushing folks off in the direction of their dreams. I went on to graduate from The Citadel and have a lovely wife and daughter here in Chicago. I knew through Ted that Kevin also was moving in the direction of a family and great military career. I was so happy to know that he had found a place where he could put his great skills of spreading good not only among his friends but around the world. I believe Kevin was always meant for great things, most great people aren’t so lucky. What disturbs me is how young he was to give such a sacrifice for us all and not be here later in life to tell us about it. I wish I had tried to communicate more with him as we got older. I felt that we had all the time in the world, he would always be my friend and we could pick up where we left off some day, and now I struggle with not having that chance. I am sure you are all feeling the same way. Kevin lived more in his life then most of us do in a life time. He lived a life of honor, love of God and country, kindness to friends and strangers and as rock for his family. Though his life was cut short doing a job few else could do, his life became a bench mark we should all wish for in our own lives. It is natural to feel angry, sad, disbelief and all those things that come with such tragedy. However now that I have had time to cry and miss Kevin the feeling I feel that has risen to the top is the one that Kevin deserves and that is pride In knowing him.
Tripp Rion, LWMA ‘88
tripp@twistedfood.com / 312-953-4531
Colonel Jenrette, and Mrs. Jenrette,
I do hope the both of you remember me, of all the years that have passed, i have always wondered about the two of you, just like a mother and a father, i truly do love and miss the both of you. I am truly sorry to hear about the loss of Kevin. However, i always knew he would succed in whatever he did. I looked up to him as a role model, and older brother while attending Lyman Ward. He will truly be missed by many, but never forgotten. I do hope Colonel, that you will write me an email when approiate. I miss, and love the both of you. Always remember, and never forget Colonel…. “K.A.B.T.E 93 HUUUU….SWORD DRILL!!!!!!!!!
To the Jenrette family,
My prayers go out to you.
I am proud to have have called Kevin a Sigma Chi pledge brother, Aggressor Platoon Dog brother, and most importantly a friend.
Many years have passed since I last spoke to or saw Kevin, but I think of our shared memories at NGC often. Kevin is one of the most honorable and sincere men I have ever or will probably ever meet.
I am sorry for the belated posting , but I just heard of the memorial website from a fellow officer stationed here with me in Korea. I returned to Active Duty in the Army a year ago to serve alongside heros like Kevin, and I will forever use his life and the way he lived it as an example to all the young soldiers of what a “man” should be.
Rest in peace brother.
ALTW, In Hoc….
Chris Mercer
Col. & Mrs. Jenrette,
I knew your son as I attemded the Academy during the first year of your tenure as commandant. I regret the size of the sacrifice required at the alter of freedom required of your son. Prior to this entry, I made a point of researching your son. The school, the Army, and yourselves have every right to be proud of the accomplishments which Kevin achieved. It is a tragedy that he leaves behind so many loved ones. But he died fighting for something he believed in, and set an example that we all can admire and learn from. May God bless you in your time of need, and cradle Kevin in his arms of mercy. I look forward to the day that I may have the honor of thanking him for his service in another roll call.
Bryan A. Meinert Class of 1986
Col. & Mrs. Jenrette,
I knew your son as I attended the Academy during the first year of your tenure as commandant. I regret the size of the sacrifice required at the alter of freedom by your son. Prior to this entry, I made a point of researching your son. The school, the Army, and yourselves have every right to be proud of the accomplishments which Kevin achieved. It is a tragedy that he leaves behind so many loved ones. But he died fighting for something he believed in, and set an example that we all can admire and learn from. May God bless you in your time of need, and cradle Kevin in his arms of mercy. I look forward to the day that I may have the honor of thanking him for his service in another roll call.
Bryan A. Meinert Class of 1986
He died so we could be free! Many men and woman have give their lives since 9/11/01. He died for something he believed in. HE also set an example that we all can admire and learn from. Col. Jenrette told me Kevin hated losing. He always gave everything he did his best! We all should be like Kevin and give everything we do our best! My prayers are with your family!
Thomas K. Smith
wow i didn’t know he had died i didnt know him but he is apart of the L-Dub Brotherhood. and my heart goes out to his family. This is an example of the courage in whinch LWMA instills within it’s boys to make them men, not to mention the strength that this academy provides for us to go out into this cold and lonely world. We are not alone more sacrifices will be made from our academy and others like it. But we will reamin strong.
Desmond Aizen Richardson
LWMA Class of ‘07
Charlie Company 1SG
Col. & Mrs. Jenrette,
I am so sorry it has taken me this long to do this, but I needed some time. Not only did I know your son from L.W.M.A, but Keving became a mentor for me very quickly. I followed him to North Georgia and just last year found him to be my Operations Officer in the 108th RSTA. I was looking forward to having a solid leader in your son. Unfortunately as were mobilized I was found to have a heart problem that prevented me from deploying. I dont know if it matters, I pray to God daily that it doesnt, but had I been there I would have probably been the Medic On Kevin’s patrol. I would have followed him just like I have found myself doing for 15 years. I guess I can only say that my wife and I offer you and your family our deepest sympathy, please know that our prayers, and our thoughts are with you always.
SGT Adam M Mcintosh
HHT 1/108th CAV (RSTA)
Senior Medic
KABTE ‘93 HUA SWORD DRILL!!!!!!!!
Colonel Jenrette and Ursula,
I am truly sorrowed by the loss of Kevin, he was one of my best friends during my 7 years at LWMA. Kevin will always be a leader, a friend, a son, a brother, a man of god and the kindred spirit that encompasses all of these things. Whether it was playing football together or skiing in Austria, it semed as if he was always right there beside me. I understand the feeling of loss, I lost my Mother due to Liver disease on June 25th, 1997 and it there is not a day that goes by that i don’t think of her, yet I know she is always with me, her spirit fills my heart and is the fire that keeps me going. Although we may leave thislife in body, our spirits remain forever through Jesus Christ. I love and repect both of you very much, I will be at homecoming Friday night and can’t wait to see you both. My email is scott.chamblee@gmail.com, do not hesitate to write !
Always in our thoughts and Prayers. Scott Chamblee C/O 91″ LWMA
I am so sorry for your loss. I remember Kevin as a “nice guy” who was always smiling and was so up-beat it was contageous. I have wondered where and how the people I knew at LWMA were doing and I now know Kevin went on to infect many with his up-beat spirit. I pray for peace and comfort for his family. God Bless
LWMA 1986 -1987
My husband died on active duty also. My heart goes out to all of the family. I am so sorry about your loss. I appreciate Kevin’s sacrifice more than words can say.
Col. & Mrs. Jenrette,
Hunter still speaks very fondly of his time at Lyman Ward and especially of you Colonel. You helped him in so many ways and he would have been lost to us if not for your caring. He told us that he still keeps in contact with you on occassion.
We were so sorry to hear about Kevin. Our thoughts and prayers are with you always. I know words cannot bring Kevin back to you or heal the pain that you feel and time can only help so much. But Kevin will always be with you in spirit and in God safekeeping.
Our love and sympathy,
Linda & Doron Rozen
God Bless you for your gift to our freedom. Your sacrifice is not in vain.
Hello,
my name is Frank and I was a good friendof Kevin during his time in Schweinfurt Germany. Here some words in German language to his family:
Liebe Jenretts,
meine Mama hat heute im Internet nach Euch gesucht und Bill gefunden über eine Internetseite. Hierdurch haben wir Kevins adresse gefunden und ich wollte mich schon per e-mail bei Ihm melden.
Auf der Suche haben wir davon erfahren dass Kevin gefallen ist.
Ich möchte Euch hiermit zusammen mit meiner Familie und Eltern unser aufrichtiges Beileid bekunden. Ich werde nie die schöne Zeit hier in Schweinfurt vergessen. Ich habe mich bei Euch imme wie ein zweiter Sohn gefühlt. Oft haben ich auch mit meiner Frau und Tochter über Euch gesprochen. Als wir z. B. French Toast gefrühstückt haben. Oder wie meine Frau in Garmisch gearbeitet habe und ich die Kasernen dort gesehen habe, habe ich an Euch gedacht.
Wir werden auch nie unseren Urlaub in Huntington Beach vergessen. Ich habe noch immer die Narbe an meinem Knie, welche ich mir beim Fußballspielen in Eurem Garten in Schweinfurt zugezogen habe.
In ewiger Freundschaft
Frank
I knew Kevin when we attended Lyman Ward Military Academy.. I remember his father Col. Jenrette and I would like to say that my thoughts and prayers are with you all…
col.&mrs jenrette,
there are not enought thank yous in the world for bravery that kevin gave for the freedom that he has fought for. im so sorry to find this news . i will never forget you colonel jenrette you was a great inspuration to me . may god bless you .