Sgt. Kevin Bromley
3rd Brigade, 1st Armor Division PAO
TAJI, Iraq -- The Thunderbolt Battalion stood in a solemn final formation to pay their last respects to Sgt. Kenneth John Schall as a tribute song composed and performed by his sister reverberated through the ceremony site.
Schall was an armored crewman assigned to 2nd Battalion, 70th Armor Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 1st Armor Division. He was killed when his humvee rolled over after being struck by a local national vehicle while conducting combat operations May 22, 2005.
"Sgt. Kenneth Schall was a patriot who paid the ultimate price to answer his country's call to dutyâ?¦He was a Soldier, a credit to his unit and to the United States Army," said Col. David J. Bishop commander of 3rd Brigade, 1st Armor Division.
Schall was highly respected by his peers and commanders a Soldier in every sense of the word.
"What can I tell you about SGT Kenny Schallâ?¦ he was one of the finest soldiers and men produced by the United States," said Capt. David F. Carey commander of A Company, 2nd Battalion, 70th Armor Regiment.
There are men who learn to be leaders and there are others who exude a natural leadership. According to many of his peers, Schall was a natural born leader that people gravitated toward.
"He was one of those Non-Commissioned Officers that you would have sworn had been a Sergeant the entire time he was in the Army," said Carey. He possessed so much natural leadership ability that it was just a pleasure to watch him succeed."
He was more than a member of a unit; he was an integral part of the Thunderbolt family.
"I couldn't think of anyone I would rather have covering my back than Kenny. And I know his soldiers felt the same," said Sgt. Christopher Vargas one of Schall's closest friends.
Schall was what military leaders call a "Go to Guy"; he could be counted on by all.
"He is the one you count on when the bullets are flying because he is right behind you covering your flank," said Vargas. "He is the one who relieves you for guard because it's his turn to keep you safe so you can get some sleep."
Schall believed in what he was doing, he had a drive to make a difference in people's lives.
"I take comfort in knowing that he is doing what he feels is right," said his sister Jessica Schall in an open letter to the Task Force.
He gave his all and was a key element in the continued operations of Task Force 2-70.
"Kenny has been one of the true rocks in the success of both Ace and the Task Force over the last two years," said Carey
He was a valuable part of Task Force 2-70 and will be missed by all.
"We are all stunned and overwhelmed by this tragedy. We join Kenny's family in the loss of a treasured member of one of our own," said Lt. Col. Leopoldo Quintas commander of 2nd Battalion.
He said "We are deeply honored to count Kenny Schall among our ranks, proud to have served with him, proud that he will stand with us forever. May our actions serve to continually honor him and those who have gone before us."
Sgt. Schall enlisted in the Army May 19, 2003 and deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom 3, Feb. 1, 2005.
His awards included the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.
Sgt. Kenneth Schall is survived by his mother and father, John and Terri Schall, his brother Mathew, and sister Jessica.
| Date Taken: | 06.09.2005 |
| Date Posted: | 06.09.2005 15:35 |
| Story ID: | 2087 |
| Location: | TAJI, IQ |
| Web Views: | 92 |
| Downloads: | 5 |
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