08 June 2009

Death of Major Kevin Jenrette, US Army 5 June 2009

I am incredibly shocked and saddened to report that one of my US Army Ranger friends and colleagues, Major Kevin Jenrette of Lula, Georgia was killed in action in Afghanistan on 5 June 2009 along with 2 other soldiers, "Staff Sgt. John C. Beale, 39, of Riverdale; and Spc. Jeffrey W. Jordan, 21, of Rome, died near Kapisa, Afghanistan of wounds sustained from an improvised explosive device" (courtesy of www.accessnorthga.com.) Major Jenrette had been a liaison in my ongoing assignments with the US Army Rangers for a number of years, and I greatly mourn his passing and the deaths of his comrades in this cowardly IED attack on their convoy.

Here is a link to the original post that I read today: http://www.accessnorthga.com/detail.php?n=220898&c=10

This news was a great personal shock as Major Jenrette and I spent numerous days together coordinating photography for the US Army Rangers in past years. Unfortunately, I did not know the other two soldiers, but having spent a great deal of time with the military over the past ten years, I know that all these men gave their lives in service to our country, performing a job for which they volunteered to bravely complete. I also know that there are no words to ease the pain of their loss for their loved ones. However, I can say that we will never forget these brave soldiers or their sacrifice.

I have not heard about any arrangements for these soldiers as yet, but will update you as they are released. You can also check www.accessnorthga.com for updates.

My thoughts and prayers will be with these families, and the rest of our men and women in uniform as they proudly serve our country in a difficult and dangerous mission, thousands of miles away from the love and comfort of their families and homes.