DYERSBURG, TN, USA U.S. Army CPL, COMPANY C, 2ND BATTALION, 2ND INFANTRY REGIMENT, FORT HOOD, TX MAYWAND, AFGHANISTAN 01/08/2009
Corporal Keith Essary was born on March 24, 1988 in Dyersburg, Tennessee and lived in Dyersburg all of his life. He was raised in the home of his grandparent’s Anita Essary and the late Monty Essary Sr. He had a close relationship with his father, Chuck Hall, and his mother, Mary Beth Franks as well as his two sisters and his brother.
Keith was a 2006 graduate of Dyer County High School. He enlisted into the Army the beginning of his senior year of high school. Keith made an impact on everyone’s life in some way. He made everyone see that there is always a brighter side to everything. He would act crazy just so he could hear you laugh. He was a very strong willed boy who knew well what he wanted to do, and he loved Johnny Cash. He also loved motorcycles and riding with his father. Conversations with Keith often included talking about motorcycles. Keith had big heart and big dreams for himself. He was like a big brother to many and had many JROTC friendships from the Drill Team and Military Ball. Some friendships were so close that if you saw Keith, you saw his other friends and vice versa. He was bighearted and there for his friends. Keith always kept the mood light and never said negative words about anyone. He made the perfect soldier. He had a big heart, and would rather be with the folks he loved than sleep or eat. He was a great guy with a great attitude, and great prospects.
During Keith’s deployment to Afghanistan, he along with other members in his unit took on the task of refurbishing their Forward Operating Base (FOB) Hutal, which translates into Hotel. Keith was mentioned in a military news publication as going “above and beyond” his duty in the repairs. The publication stated he “worked day and night to build brand new floors, walls and shelving in the buildings.”
Corporal Keith Essary, age 20, was killed by an IED on January 8, 2009 in Afghanistan. in the village of Maiwand, Afghanistan, 50 miles northeast of the city of Kandahar in the Kandahar province.
“He was the greatest kid you will ever meet. He wanted us to be proud of what he was doing. ” Indeed, his family and friends were very proud of Corporal Keith Essary.
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