11/10/2012
SSG Kenneth Wade Bennett, of Glendora, CA joined the Army in 2004 and trained to become an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technician in 2006. He was assigned to the 53rd Ordnance Company of Lewis-McChord’s 3rd Explosive Ordnance Battalion in 2009. During his third deployment to Afghanistan, SSG Bennett was killed in the Sperwan Gar area of Kandahar province from injuries sustained when he encountered an improvised explosive device during combat operations.
His awards and decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, an Army Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster, Army Good Conduct Medal with 3 bronze loops, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with 1 campaign star, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, as well as other awards and ribbons.
SSG Bennett is survived by his wife, Mandi, his children Lila Grace and Wade Zeus, as well as his parents Nancy and Ken Bennett, and sister Rene.