Seven Marines from the 2nd Special Operations Battalion of the Marine Corps Special Operations Command were killed in an UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter crash. The seven were identified as: Capt. Stanford Henry Shaw III of Basking Ridge, New Jersey; Master Sgt. Thomas Arthur Vaughan Saunders of Camp Lejeune; Staff Sgt. Liam Anthony Flynn of Queens, New York; Staff Sgt. Trevor P. Blaylock of Lake Orion, Michigan; Staff Sgt. Kerry Michael Kemp of Port Washington, Wisconsin; Staff Sgt. Andrew C. Seif of Holland, Michigan; and Staff Sgt. Marcus Bawol from Warren, Michigan.
Kerry Michael Kemp, 27, of Port Washington, passed away on March 10, 2015 in a helicopter crash during a nighttime training exercise in the pan handle of Florida. Kerry was born August 8, 1987 in Memphis, TN to Dwight Eric Kemp and Kristina Goldsby Wild. Kerry moved to Port Washington as a tenth grader in 2003. After high school, he went to work at Cramer Coil & Transformer and began studying to become a registered nurse at Milwaukee Area Technical College. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corp. in July 2007 and served as an Artillery Mechanic. In December 2007, he married his high school sweetheart, Jenna (Fowler) Kemp.
Kerry and Jenna moved to Twentynine Palms, California in March 2008 where he was assigned to Combat Logistics Battalion-7. He was meritoriously promoted to Corporal and deployed to Al Asad, Iraq, serving as a machine gunner. Returning from Iraq, he was again meritoriously promoted to the rank of Sergeant.
In September 2010, then Sgt Kemp attended the Marine Corps Forces Special Operation Command (MARSOC) Assessment & Selection Course. Staff Sergeant Kemp went on to complete the MARSOC Individual Training Course and earned the primary Military Occupational Specialty of 0372 in May 2012.
Sgt Kemp received orders to Camp Lejeune, NC to serve with 2D Marine Special Operations Battalion as a Critical Skills Operator. In November 2012 Staff Sergeant Kemp was assigned to Marine Special Operations Team (MSOT) 8231. In October 2013 Staff Sergeant Kemp deployed with MSOT 8231 to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
During his deployment Staff Sergeant Kemp participated in over 30 combat full spectrum special operations missions resulting in over 100 enemy kills in action. Staff Sergeant Kemp served as the MSOT's weapons sergeant during the deployment and was responsible for the training, maintenance and employment of the team's weapons systems during combat operations.
Staff Sergeant Kemp returned from deployment in March 2014 for the birth of his daughter, Makenzie. He enjoyed playing with his daughter, doing work around the house and spending time with family. After a brief leave period Staff Sergeant Kemp continued his training with MSOT 8231 to prepare for his upcoming deployment.
His awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with Combat distinguishing device and Gold Star in lieu of Second Award, the Combat Action Ribbon, the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal with Bronze Star in lieu of Second Award and the Navy and Marine Corps Gold Parachutist Wings.
Kerry Kemp is survived by his wife, Jenna and his daughter, Makenzie. Kerry Kemp will always be remembered as a loving husband, devoted father and an exceptional United States Marine Raider.
Visitation will take place at 3:00 PM on Friday, March 27th at the Port Washington High School, 427 W. Jackson St., Port Washington, with funeral services beginning at 7:00 P.M. Rev. Jeff Suddendorf will officiate the service. Kerry will be laid to rest with full military honors at St. Mary's Cemetery in Port Washington. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Makenzie Kemp Support Fund at GoFundMe.com/makenziekemp.
The Eernisse Funeral Home, Port Washington is honored to serve the family. Online condolences and directions can be found at www.eernissefuneralhome.com
Written by KRISTYN HALBIG ZIEHM
Wednesday, 18 March 2015 19:02
Port High graduate Kerry Kemp died during helicopter crash in Florida
A local funeral service for Marine Staff Sergeant Kerry Kemp, a former Port Washington resident with ties to the area, is being planned through Eernisse Funeral Home.
Kemp, a 2005 graduate of Port Washington High School, died when an Army Blackhawk helicopter crashed in heavy fog during a training mission off the Florida coast on Tuesday, March 10.
The 27-year-old was one of seven Marines and four National Guard soldiers killed in the crash.
Details of the funeral are still being worked out, according to the funeral home.
Kemp was a native of Memphis, Tenn., who moved to Port Washington when he was in the 10th grade.
“This is just a shock to all of us, especially those of us who were his peers,” said Andrew Noegel, one of Kemp’s classmates and friends. “He was just a great guy.”
Kemp played baseball in high school, but was best known for his outgoing personality and sense of humor, Noegel said.
“The one thing I remember was his personality. He had that Southern accent and that laugh — that laugh got people going,” he said. “He was hilarious. He could make anybody laugh.”
Kemp wasn’t shy about letting people know of his love for Jenna Fowler, who was two years behind them in school, Noegel added.
The two were high school sweethearts who later married. They have a daughter, who will turn 1 this month.
After high school, Kemp worked on the production floor at Cramer Coil and Transformer in Saukville.
“He always had a smile on his face,” said Theresa Engen, who was his supervisor at the time. “He had a very positive attitude.
“He was just a decent person who wanted to do something with his life. I think that’s why the people here who remember him were so affected by this tragedy.”
After working with the company for about 18 month, Kemp joined the Marine Corps in 2007. He rose through the ranks, was deployed overseas several times and was most recently assigned to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.
In a post on the Kerry Kemp Memorial page on Facebook, a fellow soldier who said he served with Kemp in Iraq called him an inspiration.
“The unstoppable force of his always sincere, always genuine motivation was something to behold,” wrote James O’Rourke. “The guy just loved being a Marine. Scarlet and Gold coursed through his veins. It was something to be almost envious of. It was something to be
emulated.
“He made me want to be better.”
The Port Washington Common Council on Tuesday opened its meeting with a moment of silence to honor Kemp.
"The identities of seven of the 11 service members who died in an Army Black Hawk helicopter crash Tuesday off the Florida Panhandle have been released.
Seven of 11 service members who died in a helicopter crash March 10, 2015, have been identified. From top left, Master Sgt. Thomas Saunders, Capt. Stanford Henry Shaw III, Staff Sgt. Andrew Seif, Staff Sgt. Kerry Kemp, Staff Sgt. Liam A. Flynn, Staff Sgt. Marcus Bawol, and Staff Sgt. Trevor P. Blaylock. (Credit: U.S. Marine Corps)
The seven identified were Marines based at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina; the four others served with the Louisiana Army National Guard, and their names have not been released.
They were known for their quiet professionalism and dedication. One recently received a high military honor for rendering aid to a wounded comrade in Afghanistan while under enemy fire.
They weren’t only a loss to their country, they left behind wives, fiancees, parents, children and friends. They will be missed. And remembered."
Story courtesy of KTLA 5 News
http://ktla.com/2015/03/14/266819/
Marine Staff Sgt. Kerry M. Kemp, 27
Kerry Kemp, a native of Memphis, Tennessee, moved as a child to Port Washington, Wisconsin. He was proud to be a Marine, husband and a dad. His daughter turns 1 later this month.
The sergeant was a pretty private guy and didn’t talk a lot about his service, his sister-in-law told CNN affiliate WISN in Wisconsin.
But he knew how to have fun. When he wasn’t golfing or at the ocean on his time off, Kemp horsed around with his nephews, WISN reported.
“He would wrestle with them. He really got into that, the wrestling and playing. He’d carry them around on his back,” said sister-in-law Lora Waraksa.
Kemp saw service in Iraq as a machine gunner and went to Afghanistan from November 2013 to June 2014.
Staff Sgt. Kerry Kemp served as a critical skills operator in 2D Marine Special Operations Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.
Kerry Kemp was born in Memphis, Tenn., and lived there until the tenth grade. He then moved to Port Washington, Wis., where he graduated from Port Washington High School in 2005. Upon graduating, he worked full time at Cramer Coil and Transformer Company and attended Milwaukee Area Technical College until he enlisted in the Marine Corps. In July of 2007 he shipped to Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Calif., for boot camp. Upon completion of boot camp in October 2007 he attended Marine Combat Training and Military Occupations Specialty School where he became an Artillery Mechanic, MOS 2131. In March 2008, then meritoriously-promoted Lance Corporal Kemp received orders to Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twenty-nine Palms, Calif., where he was assigned to Combat Logistics Battalion 7. Staff Sergeant Kemp was again meritoriously promoted to the rank of corporal and deployed to Al Asad, Iraq, with CLB-7 as a machine gunner attached to Motor Transport Company. Upon returning from deployment he was once again meritoriously promoted to the rank of sergeant.
In September 2010, Sgt. Kemp attended the MARSOC Assessment & Selection Preparation and Orientation Course (ASPOC) and MARSOC Assessment & Selection Class 01-11 (A&S) and was selected to attend the Individual Training Course. In April 2011 Sgt. Kemp executed orders to Marine Special Operations School, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina to attend the Individual Training Course Class 2-11. Sgt. Kemp completed ITC and graduated in May 2012 with Class 3-11.
In May 2012, Sgt. Kemp received orders to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina to serve with 2D Marine Special Operations Battalion and deployed to Operation Enduring Freedom from November 2013 to June 2014. On December 1, 2014, following his deployment with Hotel Company he was promoted to the rank of staff sergeant.
Staff Sgt. Kemp’s awards include: The Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with Valor, Combat Action Ribbon and Good Conduct Medal.
Poem by Hunter Pollard
Black Hawk, Black Hawk.........
And then all became silent
Except for the tears heard
Hitting the Ground
With the sounds of the water below
And the fear in his heart that day
A Hero among Heroes bowed his head
And he began to pray
Dear God I am willing to give my life
For my Country this very day.
I knew when I signed up
Things could turn out this way.
But God I need a favor
If you could do one thing for me
I will be ever so grateful
For all eternity.
I just became a Daddy
My Wife and Daughter ,you see
they are the best gifts Dear God
You have ever given to me
Give my wife comfort and Peace
Help her to be strong and then
Tell her I will forever be her love
Until I see her again.
Hold my Baby's hand Dear Lord
Guide her as only you can
She is so very little Lord
And she don't understand.
Tell her Daddy will be watching
He will always be there in her heart
And in Everything she does
I will be a part.
And show her happiness Dear Lord
And how to be the Best that she can be
And on her Wedding Day let her know
In Spirit she will be Dancing with me.
Comfort the families of my Brothers
Let each and everyone know
If A Man has to leave this earth
There is no better way they could go.
To be surrounded by Heroes
To be with the finest men I've ever seen
If I must die I am glad I will meet Jesus
In the Company of these Marines.
And when I get to Heaven Lord
It will be an honor for me
To take First Watch at The Gates
To greet those who come after me.
Kerry Michael Kemp, 27, of Port Washington, passed away on March 10, 2015 in a helicopter crash during a nighttime training exercise in the pan handle of Florida. Kerry was born August 8, 1987 in Memphis, TN to Dwight Eric Kemp and Kristina Goldsby Wild. Kerry moved to Port Washington as a tenth grader in 2003. After high school, he went to work at Cramer Coil & Transformer and began studying to become a registered nurse at Milwaukee Area Technical College. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corp. in July 2007 and served as an Artillery Mechanic. In December 2007, he married his high school sweetheart, Jenna (Fowler) Kemp.
Kerry and Jenna moved to Twentynine Palms, California in March 2008 where he was assigned to Combat Logistics Battalion-7. He was meritoriously promoted to Corporal and deployed to Al Asad, Iraq, serving as a machine gunner. Returning from Iraq, he was again meritoriously promoted to the rank of Sergeant.
In September 2010, then Sgt Kemp attended the Marine Corps Forces Special Operation Command (MARSOC) Assessment & Selection Course. Staff Sergeant Kemp went on to complete the MARSOC Individual Training Course and earned the primary Military Occupational Specialty of 0372 in May 2012.
Sgt Kemp received orders to Camp Lejeune, NC to serve with 2D Marine Special Operations Battalion as a Critical Skills Operator. In November 2012 Staff Sergeant Kemp was assigned to Marine Special Operations Team (MSOT) 8231. In October 2013 Staff Sergeant Kemp deployed with MSOT 8231 to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
During his deployment Staff Sergeant Kemp participated in over 30 combat full spectrum special operations missions resulting in over 100 enemy kills in action. Staff Sergeant Kemp served as the MSOT's weapons sergeant during the deployment and was responsible for the training, maintenance and employment of the team's weapons systems during combat operations.
Staff Sergeant Kemp returned from deployment in March 2014 for the birth of his daughter, Makenzie. He enjoyed playing with his daughter, doing work around the house and spending time with family. After a brief leave period Staff Sergeant Kemp continued his training with MSOT 8231 to prepare for his upcoming deployment.
His awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with Combat distinguishing device and Gold Star in lieu of Second Award, the Combat Action Ribbon, the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal with Bronze Star in lieu of Second Award and the Navy and Marine Corps Gold Parachutist Wings.
Kerry Kemp is survived by his wife, Jenna and his daughter, Makenzie. Kerry Kemp will always be remembered as a loving husband, devoted father and an exceptional United States Marine Raider.
Visitation will take place at 3:00 PM on Friday, March 27th at the Port Washington High School, 427 W. Jackson St., Port Washington, with funeral services beginning at 7:00 P.M. Rev. Jeff Suddendorf will officiate the service. Kerry will be laid to rest with full military honors at St. Mary's Cemetery in Port Washington. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Makenzie Kemp Support Fund at GoFundMe.com/makenziekemp.
The Eernisse Funeral Home, Port Washington is honored to serve the family. Online condolences and directions can be found at www.eernissefuneralhome.com
Written by KRISTYN HALBIG ZIEHM
Wednesday, 18 March 2015 19:02
Port High graduate Kerry Kemp died during helicopter crash in Florida
A local funeral service for Marine Staff Sergeant Kerry Kemp, a former Port Washington resident with ties to the area, is being planned through Eernisse Funeral Home.
Kemp, a 2005 graduate of Port Washington High School, died when an Army Blackhawk helicopter crashed in heavy fog during a training mission off the Florida coast on Tuesday, March 10.
The 27-year-old was one of seven Marines and four National Guard soldiers killed in the crash.
Details of the funeral are still being worked out, according to the funeral home.
Kemp was a native of Memphis, Tenn., who moved to Port Washington when he was in the 10th grade.
“This is just a shock to all of us, especially those of us who were his peers,” said Andrew Noegel, one of Kemp’s classmates and friends. “He was just a great guy.”
Kemp played baseball in high school, but was best known for his outgoing personality and sense of humor, Noegel said.
“The one thing I remember was his personality. He had that Southern accent and that laugh — that laugh got people going,” he said. “He was hilarious. He could make anybody laugh.”
Kemp wasn’t shy about letting people know of his love for Jenna Fowler, who was two years behind them in school, Noegel added.
The two were high school sweethearts who later married. They have a daughter, who will turn 1 this month.
After high school, Kemp worked on the production floor at Cramer Coil and Transformer in Saukville.
“He always had a smile on his face,” said Theresa Engen, who was his supervisor at the time. “He had a very positive attitude.
“He was just a decent person who wanted to do something with his life. I think that’s why the people here who remember him were so affected by this tragedy.”
After working with the company for about 18 month, Kemp joined the Marine Corps in 2007. He rose through the ranks, was deployed overseas several times and was most recently assigned to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.
In a post on the Kerry Kemp Memorial page on Facebook, a fellow soldier who said he served with Kemp in Iraq called him an inspiration.
“The unstoppable force of his always sincere, always genuine motivation was something to behold,” wrote James O’Rourke. “The guy just loved being a Marine. Scarlet and Gold coursed through his veins. It was something to be almost envious of. It was something to be
emulated.
“He made me want to be better.”
The Port Washington Common Council on Tuesday opened its meeting with a moment of silence to honor Kemp.
"The identities of seven of the 11 service members who died in an Army Black Hawk helicopter crash Tuesday off the Florida Panhandle have been released.
Seven of 11 service members who died in a helicopter crash March 10, 2015, have been identified. From top left, Master Sgt. Thomas Saunders, Capt. Stanford Henry Shaw III, Staff Sgt. Andrew Seif, Staff Sgt. Kerry Kemp, Staff Sgt. Liam A. Flynn, Staff Sgt. Marcus Bawol, and Staff Sgt. Trevor P. Blaylock. (Credit: U.S. Marine Corps)
The seven identified were Marines based at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina; the four others served with the Louisiana Army National Guard, and their names have not been released.
They were known for their quiet professionalism and dedication. One recently received a high military honor for rendering aid to a wounded comrade in Afghanistan while under enemy fire.
They weren’t only a loss to their country, they left behind wives, fiancees, parents, children and friends. They will be missed. And remembered."
Story courtesy of KTLA 5 News
http://ktla.com/2015/03/14/266819/
Marine Staff Sgt. Kerry M. Kemp, 27
Kerry Kemp, a native of Memphis, Tennessee, moved as a child to Port Washington, Wisconsin. He was proud to be a Marine, husband and a dad. His daughter turns 1 later this month.
The sergeant was a pretty private guy and didn’t talk a lot about his service, his sister-in-law told CNN affiliate WISN in Wisconsin.
But he knew how to have fun. When he wasn’t golfing or at the ocean on his time off, Kemp horsed around with his nephews, WISN reported.
“He would wrestle with them. He really got into that, the wrestling and playing. He’d carry them around on his back,” said sister-in-law Lora Waraksa.
Kemp saw service in Iraq as a machine gunner and went to Afghanistan from November 2013 to June 2014.
Staff Sgt. Kerry Kemp served as a critical skills operator in 2D Marine Special Operations Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.
Kerry Kemp was born in Memphis, Tenn., and lived there until the tenth grade. He then moved to Port Washington, Wis., where he graduated from Port Washington High School in 2005. Upon graduating, he worked full time at Cramer Coil and Transformer Company and attended Milwaukee Area Technical College until he enlisted in the Marine Corps. In July of 2007 he shipped to Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Calif., for boot camp. Upon completion of boot camp in October 2007 he attended Marine Combat Training and Military Occupations Specialty School where he became an Artillery Mechanic, MOS 2131. In March 2008, then meritoriously-promoted Lance Corporal Kemp received orders to Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twenty-nine Palms, Calif., where he was assigned to Combat Logistics Battalion 7. Staff Sergeant Kemp was again meritoriously promoted to the rank of corporal and deployed to Al Asad, Iraq, with CLB-7 as a machine gunner attached to Motor Transport Company. Upon returning from deployment he was once again meritoriously promoted to the rank of sergeant.
In September 2010, Sgt. Kemp attended the MARSOC Assessment & Selection Preparation and Orientation Course (ASPOC) and MARSOC Assessment & Selection Class 01-11 (A&S) and was selected to attend the Individual Training Course. In April 2011 Sgt. Kemp executed orders to Marine Special Operations School, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina to attend the Individual Training Course Class 2-11. Sgt. Kemp completed ITC and graduated in May 2012 with Class 3-11.
In May 2012, Sgt. Kemp received orders to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina to serve with 2D Marine Special Operations Battalion and deployed to Operation Enduring Freedom from November 2013 to June 2014. On December 1, 2014, following his deployment with Hotel Company he was promoted to the rank of staff sergeant.
Staff Sgt. Kemp’s awards include: The Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with Valor, Combat Action Ribbon and Good Conduct Medal.
Poem by Hunter Pollard
Black Hawk, Black Hawk.........
And then all became silent
Except for the tears heard
Hitting the Ground
With the sounds of the water below
And the fear in his heart that day
A Hero among Heroes bowed his head
And he began to pray
Dear God I am willing to give my life
For my Country this very day.
I knew when I signed up
Things could turn out this way.
But God I need a favor
If you could do one thing for me
I will be ever so grateful
For all eternity.
I just became a Daddy
My Wife and Daughter ,you see
they are the best gifts Dear God
You have ever given to me
Give my wife comfort and Peace
Help her to be strong and then
Tell her I will forever be her love
Until I see her again.
Hold my Baby's hand Dear Lord
Guide her as only you can
She is so very little Lord
And she don't understand.
Tell her Daddy will be watching
He will always be there in her heart
And in Everything she does
I will be a part.
And show her happiness Dear Lord
And how to be the Best that she can be
And on her Wedding Day let her know
In Spirit she will be Dancing with me.
Comfort the families of my Brothers
Let each and everyone know
If A Man has to leave this earth
There is no better way they could go.
To be surrounded by Heroes
To be with the finest men I've ever seen
If I must die I am glad I will meet Jesus
In the Company of these Marines.
And when I get to Heaven Lord
It will be an honor for me
To take First Watch at The Gates
To greet those who come after me.
Seven Marines from the 2nd Special Operations Battalion of the Marine Corps Special Operations Command were killed in an UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter crash. The seven were identified as: Capt. Stanford Henry Shaw III of Basking Ridge, New Jersey; Master Sgt. Thomas Arthur Vaughan Saunders of Camp Lejeune; Staff Sgt. Liam Anthony Flynn of Queens, New York; Staff Sgt. Trevor P. Blaylock of Lake Orion, Michigan; Staff Sgt. Kerry Michael Kemp of Port Washington, Wisconsin; Staff Sgt. Andrew C. Seif of Holland, Michigan; and Staff Sgt. Marcus Bawol from Warren, Michigan.
Kerry Michael Kemp, 27, of Port Washington, passed away on March 10, 2015 in a helicopter crash during a nighttime training exercise in the pan handle of Florida. Kerry was born August 8, 1987 in Memphis, TN to Dwight Eric Kemp and Kristina Goldsby Wild. Kerry moved to Port Washington as a tenth grader in 2003. After high school, he went to work at Cramer Coil & Transformer and began studying to become a registered nurse at Milwaukee Area Technical College. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corp. in July 2007 and served as an Artillery Mechanic. In December 2007, he married his high school sweetheart, Jenna (Fowler) Kemp.
Kerry and Jenna moved to Twentynine Palms, California in March 2008 where he was assigned to Combat Logistics Battalion-7. He was meritoriously promoted to Corporal and deployed to Al Asad, Iraq, serving as a machine gunner. Returning from Iraq, he was again meritoriously promoted to the rank of Sergeant.
In September 2010, then Sgt Kemp attended the Marine Corps Forces Special Operation Command (MARSOC) Assessment & Selection Course. Staff Sergeant Kemp went on to complete the MARSOC Individual Training Course and earned the primary Military Occupational Specialty of 0372 in May 2012.
Sgt Kemp received orders to Camp Lejeune, NC to serve with 2D Marine Special Operations Battalion as a Critical Skills Operator. In November 2012 Staff Sergeant Kemp was assigned to Marine Special Operations Team (MSOT) 8231. In October 2013 Staff Sergeant Kemp deployed with MSOT 8231 to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
During his deployment Staff Sergeant Kemp participated in over 30 combat full spectrum special operations missions resulting in over 100 enemy kills in action. Staff Sergeant Kemp served as the MSOT's weapons sergeant during the deployment and was responsible for the training, maintenance and employment of the team's weapons systems during combat operations.
Staff Sergeant Kemp returned from deployment in March 2014 for the birth of his daughter, Makenzie. He enjoyed playing with his daughter, doing work around the house and spending time with family. After a brief leave period Staff Sergeant Kemp continued his training with MSOT 8231 to prepare for his upcoming deployment.
His awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with Combat distinguishing device and Gold Star in lieu of Second Award, the Combat Action Ribbon, the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal with Bronze Star in lieu of Second Award and the Navy and Marine Corps Gold Parachutist Wings.
Kerry Kemp is survived by his wife, Jenna and his daughter, Makenzie. Kerry Kemp will always be remembered as a loving husband, devoted father and an exceptional United States Marine Raider.
Visitation will take place at 3:00 PM on Friday, March 27th at the Port Washington High School, 427 W. Jackson St., Port Washington, with funeral services beginning at 7:00 P.M. Rev. Jeff Suddendorf will officiate the service. Kerry will be laid to rest with full military honors at St. Mary's Cemetery in Port Washington. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Makenzie Kemp Support Fund at GoFundMe.com/makenziekemp.
The Eernisse Funeral Home, Port Washington is honored to serve the family. Online condolences and directions can be found at www.eernissefuneralhome.com
Written by KRISTYN HALBIG ZIEHM
Wednesday, 18 March 2015 19:02
Port High graduate Kerry Kemp died during helicopter crash in Florida
A local funeral service for Marine Staff Sergeant Kerry Kemp, a former Port Washington resident with ties to the area, is being planned through Eernisse Funeral Home.
Kemp, a 2005 graduate of Port Washington High School, died when an Army Blackhawk helicopter crashed in heavy fog during a training mission off the Florida coast on Tuesday, March 10.
The 27-year-old was one of seven Marines and four National Guard soldiers killed in the crash.
Details of the funeral are still being worked out, according to the funeral home.
Kemp was a native of Memphis, Tenn., who moved to Port Washington when he was in the 10th grade.
“This is just a shock to all of us, especially those of us who were his peers,” said Andrew Noegel, one of Kemp’s classmates and friends. “He was just a great guy.”
Kemp played baseball in high school, but was best known for his outgoing personality and sense of humor, Noegel said.
“The one thing I remember was his personality. He had that Southern accent and that laugh — that laugh got people going,” he said. “He was hilarious. He could make anybody laugh.”
Kemp wasn’t shy about letting people know of his love for Jenna Fowler, who was two years behind them in school, Noegel added.
The two were high school sweethearts who later married. They have a daughter, who will turn 1 this month.
After high school, Kemp worked on the production floor at Cramer Coil and Transformer in Saukville.
“He always had a smile on his face,” said Theresa Engen, who was his supervisor at the time. “He had a very positive attitude.
“He was just a decent person who wanted to do something with his life. I think that’s why the people here who remember him were so affected by this tragedy.”
After working with the company for about 18 month, Kemp joined the Marine Corps in 2007. He rose through the ranks, was deployed overseas several times and was most recently assigned to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.
In a post on the Kerry Kemp Memorial page on Facebook, a fellow soldier who said he served with Kemp in Iraq called him an inspiration.
“The unstoppable force of his always sincere, always genuine motivation was something to behold,” wrote James O’Rourke. “The guy just loved being a Marine. Scarlet and Gold coursed through his veins. It was something to be almost envious of. It was something to be
emulated.
“He made me want to be better.”
The Port Washington Common Council on Tuesday opened its meeting with a moment of silence to honor Kemp.
"The identities of seven of the 11 service members who died in an Army Black Hawk helicopter crash Tuesday off the Florida Panhandle have been released.
Seven of 11 service members who died in a helicopter crash March 10, 2015, have been identified. From top left, Master Sgt. Thomas Saunders, Capt. Stanford Henry Shaw III, Staff Sgt. Andrew Seif, Staff Sgt. Kerry Kemp, Staff Sgt. Liam A. Flynn, Staff Sgt. Marcus Bawol, and Staff Sgt. Trevor P. Blaylock. (Credit: U.S. Marine Corps)
The seven identified were Marines based at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina; the four others served with the Louisiana Army National Guard, and their names have not been released.
They were known for their quiet professionalism and dedication. One recently received a high military honor for rendering aid to a wounded comrade in Afghanistan while under enemy fire.
They weren’t only a loss to their country, they left behind wives, fiancees, parents, children and friends. They will be missed. And remembered."
Story courtesy of KTLA 5 News
http://ktla.com/2015/03/14/266819/
Marine Staff Sgt. Kerry M. Kemp, 27
Kerry Kemp, a native of Memphis, Tennessee, moved as a child to Port Washington, Wisconsin. He was proud to be a Marine, husband and a dad. His daughter turns 1 later this month.
The sergeant was a pretty private guy and didn’t talk a lot about his service, his sister-in-law told CNN affiliate WISN in Wisconsin.
But he knew how to have fun. When he wasn’t golfing or at the ocean on his time off, Kemp horsed around with his nephews, WISN reported.
“He would wrestle with them. He really got into that, the wrestling and playing. He’d carry them around on his back,” said sister-in-law Lora Waraksa.
Kemp saw service in Iraq as a machine gunner and went to Afghanistan from November 2013 to June 2014.
Staff Sgt. Kerry Kemp served as a critical skills operator in 2D Marine Special Operations Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.
Kerry Kemp was born in Memphis, Tenn., and lived there until the tenth grade. He then moved to Port Washington, Wis., where he graduated from Port Washington High School in 2005. Upon graduating, he worked full time at Cramer Coil and Transformer Company and attended Milwaukee Area Technical College until he enlisted in the Marine Corps. In July of 2007 he shipped to Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Calif., for boot camp. Upon completion of boot camp in October 2007 he attended Marine Combat Training and Military Occupations Specialty School where he became an Artillery Mechanic, MOS 2131. In March 2008, then meritoriously-promoted Lance Corporal Kemp received orders to Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twenty-nine Palms, Calif., where he was assigned to Combat Logistics Battalion 7. Staff Sergeant Kemp was again meritoriously promoted to the rank of corporal and deployed to Al Asad, Iraq, with CLB-7 as a machine gunner attached to Motor Transport Company. Upon returning from deployment he was once again meritoriously promoted to the rank of sergeant.
In September 2010, Sgt. Kemp attended the MARSOC Assessment & Selection Preparation and Orientation Course (ASPOC) and MARSOC Assessment & Selection Class 01-11 (A&S) and was selected to attend the Individual Training Course. In April 2011 Sgt. Kemp executed orders to Marine Special Operations School, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina to attend the Individual Training Course Class 2-11. Sgt. Kemp completed ITC and graduated in May 2012 with Class 3-11.
In May 2012, Sgt. Kemp received orders to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina to serve with 2D Marine Special Operations Battalion and deployed to Operation Enduring Freedom from November 2013 to June 2014. On December 1, 2014, following his deployment with Hotel Company he was promoted to the rank of staff sergeant.
Staff Sgt. Kemp’s awards include: The Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with Valor, Combat Action Ribbon and Good Conduct Medal.
Poem by Hunter Pollard
Black Hawk, Black Hawk.........
And then all became silent
Except for the tears heard
Hitting the Ground
With the sounds of the water below
And the fear in his heart that day
A Hero among Heroes bowed his head
And he began to pray
Dear God I am willing to give my life
For my Country this very day.
I knew when I signed up
Things could turn out this way.
But God I need a favor
If you could do one thing for me
I will be ever so grateful
For all eternity.
I just became a Daddy
My Wife and Daughter ,you see
they are the best gifts Dear God
You have ever given to me
Give my wife comfort and Peace
Help her to be strong and then
Tell her I will forever be her love
Until I see her again.
Hold my Baby's hand Dear Lord
Guide her as only you can
She is so very little Lord
And she don't understand.
Tell her Daddy will be watching
He will always be there in her heart
And in Everything she does
I will be a part.
And show her happiness Dear Lord
And how to be the Best that she can be
And on her Wedding Day let her know
In Spirit she will be Dancing with me.
Comfort the families of my Brothers
Let each and everyone know
If A Man has to leave this earth
There is no better way they could go.
To be surrounded by Heroes
To be with the finest men I've ever seen
If I must die I am glad I will meet Jesus
In the Company of these Marines.
And when I get to Heaven Lord
It will be an honor for me
To take First Watch at The Gates
To greet those who come after me.
Kerry Michael Kemp, 27, of Port Washington, passed away on March 10, 2015 in a helicopter crash during a nighttime training exercise in the pan handle of Florida. Kerry was born August 8, 1987 in Memphis, TN to Dwight Eric Kemp and Kristina Goldsby Wild. Kerry moved to Port Washington as a tenth grader in 2003. After high school, he went to work at Cramer Coil & Transformer and began studying to become a registered nurse at Milwaukee Area Technical College. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corp. in July 2007 and served as an Artillery Mechanic. In December 2007, he married his high school sweetheart, Jenna (Fowler) Kemp.
Kerry and Jenna moved to Twentynine Palms, California in March 2008 where he was assigned to Combat Logistics Battalion-7. He was meritoriously promoted to Corporal and deployed to Al Asad, Iraq, serving as a machine gunner. Returning from Iraq, he was again meritoriously promoted to the rank of Sergeant.
In September 2010, then Sgt Kemp attended the Marine Corps Forces Special Operation Command (MARSOC) Assessment & Selection Course. Staff Sergeant Kemp went on to complete the MARSOC Individual Training Course and earned the primary Military Occupational Specialty of 0372 in May 2012.
Sgt Kemp received orders to Camp Lejeune, NC to serve with 2D Marine Special Operations Battalion as a Critical Skills Operator. In November 2012 Staff Sergeant Kemp was assigned to Marine Special Operations Team (MSOT) 8231. In October 2013 Staff Sergeant Kemp deployed with MSOT 8231 to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
During his deployment Staff Sergeant Kemp participated in over 30 combat full spectrum special operations missions resulting in over 100 enemy kills in action. Staff Sergeant Kemp served as the MSOT's weapons sergeant during the deployment and was responsible for the training, maintenance and employment of the team's weapons systems during combat operations.
Staff Sergeant Kemp returned from deployment in March 2014 for the birth of his daughter, Makenzie. He enjoyed playing with his daughter, doing work around the house and spending time with family. After a brief leave period Staff Sergeant Kemp continued his training with MSOT 8231 to prepare for his upcoming deployment.
His awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with Combat distinguishing device and Gold Star in lieu of Second Award, the Combat Action Ribbon, the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal with Bronze Star in lieu of Second Award and the Navy and Marine Corps Gold Parachutist Wings.
Kerry Kemp is survived by his wife, Jenna and his daughter, Makenzie. Kerry Kemp will always be remembered as a loving husband, devoted father and an exceptional United States Marine Raider.
Visitation will take place at 3:00 PM on Friday, March 27th at the Port Washington High School, 427 W. Jackson St., Port Washington, with funeral services beginning at 7:00 P.M. Rev. Jeff Suddendorf will officiate the service. Kerry will be laid to rest with full military honors at St. Mary's Cemetery in Port Washington. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Makenzie Kemp Support Fund at GoFundMe.com/makenziekemp.
The Eernisse Funeral Home, Port Washington is honored to serve the family. Online condolences and directions can be found at www.eernissefuneralhome.com
Written by KRISTYN HALBIG ZIEHM
Wednesday, 18 March 2015 19:02
Port High graduate Kerry Kemp died during helicopter crash in Florida
A local funeral service for Marine Staff Sergeant Kerry Kemp, a former Port Washington resident with ties to the area, is being planned through Eernisse Funeral Home.
Kemp, a 2005 graduate of Port Washington High School, died when an Army Blackhawk helicopter crashed in heavy fog during a training mission off the Florida coast on Tuesday, March 10.
The 27-year-old was one of seven Marines and four National Guard soldiers killed in the crash.
Details of the funeral are still being worked out, according to the funeral home.
Kemp was a native of Memphis, Tenn., who moved to Port Washington when he was in the 10th grade.
“This is just a shock to all of us, especially those of us who were his peers,” said Andrew Noegel, one of Kemp’s classmates and friends. “He was just a great guy.”
Kemp played baseball in high school, but was best known for his outgoing personality and sense of humor, Noegel said.
“The one thing I remember was his personality. He had that Southern accent and that laugh — that laugh got people going,” he said. “He was hilarious. He could make anybody laugh.”
Kemp wasn’t shy about letting people know of his love for Jenna Fowler, who was two years behind them in school, Noegel added.
The two were high school sweethearts who later married. They have a daughter, who will turn 1 this month.
After high school, Kemp worked on the production floor at Cramer Coil and Transformer in Saukville.
“He always had a smile on his face,” said Theresa Engen, who was his supervisor at the time. “He had a very positive attitude.
“He was just a decent person who wanted to do something with his life. I think that’s why the people here who remember him were so affected by this tragedy.”
After working with the company for about 18 month, Kemp joined the Marine Corps in 2007. He rose through the ranks, was deployed overseas several times and was most recently assigned to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.
In a post on the Kerry Kemp Memorial page on Facebook, a fellow soldier who said he served with Kemp in Iraq called him an inspiration.
“The unstoppable force of his always sincere, always genuine motivation was something to behold,” wrote James O’Rourke. “The guy just loved being a Marine. Scarlet and Gold coursed through his veins. It was something to be almost envious of. It was something to be
emulated.
“He made me want to be better.”
The Port Washington Common Council on Tuesday opened its meeting with a moment of silence to honor Kemp.
"The identities of seven of the 11 service members who died in an Army Black Hawk helicopter crash Tuesday off the Florida Panhandle have been released.
Seven of 11 service members who died in a helicopter crash March 10, 2015, have been identified. From top left, Master Sgt. Thomas Saunders, Capt. Stanford Henry Shaw III, Staff Sgt. Andrew Seif, Staff Sgt. Kerry Kemp, Staff Sgt. Liam A. Flynn, Staff Sgt. Marcus Bawol, and Staff Sgt. Trevor P. Blaylock. (Credit: U.S. Marine Corps)
The seven identified were Marines based at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina; the four others served with the Louisiana Army National Guard, and their names have not been released.
They were known for their quiet professionalism and dedication. One recently received a high military honor for rendering aid to a wounded comrade in Afghanistan while under enemy fire.
They weren’t only a loss to their country, they left behind wives, fiancees, parents, children and friends. They will be missed. And remembered."
Story courtesy of KTLA 5 News
http://ktla.com/2015/03/14/266819/
Marine Staff Sgt. Kerry M. Kemp, 27
Kerry Kemp, a native of Memphis, Tennessee, moved as a child to Port Washington, Wisconsin. He was proud to be a Marine, husband and a dad. His daughter turns 1 later this month.
The sergeant was a pretty private guy and didn’t talk a lot about his service, his sister-in-law told CNN affiliate WISN in Wisconsin.
But he knew how to have fun. When he wasn’t golfing or at the ocean on his time off, Kemp horsed around with his nephews, WISN reported.
“He would wrestle with them. He really got into that, the wrestling and playing. He’d carry them around on his back,” said sister-in-law Lora Waraksa.
Kemp saw service in Iraq as a machine gunner and went to Afghanistan from November 2013 to June 2014.
Staff Sgt. Kerry Kemp served as a critical skills operator in 2D Marine Special Operations Battalion, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.
Kerry Kemp was born in Memphis, Tenn., and lived there until the tenth grade. He then moved to Port Washington, Wis., where he graduated from Port Washington High School in 2005. Upon graduating, he worked full time at Cramer Coil and Transformer Company and attended Milwaukee Area Technical College until he enlisted in the Marine Corps. In July of 2007 he shipped to Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Calif., for boot camp. Upon completion of boot camp in October 2007 he attended Marine Combat Training and Military Occupations Specialty School where he became an Artillery Mechanic, MOS 2131. In March 2008, then meritoriously-promoted Lance Corporal Kemp received orders to Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Twenty-nine Palms, Calif., where he was assigned to Combat Logistics Battalion 7. Staff Sergeant Kemp was again meritoriously promoted to the rank of corporal and deployed to Al Asad, Iraq, with CLB-7 as a machine gunner attached to Motor Transport Company. Upon returning from deployment he was once again meritoriously promoted to the rank of sergeant.
In September 2010, Sgt. Kemp attended the MARSOC Assessment & Selection Preparation and Orientation Course (ASPOC) and MARSOC Assessment & Selection Class 01-11 (A&S) and was selected to attend the Individual Training Course. In April 2011 Sgt. Kemp executed orders to Marine Special Operations School, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina to attend the Individual Training Course Class 2-11. Sgt. Kemp completed ITC and graduated in May 2012 with Class 3-11.
In May 2012, Sgt. Kemp received orders to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina to serve with 2D Marine Special Operations Battalion and deployed to Operation Enduring Freedom from November 2013 to June 2014. On December 1, 2014, following his deployment with Hotel Company he was promoted to the rank of staff sergeant.
Staff Sgt. Kemp’s awards include: The Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with Valor, Combat Action Ribbon and Good Conduct Medal.
Poem by Hunter Pollard
Black Hawk, Black Hawk.........
And then all became silent
Except for the tears heard
Hitting the Ground
With the sounds of the water below
And the fear in his heart that day
A Hero among Heroes bowed his head
And he began to pray
Dear God I am willing to give my life
For my Country this very day.
I knew when I signed up
Things could turn out this way.
But God I need a favor
If you could do one thing for me
I will be ever so grateful
For all eternity.
I just became a Daddy
My Wife and Daughter ,you see
they are the best gifts Dear God
You have ever given to me
Give my wife comfort and Peace
Help her to be strong and then
Tell her I will forever be her love
Until I see her again.
Hold my Baby's hand Dear Lord
Guide her as only you can
She is so very little Lord
And she don't understand.
Tell her Daddy will be watching
He will always be there in her heart
And in Everything she does
I will be a part.
And show her happiness Dear Lord
And how to be the Best that she can be
And on her Wedding Day let her know
In Spirit she will be Dancing with me.
Comfort the families of my Brothers
Let each and everyone know
If A Man has to leave this earth
There is no better way they could go.
To be surrounded by Heroes
To be with the finest men I've ever seen
If I must die I am glad I will meet Jesus
In the Company of these Marines.
And when I get to Heaven Lord
It will be an honor for me
To take First Watch at The Gates
To greet those who come after me.
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