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Sending care packages to our troops deployed overseas
Mailing Address:
500 Randolph Ave
Milton, MA 02186
Contact Us:
617-429-7462 ph
info@packitup.org
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This website is dedicated to the memory CPL
Brian M Kennedy, USMC.
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Cpl. Brian Kennedy, 25, of
Houston, Texas: crew chief and mechanic, Marine
Medium Helicopter Squadron - 268, 3d Marine
Aircraft Wing, Marine Corps Air Station Camp
Pendleton, California. Kennedy grew up in
Glenview, Illinois, played football and lacrosse
in high school, and attended college for a year
each at Purdue University and Texas Tech. He was
especially fond of his parents' retirement home
in Port Clyde, Maine. ''Brian loved this spot,"
recalls his mother. "He could rock-climb, he
could eat Great Eastern mussels and lobster, he
could cook, he could sail with us, he laughed
all the time while he was here. He wore his
flip-flops and stared at the stars in the
Adirondack chairs.'' |
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We came to know of
Brian's story and his life only after he died in
one of the first accidents of the war in March,
2003. Through a friend, Dorie Rosenband, we
heard of Brian's death - and then learned more
about his life and his family. Throughout
the past few years, we have been lucky enough to
speak with Brian's mother, Melissa and his
sister, Gretchen. Brian's courageous life and his sacrifice are the main
reasons Pack It Up started.
March 2008
March 21 marks the fifth anniversary of the
death of CPL Brian Kennedy, USMC. We
respectfully remember Brian and offer our
deepest sympathy to his family.
"Brian Matthew Kennedy, 25, born in Evanston,
Illinois, was killed in action on March 21,
2003, during the first ground troop insertion
mission in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Brian was a
Corporal in the United States Marine Corps.
Mark Kennedy said his son grew up in Glenview,
Ill. He was a starting guard on the football
team at Glenbrook South High School and helped
the team reach the conference championship game
as a junior. He graduated from high school in
1995 and enrolled at Purdue University, where he
studied mechanical engineering and played
lacrosse.
In about 1997, he transferred to Texas Tech
University and continued to study mechanical
engineering. But his calling was to be a U.S.
Marine, he told his father. A fellow student who
had been a Marine became an inspiration to him,
his father said. He left college and enlisted in
1999.
In 1999, Brian joined the United States Marine
Corps. He was stationed at Camp Pendleton in
Oceanside and resided in Encinitas, CA. He was
trained as a CH-46 Sea Knight Helicopter
Mechanic and Crew Chief. Because of his superior
abilities, Brian was selected for the first
troop insertion mission in Operation Iraqi
Freedom. He died in valor and was proud to serve
his country.
Brian was adored by all and could light up a
room with his smile. He was selfless and very
caring. He was a good son and a loyal brother,
brother in-law and friend. Brian enjoyed
golfing, rock climbing and cooking/grilling with
friends and family. He was humble despite his
talent as a gifted athlete and scholar. He was a
proud Marine and is missed by all." |
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