Soldier Honored: Kenneth W. Westbrook

Sergeant First Class Kenneth W. Westbrook, 41, of Shiprock, N.M., was assigned to the 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, Ks. He served in the Army for 22 years and was a decorated soldier who was very proud to serve his country. Injured on September 8th, 2009 when insurgents attacked his unit in Afghanistan, SFC Westbrook was flown to Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington where he died on October 7th, 2009.  He was 41 years old.

A graduate of Shiprock High School in New Mexico, Kenneth Westbrook joined the Army after graduation in 1987. He loved to hunt and fish and was an enthusiastic Green Bay Packers Fan. The youngest of five children, he died four years after his older brother was killed during combat in Iraq. SFC Westbrook received the Purple Heart, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal (7th award), and many more during his 22 years of service.

He is survived by his wife and three sons. One of his sons is a Folds of Honor scholarship recipient.