SFC Kenneth Westbrook 5K Memorial Fund

I need your help to honor this hero and his family! 

Summary:
He was about to retire. Over 20 years on Active Duty, multiple deployments, a brother killed in Iraq, 3 young boys at home, several years as a drill sergeant training the next generation of warriors and a career infantryman. He didn't have to go, but his country asked and he answered the call. Midway through his deployment, his wife put in a request that a national charity help in her efforts to landscape the house before he came home. He had always been so busy that he never had the chance to create the yard he wanted. Before the request could be fulfilled, she got the dreadful phonecall that no military spouse wants to get. Your husband has been wounded in battle and is being rushed to emergency care. For 3 weeks she sat by his bedside until he just couldn't bear to fight anymore.

Following his death, the Military Warriors Support Foundation offered to fill a family request and took SFC Westbrook's boys on a hunting trip. The MWSF has many programs to help families of wounded and fallen warriors, but relies on donations from everyday citizens.

SFC Westbrook sacrificed his own life for his country, selflessly attempting to save other soldiers who had been ambushed. I am honoring him by running in a 5K and raising money to donate in his name for the Military Warriors Support Foundation, the organization that graciously helped out Kenneth's family after his loss. Ken left behind a wife and three young boys. Donors receive a hero bracelet or book signed by a Medal of Honor recipient. ALL DONATIONS OF ANY AMOUNT ARE GRATEFULLY ACCEPTED!!!!

FULL STORY:
Loyalty, Duty, Honor, and Selfless Service were synonymous with the name Kenneth Warren Westbrook. He was THAT guy. The one who would have jumped on a grenade to save those around him.

On September 8, 2009, Kenneth and members of Task Force Phoenix were entering the Ganjgal Valley in an effort to discuss stability with village elders. When the team arrived, hundreds of Taliban forces were positioned around the valley, lying in wait, and initiated an ambush. After calling in for air support and having it refused due to current rules of engagement, a brave group of men decided to go in themselves and get their fallen comrades out of the slaughter. While retrieving members of his team, Kenneth suffered a shot to the neck and was eventually medically evacuated from the battle. He died of his wounds 29 days later.

Kenneth's career was one of true patriotism. He epitomized the character every soldier around him strived for. Just before this deployment Kenneth was due for retirement, when his country called on him one last time. He didn't have to go, but agreed to one last assignment. Even after 2 decades serving his country Kenneth still felt compelled to give one last fight. He also told his wife that should anything happen to him that his wish was that his memory not be forgotten. This page is just one small attempt at ensuring Ken's legacy lives on.

On May 17th 2014, Armed Forces Day, I will be running in the GoArmy 5K in Mascoutah, IL. In Kenneth's honor, I will be running in full combat uniform with a combat load including boots, camelbak, load bearing equipment, and at least 20lbs of additional weight. A picture of him will be attached to the back of my equipment. At the end of the race I will be submitting a check in Kenneth Westbrook's name to the Military Warriors Support Foundation.

As incentive for your donation, all donations of at least $10 will get a silicone wristband, inscribed with his name, unit, and the date he succumbed to his wounds. The wristbands are Army colors of Black/Gold with his information debossed in white. All donations of $100 or more will receive a SIGNED COPY of the book, INTO THE FIRE, by Medal of Honor recipient Dakota Meyer, his firsthand account of the events that transpired that day and a true story of courage and honor. He has agreed to sign a copy of the book Into The Fire to anyone who donates $100 or more.

Please donate, and let Kenneth's legacy live on in you too! THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!!!

Ken's Funeral:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zsbpSXGGkCs

Article:
http://chrishernandezauthor.com/2013/09/26/honoring-true-brotherhood-and-the-cost-of-desk-jockey-decisions/

Full Account of Ken's Career:
http://army.togetherweserved.com/army/servlet/tws.webapp.WebApp?cmd=ShadowBoxProfile&type=Person&ID=269073