Remember Ken Lewis

Senior Master Sergeant (Ret) Kenneth Lewis lies in an unmarked grave, and we look to change that.

Ken served nearly 40 years with the Air National Guard, most of that period as a full-time employee. For another 10 years he provided services to the RI Air National Guard as a contracted employee. Service to his country was his life. He was a friend to many outside the military also. Quietly, he would provide financial support to numerous friends over the years.

On December 11, 2020, Ken passed away in his apartment at the age of 76. The State of Rhode Island was unable to locate any relatives, and following their procedures, arranged for him to be buried in an unmarked grave 30 days later. Friends looking into the situation were finally able to track down the funeral director hired by the state. Unfortunately, this happened just days after Ken had been buried. The director was unaware that Ken was a veteran, “If only I knew…” he said. Friends held a memorial service in February 2021.

Friends of Ken have never forgotten him though. Paperwork necessary to document his eligibility was provided to the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Discussions were held with the RI Department of Human Services and the RI Catholic Cemeteries, and recently permission was granted to have Ken moved and buried at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

This appeal is required to cover the expenses involved with this move. Any additional monies raised will be donated to the RI National Guard Retirees Association and other National Guard support organizations, as SMSgt Kenneth Lewis would certainly approve.