25 Feb 2003 Joe Kenney was more than a cousin to me, he was my friend and as souls go he was my brother. We spent our lives together growing up in a small mill village, swimming in the lake all day, playing ball, and getting into boyhood mischief, dreaming of all the things to come, not having a care in the world. We grew into adulthood together going in our own directions, but never losing the bond that we had between us. Joe was a Christian and a truly wonderful man, I enjoyed every minute of our life together. Joe was in-country only 19 days before he was killed. Unfortunately, I received the news through an Army newsletter, as I had recently arrived in Vietnam myself. It was devastating news as death always is. Joe had written a poem and sent it home only a week before his death, I would like now to share that poem with you as I feel like it captures the heart of many a young soldier. Somewhere in an unknown land Stands a lonely, but not forgotten man. He's there to keep his people free To live in Peace like you and me. He fights by day, and prays by night For tomorrow again he must fight. He's counting his tour day by day 'cause home he'll go and home he'll stay. He trudges along, wanting to rest. Knowing he can't, he does his best. While deep inside he sings a song To ease the pain of a day so long. The sight of war is an ugly one But for him it's a job that must be done. He dreams of the day when he'll go home To the ones he loves and calls his own. Why can't the world just live in Peace When this asking the very least? Lt. Joe Kenney Eagles' Nest Vietnam Joe was truly blessed with friends and family who will always love and miss him. He may be gone but he will certainly never be forgotten. Mike "Pete" Bell bellcountry@earthlink.net

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