Soldier Honored: Kermit O. Evans
Hometown:
Branch of Service: Air Force
Rank: Capt.
Air Force Captain Kermit O. Evans, 31, of Hollandale, Mississippi, was assigned to the 27th Civil Engineer Squadron, Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico. He was serving as an explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) engineer under Operation Iraqi Freedom. He and three servicemen died when the Marine Corps CH-46 helicopter they were riding in made an emergency water landing in the western Anbar province.
Graduating third in his class from Simmons High School in Hollandale, Mississippi, Capt. Evans went on to Mississippi State University in Starkville where he graduated with a degree in Civil Engineering. He enlisted in the Air Force in 2001 and was an avid sports fan and athlete who was pleasant and giving. He was someone who like to help other people. The Cannon EOD flight and EOD career field are going to miss a great leader, mentor, and friend. Capt. Evans’ comrades will always remember the big smile he had on his face since setting off his first detonation. “It never wore off,” said Master Sergeant Hailer, 27th FW EOD flight chief. “He had it on everyday he was here, no matter how mundane the task.”
Capt. Evans’ son is a Folds of Honor scholarship recipient.