MOUNTAIN GROVE, MO, USA U.S. Marines CPL, K CO, 3D BN, 7TH MAR, (RCT-7), 1ST MAR DIV, TWENTYNINE PALMS, CA AL ANBAR PROVINCE, IRAQ 07/05/2004
A two-sentence, handwritten note articulated what the folks in his hometown felt about Dallas Kerns: “You are America’s hero, one of the finest and best. We will never forget you or your ultimate sacrifice.”
Kerns, 21, of Mountain Grove, Mo., died July 5 when his vehicle was attacked during a routine patrol just west of Baghdad. He was based at Twentynine Palms, Calif. At the time of his death, the rifleman was on his second tour of duty in Iraq.
Kerns is survived by his parents, Connie Kerns of Springfield, Mo., and Randy Feltner of Seneca, Kan.
“He gave his life so others may live in peace,” the Rev. Ken Roy said as he stood alongside Kern’s flag-draped coffin at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery. “But today, Dallas is experiencing perfect peace.”
From Dallas’ uncle:
“Corporal Kerns, not a day goes by that I don’t think about the ultimate sacrifices you paid for our freedom and way of life and for all Americans. I love you Nephew and always will, I hope and pray that my children one day will grow and join our forces to secure America’s borders from terrorism as you did. My son Randy already talks about being a Soldier. I will encourage, coach and mentor him into a young adult one day so we can continue doing as you did. I continued over 25 years of service to keep in the fight as you did my Nephew. We love and are very, very proud of you my Brother in Arms.” – SFC Randy L. Geringer