FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, Pa., Dec. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- A Pennsylvania National
Guard Soldier was killed in Ramadi, Iraq, Sunday, Dec. 11, when a car bomb
detonated at a vehicle checkpoint.
Sgt. Keith A. Bennett, 32, Holtwood, Lancaster County, was walking up to a
vehicle to conduct a search when the vehicle's occupant detonated the bomb.
Bennett was a member of the 28th Military Police Company, Johnstown, part of
Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 28th Infantry
Division (Mechanized).
Pfc. John Hartranft, Gilbertsville, and Spc. Aaron Morris, Imperial,
received minor injuries and were returned to duty.
"Sgt. Bennett proudly represented Pennsylvania and his country and, sadly,
made the ultimate sacrifice," said Governor Edward G. Rendell. "Midge and I
extend our deepest sympathies to the Bennett family during this difficult time
and continue to pray for the safe return of all military personnel. I
encourage all Pennsylvanians and all Americans to remember and pray for our
brave military personnel during this holiday season and always."
Bennett was a 1991 graduate of Solanco High School in Quarryville and
earned a technical degree in computer-aided drafting and design from York
Technical Institute, where he was recognized for academic excellence.
"Sgt. Bennett was a tremendous warrior and military policemen," said Col.
John L. Gronski, commander for the 2nd Brigade Combat Team. "My heart and my
prayers go out to his family. Sgt. Bennett died while preventing a suicide
bomber from conducting an attack on his intended target, ultimately saving the
lives of a large group of American Soldiers. Sgt. Bennett is a hero."
Bennett joined the National Guard in February 1997 and served in Operation
Desert Spring from August 2002 to June 2003, providing a forward presence in
the Persian Gulf region.
"Sgt. Bennett was an important leader within the military police platoon,"
said the 2nd Brigade Command Sgt. Maj. Horace C. Pysher. "Every day he showed
his commitment to accomplishing the mission, and his concern for the welfare
of his fellow Soldiers."
Twenty-two Pennsylvania National Guard Soldiers have died in combat in
Iraq. Bennett is survived by his parents and his sister.
Memorial services have not been scheduled at this time.
CONTACT: Capt. Cory Angell, Pennsylvania Department of Military and
Veterans Affairs, +1-717-861-8829.
SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
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Related links:
http://www.state.pa.us
CONTACT:
Capt. Cory Angell, Pennsylvania Department of
Military and Veterans Affairs, +1-717-861-8829
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