Fallen Heroes of Operation Iraqi Freedom

Remembering the servicemembers who died in the service of their country.

Army Capt. Christopher J. Kenny

32, of Miami, Florida.
Kenny died in Balad, Iraq, when his military vehicle left the road and flipped over in a canal. He was assigned to the 4th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, Vilseck, Germany. Died on May 3, 2004.

Kenny was posthumously promoted to Captain.

Please send information, photos, and corrections for Army Capt. Christopher J. Kenny.

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Messages:

Leave a message in memory of this servicemember, and/or to the loved ones left behind.

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"Would like to know more please call 561-663-0832 copy and this is brother"
Gavin Kenny of Ocala FL

"Saw something today that reminded me of you Chris. I am honored to observed with you, my friend, fellow Soldier and next door neighbor in Germany. Our families shared some good times together. Till Valhalla brother."
Barry Seip of El Paso Texas

"Sir,
Memorial Day 2013. Just want to say I am honored to have served with you in the BRT. You were the XO that every 1SG would want to have and you will always be remembered."
1SG (Ret) Brian Bennett of San Diego, formerly F/4 Cav

"I was thinking about Chris just now. My name is Jaime. I went to college with Chris. We were bother Summerall Guards. I have a distinct memeory of us running with our rifles going out for the Guards. He was yelling and screaming, trying to motivate his classmates. I am almost positive he bought Chuck Taylors for the run, but I am not sure... I just have that memory.

To Mr. Kenny, the father of Chris - I have 3 boys now. I could NEVER imagine what you have gone through. I hope by now, some of that pain has gone down. I have good memories of Chris. He was a good friend and very truthful. He never needed to impress people or was fake. I liked that about him and respected him.

God bless"
Jaime Facchino of Charlotte, NC

"To the family of:Christopher J. Kenny
I am so sorry for the loss of your love one. My heart cries out for you in your grief and you have my thoughts and prayers. He died a hero defending freedom. May you have the peace and understanding that only comes from God. Prayerfully we will all meet in Heaven one day where we will rest in the arms of Jesus. If you need prayer or need someone to talk to, please call or write my pastor: Rev. John Pearrell 11677 Brown Bridge Rd., Covington, GA 30016. (770)787-1015.
Your friend in Jesus Christ, Polly Ballew Covington,Ga""

"I never want to forget the sacrifices of so many young men and women. I am so proud it makes me cry at times. I understand, in theory only, that war is a part of human nature but so is love and caring. I wish I could take your families and friends pain away but I can't. I am committed to loving ALL people, myself and our environment. I am committed to working on my happiness everyday because so many have died for my freedom to live my life. Thank you is not enough but it is all I have. All my love and respect. ogersteiner@yahoo.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEjz-wAQLSA&feature=PlayList&p=477CB1585D5551F3
A hundred times a day, I remind myself that my inner and outer life depends on the labors of other men, living and dead, and I must exert myself in order to give in the same measure as I have received and am receiving. - Albert Einstein"
Scott E. Steiner of Worthington, OH USA

"Son I Love you with all my heart , you don't know how I miss you, Dad 03/07/10"
Jim Kenny of merritt island Fla.

"Son I Love you with all my heart , you don't know how I miss you, Dad"
Jim Kenny of merritt island Fla.

"April 28, 2009
To the family of Capt. Christopher J. Kenny:
Christopher gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org"
Peggy Childers of Carson City, NV

"Chris

Thank you for your service and sacrifices

My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

Sincerely from a grateful American

Kelly DeBardelaben

Miami Palmetto Sr High Class of 1989"
KD of Colorado Springs, CO

"I was in Lima Company with Chris at the Citadel and he was a great man and a great leader."
Curtis Campbell class of 94 of Austin, Texas

"Out of curiosity and a desire to seek out old friends I decided to do a google search for Chris. Chris was a childhood friend of mine. I have many fond memories of things we did as kids. I was sad to see this. My condolences go out to his family. May God bless you all."
Joseph Bunch of Knoxville, TN

"I have been living overseas for a while and have just recently moved back to the States. It was by chance that I was made aware of your passing. I knew you back when we were in college in Charleston, SC. I don't exactly know what to say, I just wanted to pay my respects to you on this web page; although it's now 2007, I know you live on in everyone's memory. God Bless You."
Heidi of California

"At the rising of the sun and at its going down,
We remember them.

At the blowing of the wind and in the chill of Winter, We remember them.

At the opening of buds and in the rebirth of Spring,
We remember them.

At the blueness of the skies and in the warmth of Summer,
We remember them.

At the rustling of leaves and the beauty of Autumn,
We remember them.

At the beginning of the year and when it ends,
We remember them.

As long as we live, they too will live;
for they are now a part of us, as we remember them.

When we are weary and in need of strength,
We remember them.

When we are lost and sick at heart,
We remember them.

When we have joys we yearn to share,
We remember them.

When we have decisions that are difficult to make,
We remember them

When we have achievements that are based on theirs,
We remember them.

As long as we live, they too shall live,
for they are a part of us, as we remember them."
Nadja Sprayberry, Widow of SSG Marvin R. Sprayberry III. of Milton, FL

"CPT Kenny it was an honor to be your soldier and Platoon Sergeant, wish we had more time to train and have fun."
SFC Peter L Millington of Pottersville NY

"Here is a message I posted on the message board at my law school on Memorial Day last year. I will re-post it this year. I only recently came across this site - but I think these words reflect my feelings about Chris and the other men and women like him.


Why Memorial Day should matter to law students.

It is my earnest hope that every one will take just one moment today and think about why Memorial Day should be important to every law student.

Frequently, our discussions in class revolve round the defense or enforcement of a right which the constitution guarantees to every person in this country. Even a casual review of legal history demonstrates how lawyers have worked diligently to insure that these rights are extended to all members of our society, and even those outside it, and that individual rights are protected against infringement. There is one and only one reason that lawyers have had the opportunity to due this work.

Since the United States declared her independence from England, American men and women have fought and died to insure that the freedoms the founders envisioned would survive both domestic and foreign threats. Without the incredible sacrifice of tens of thousands of soldiers, marines, sailors and airmen, there would simply be no constitutional rights for lawyers to protect. While lawyers may offer their services pro-bono to worthy causes, the downtrodden or oppressed, there is no greater service to mankind than to lay down one’s life for the greater good of us all.

From 1775 to 2005, countless tens of thousands have selflessly given their all to preserve this Republic, and the ideals and principles for which she stands. Millions more have served under arms and been ready to do so. While many have lost sight of this fact, and take for granted the personal freedoms they enjoy in America, it is not hyperbole to say that there are many who would do all that they can to destroy the way of life we cherish, and that so many have given so much to protect.

The next time you take a stand for someone’s rights, consider that the ground you are standing on is soaked in the blood of America’s patriot dead. Lexington, Concord and Yorktown, the Battery in Charleston, Gettysburg and Appomattox, Flanders fields and St. Mihiel, Pearl Harbor and Midway, Normandy and the Ardennes Forest, Inchon and Chosin Reservoir, the Ia Drang Valley and Hue City, Kuwait, Afghanistan and Iraq. These places are what the Constitution stands for; a pledge of sacred honor to sacrifice fortune and life to defend freedom.

Before you head off to barbecue, before you spend time with your family and friends, before you forget why you have the day off in the first place, remember those for whom Memorial Day isn’t just the first holiday of the summer. Today, I stop to remember Captain Christopher J. Kenny. Soldier, son, husband, father - Chris gave everything so that I can sit back in class and talk about constitutional rights. I can assure everyone that today is not just a day off from work to Chris’s family. Neither should it be to the rest of us.

When Chris died, he was wearing a band of gold on his right hand that links him to me and many other Citadel Alumni – present, past and future. It has been said that a man is not truly dead until he is forgotten. My classmates and I will not forget Chris. Likewise, as future lawyers, we should make it our obligation not to break faith with those who have earned for us rights that we may now work to preserve.


In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below
We are the dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields."
Geoff C. of Charleston, SC

"WEDNESDAY GROUP OF FALLEN FAMILIES FROM LONG ISLAND JOINING ME. tO PLACE WREATHS BY CHRISTOPHER AND OUR OTHER FALLEN SOLDIERS. JUST AS WE DID IN NATIONAL PINELAWN AND CALVERTON ON LONG ISLAND. NEVER EVER TO BE FORGOTTEN."
GREG'S of DAD

"I am hoping someone will see this on this webpage and be able to help me. I am trying to reach the family of this soldier so that I can mail a flag to them that was flown in this soldier's honor. I am forever grateful for the sacrifices that this family gave. Any assitance would be very helpful.
Thank you. emmylou9@hotmail.com"
Emmy of Charleston, SC

"To the Kenny Family from the Wahl family. Been a very diffucult year so many military families. My heart and prays are with Christopher, your family and all the other families. Hard to believe it's almost a year. Very thankful our son's had one another along with Marvin and Lyndon. Knowing all together was such comfort to me. An yet, I'm always thinking of them. May 1st my church having a mass for them. Seems only right for all four then just my son. For I remember Gregory telling, one of his LT's, always said. We are brothers and sister's, family! An family watches over one another. Of all my conversations with my son. That stuck with me. An I only hope it was your son's words. Cause, I could be wrong, but I believe it was. My heart and prays are with Christopher and your family."
LEONARD WAHL of VALLEY STREAM NY

"To Chris' wife and family,

Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. His sacrifice will not be forgotten. I considered Chris a friend from our days together at the Citadel. He was one of the most loyal, devoted and honorable people I have ever met. It was my privelege to know him. Please accept my condolences. If there is anything I can do, please don't hesitate to contact me."
Bill Burns, Alpha Co., '93 of Knoxville, TN

"Christopher, since your birthday in Sept and your wedding anniversary in Oct this has been a really bad time for all of us. Your being gone is not getting easier, sometimes I cry all day,because I just cannot beleive that you are not going to show up on our door step. It hurts."
Mom of Merritt Island, Fla.

"Chris, I just got back from visiting you at Arlington this past weekend. I just wanted to say thank you for your sacrifice. We will not forget your services to protect freedom that everyone should have the opportunity to experience. I will always remember our days at The Citadel. I took off my ring and placed it on your tombstone, while saying a little prayer. On behalf on 93' we thank you and we will miss you. God bless you and your family!"
Rob Grier of Citadel Class of 1993

"To the Kenny's visited Christopher and Marvin. Place a flower ! To thank them for being with Marcus and Gregory. Today was a diffucult day. Greg's Birthday, just hard to lose them. Our hearts and prays are with you!"
Greg's Dad of valley stream ny

"Christopher it's almost three months since you died and there is still a part of me that cannot beleive it.I know you loved your job and beleived in the mission, but it hurts so much to know that we will never hear your voice again or see the twinkle in your eye. You are our shining star and we will miss you always."
Mom and Dad of Merritt Island, Fla

"lwahl1@sears.com mrs. kenny hope you e-mail me. so thankful you husband was with Gregory, Marcus and Marvin. we all will miss them deeply and dearly."
Leonard T Wahl of valley stream ny

"Captain Kenny, goodbye soldier and thank you. You are my hero."
Bill of Houston, Texas

"To Christopher's family, I am so sorry for the loss of your loved one. Please know that many of us appreciate his service to and sacrifice for our country."
F. Smith of Pennsylvania

"We Will NEVER FORGET !"
Please KNOW so many people share your sadness, and we are remembering your family in your loss and your deep grief. Your HERO, Christopher, will be remembered by name. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless you. Pat & Sandi Breckenridge from Montana "

"LT. KENNY, YOU ARE A HERO TO OUR COUNTRY,YOUR FAMILY, THE VESLICK FAMILY,AND ESPECIALLY; TO SGT. GREGORY L. WAHL'S ENTIRE FAMILY. WE ARE EXTREMELY THANKFUL SGT. WAHL (GREG) WAS BY YOUR SIDE AND YOUR ARMY BROTHERS. FINDING WORDS TO EXPRESS CONDOLENCES ARE DIFFUCULT. TRUELY, FROM MY HEART AND GREG'S MOTHER. OUR PRAYS AREWITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY."
LEONARD WAHL of valley stream, ny. usa

"My prayers and condolences to the Kenny family. My son PFC Jesse Davis served under LT.Kenny and had mentioned him with fondness in his communications with me. He was very saddened over his loss. May God bless and stregnthen you during this difficult and trying time.

Sincerely,

Sidney Davis
HM1 USN RET"
Sidney L. Davis, Jr. of Boston, MA

"To Christopher's Family and Friends:

On behalf of the Blanco-Caldas family, we send our sincerest condolences. We share the same loss ... the same pain. Our prayers are with you in this most difficult time and we thank you for his bravery and sacrifice.

Sincerely,

The Family of Capt. Ernesto M. Blanco-Caldas, 82nd Airborne, KIA Iraq 12/28/2003.

Gloria Caldas (his mom) of San Antonio, TX"

"To Christopher's Family:
There are no words to express the sorrow we feel for your loss. May God bless you and help you through this time."
Dan and Meg Manninen of San Antonio, Texas

"Thank you Christopher Kenny, you will not be forgotten. Your bravery goes beyond words. I want to express my deepest gratitude for your sacrifice. To the family and friends, my prayers and deep condolences in your loss. May God strengthen you from knowing that fellow Americans and people around the world care about you and grieve with you in your loss. God bless you all. A very appreciative fellow American,"
Leo Titus of Grayslake, Illinios

"To the family and friends of 1st Lt. Christopher Kenny:
May God's grace be with you during your time of grief. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and we feel your loss and share in your sorrow. Bless Christopher for the sacrifice he has made to make a better life for the rest of us."
The Ford Family of Wells, Nevada

"To the family and friends of 1st Lt. Christopher Kenny:
I am saddened by the loss of your loved one. He will always be remembered as a hero for fighting for freedom. I hope that this website will be a source of comfort and encouragement for you during this difficult time, and in the future as you recall the memories of Christopher, who continues to live on in your heart."
Tim Rivera of Powder Springs, Georgia

Honor them by remembering... Freedom - is their gift to us But his soul goes marching on