Fallen Soldier: Kevin H. (Sonny) Sonnenberg


Kevin H. (Sonny) Sonnenberg
Dates: Died June 15, 2007
Hometown: McClure, OH
Branch of Service: Air Force
Rank: Major
Player: Mackenzie Lee

Major Kevin H. Sonnenberg, 42, of McClure, Ohio, was assigned to the 112th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, Toledo, Ohio, and served during Operation Iraqi Freedom. On June 15, 2007, Maj. Sonnenberg was killed when his F16 crashed north of Balad Air Base, Iraq.

Maj. Sonnenberg was born February 10, 1965 in Napoleon, Ohio. A 1983 graduate of Napoleon High School and a 1987 graduate of Bowling Green State University, Maj. Sonnenberg joined the Air National Guard in 1990. He graduated from pilot training in 1993 and then graduated from F-16 training in 1994. Maj. Sonnenberg previously served his country in Qatar, Kuwait and Turkey, and had been awarded a Bronze Star for a previous mission.

Maj. Sonnenberg worked as a commercial pilot for Delta Airlines and as a Henry County farmer with his father. “He grew up working sunup to sunset and that’s how he approached all of his responsibilities,” Lt. Col. Scott Reed said. “He was willing to put everything aside until the job was done and done well. Sonny was the best.”

Maj. Sonnenberg’s stepson is a Folds of Honor Scholarship recipient.