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Essary was the latest casualty in the United States Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, which has had 561 US military casualties since it began.
He was a member of the U.S. Army's Charlie Company, 2nd Division stationed out of Fort Hood, Texas. His unit is attached to the 101st Airborne Division, which is in charge of Afghanistan theater of operations.
Essary was killed in the village of Maiwand, Afghanistan, which is 50 miles northeast of the city of Kandahar in the Kandahar province.
The incident occurred at approximately 4:17 p.m. (Afghanistan time), Thursday, Jan. 8. Afghanistan is 10.5 hours ahead of US Central Standard Time.
Details surrounding the incident have not been released, however the cause of death has been ruled as an impact from an improvised explosive device (IED) while on dismounted patrol.
International news agencies reported two unnamed American soldiers and three Afghan civilians were killed in a suicide bombing on Thursday in Maiwand. This occurred when the bomber detonated an explosive-packed car after driving it into a crowded bazaar. The blast also injured 21 Afghan civilians.
A man claiming to be a spokesman for the Taliban, Qari Yousef Ahmadi, said he was responsible for the bombing and that the bomber was an Afghan man.
Essary was a 2006 graduate of Dyer County High School. He enlisted into the Army the beginning of his senior year of high school.
On Friday, friends and family gathered at the house of his grandmother, Anita Essary, to remember their fallen loved one and share memories of him.
"He was the greatest kid you will ever meet," said SFC Robert Lipker. "He made the perfect soldier and had a big heart. He would give you the shirt off his back. He would rather be with the folks he loved than sleep or eat." Lipker is the recruiter that enlisted Essary and they remained friends afterwards.
"He wanted us to be proud of what he was doing," said Keith's uncle, Monty Essary.
Essary lived in Dyersburg all of his life and was raised in the home of his grandparent's Anita Essary and the late Monty Essary Sr. He had a close relationship with both his father, Chuck Hall, and his mother, Mary Beth Franks. His sister's are Bethany Willard, Taylor Clark and Brooke Hall and his brother is Randy Hall.
Essary had a fondness for motorcycles and liked to go riding with his father. "We enjoyed riding motorcycles together," said Chuck Hall. "Every time we talked, that's what we always talked about."
In May of 2008, Essary's family threw him a going away party when he was home on leave for two weeks. He deployed to Afghanistan the following month and was able to come back to Dyersburg on leave in September. It was believed that Essary's deployment would end in June 2009.
During Essary'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. Essary 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."
A couple of Spc. Essary's friends recounted their time spent together in Dyersburg. "He was my best friend," said Jonathan Pope. "If you saw him, you saw me and if you saw me, you saw him. He was bighearted and you could have called him anytime you needed something. He always kept the mood light."
"He was a good guy," said Terry Wilson. Both Pope and Wilson were in JROTC with Essary who was Capt. Of the Honor Guard and Cmdr. of the drill team and the rifle team.
"There were nine of us that were really tight and we all joined the military," said Pope. "That was our big thing, ROTC." Wilson and Pope are both in the Army Reserve.
"He wanted to go to OCS (Officer Candidate School) so I would have to salute him," said SFC Lipker, recalling a lighter moment.
"He was a very strong willed boy, "said Anita Essary. "He pretty well always knew what he wanted to do and he loved Johnny Cash."
Essary is the second soldier from Dyer County to be killed in Afghanistan in the last 3 years. The last soldier was US Army PFC Kevin Edgin, who was killed in a firefight against Taliban insurgents in southern Afghanistan.
Funeral arrangements for Essary are still incomplete at this time.
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Keith's family has my deepest sympathies. I was in JROTC with him and I will always remember Keith in my heart. He would do anything to put a smile on somebodys face. I'm so sorry for the family's loss. I have you all in my prayers. Samantha Kirk
God Bless this family, my daughter and son-in-law also army were in ROTC with Keith, and he will be sadly missed by all. I for one would like to say THANK YOU to him for serving and protecting our country. Thoughts and prayers be with you all during this trying time.
With the deepest sympathies to Keith,s family and loved one,s.I praise Keith for serving and protecting our country in such a brave way. my prayer,s are with all of you. THANK YOU KEITH!!
My son graduated fron High School with him. Thank God for the brave men and women who are fighting for our country. My families prayers wil be with you during this most trying time. God Bless You
Keith was a wonderful, fun-loving, out going person. It is hard to believe he is gone. I pray for him and all of our friends and family. I miss Keith and thank him and all those who serve for thier wonderful service to our country. THANK-YOU we love and miss you.
R.I.P KEITH ERIC.. YOU WILL BE MISSED BY SO MANY.. I REMEMBER WHEN YOUR GRANDADDY USED TO PULL US AROUND THE BLOCK ON THE LAWN MOWER!! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR PROTECTING OUR COUNTRY!! MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU ALL!
I was in JROTC with Keith, and I absolutely can say with all confidence that he was one fantastic guy. I never recall Keith having said one negative word about anyone, and he was always such a stand up guy and a true class act.
I can say with all honesty that he will be sorely missed. I can only offer my condolences and prayers, but Keith's family should be very proud. He was a great guy with a great attitude, and great prospects, before this tragedy occured.
I know in my heart that God is watching over Keith and his family, and my prayers (along with MANY others) are going out to all of them. God bless you, Keith. Rest in peace.
Keith was a great guy! I was in JROTC with him and the whole time he was nothing but sweet. If you had a question no matter how stupid it may seem to you he never put you down. He was always cheerful and fun to be around. I have many memories from military ball with him. He was always bringing a smile to someones face. HE will never be forgotten thats for sure!!
keith was my cousin and my best friend he will always be in my heart and never forgotten i love you man r.i.p
SPC Charlie Clark
Keith's family will be in my prayers and I thank Keith and all the other men and women for what they do so we can have freedom.
My deepest condolences go to the family of this brave soldier. I didn't know him but appreciate what he did and all the other military personnel are doing in Afghanistan and Iraq to provide freedom and protect our country from tyranny. I know from all the comments that he must have been a very admirable and decent human being and am so sorry for his family and friends' loss.
My deepest sympathys go out to this brave soldier's family and friends. God bless our soldiers and all the brave men and women fighting for our freedom. We are so lucky to have them giving their all for us. R.I.P Keith and Kevin and all the other soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
keith and i have alot of crazy memories together, he was a outgoing person who always wanted me to get a motorcycle haha!! we always called each other on the weekends to talk bout how the army is crazy but how much we love it. as a infantry soldier that i am and that keith was its hard to loose ur battle, but i no he is lookin over me while im here in iraq. RIP bro PFC JORDAN RAMSEY
Recieved notification via email of this mission from Patriot Gaurd Riders TN State Ride Captain.
I did not know this soldier, but I will be standing that flag line with other riders on that day in the near future when Kieth is laid to rest.
I am deeply pained by the loss of another, but being retired Navy, I know the fight must go on.
To those who knew him well and those who served with him,the Patriot Guard will stand for another who stood for us. Hopefully we can measure up to the man he was!
Dennis E Lee
Hospital Corpsman First Class
US Navy Retired
www.patriotguard.org
Keith had big heart and big dreams for himself. He was like a big brother to me I just keep thinking about all the good time we had in JROTC and in Drill Team and Military Ball.. I just cant believe he is gone he was the best guy friend I ever had..
WE WILL REALLY MISS YOU KEITH!!!
R.I.P.
Tiffany Barnes
Keith was such an incredible person!! He is my children's brother and I have been his step-mom for the past 16 years. We loved Keith dearly, and we are so thankful for what he has done for us. Thank you so much to our great community for everything you are doing to honor him. It means the world to us.
I am only a person who reads this paper daily and I did not know Keith, Although. My Thoughts and Prayers go out to this Fine Young Man's Family and Friends. This is what keeps up safe ...Men and Women fighting for our freedom. God Bless this Family and Every Man and Woman Keeping Us Safe !
I am a 3rd cousin of Keith. I saw Keith at Chucks birthday party in Sept. My thoughts are with his brother because he was attached to his big brother the whole time I was there. I could tell he means alot to him.
On behalf of the Soldiers' Angels organization, I would like to send our condolences to the family of this fallen soldier. We are sorry for your loss. Our country is a safe country thanks to soldiers like Keith. Our thanks go out to all of these brave men & women who are fighting for our freedom. May God watch over Keith's family & friends in this hard time.
www.soldiersangels.org
-Melissa McCoy
Keith was my secound cousin, he always wanted to go skydiving with me, but we never could get together on the weekend to go. Keith also wanted to go fishing before he left,( I think Monty Glen Jr. and Anita took him and they fished all day) again I was too busy.
I am so thankful that I did have the chance to take him to the Memphis airport for his return to the military a few weeks ago. I remember giving him a hug before he left. I never in a million years thought that would be the last time I would ever see him.
We all love you Keith and are thankful to you for the sacrifices you made. I know you are with my Uncle Monty in heaven now ! God Bless you.
I grew up in Dyersburg and Monty Essary was one of my closest friends until we were in about the seventh grade. I moved away and lost touch with him. Guess it was Monty Sr. I grew up with. The death of any person serving in the military is a tragedy that affects us all. They are all our sons and daughters, our brothers and sisters. For the last few years I have worn RED every Friday to show support for our military. To the family, thank you for your sacrifice for us.
I was not Keith's best friend, But we were friends. Keith was the first kid to befriend me when I came to dyer county in the 8th grade. We were in band together for a couple of years, But mostly we continued to say hi to each other in the hallways all through High-school.
we joined the Army at the same time. Keith was my assigned "battle-buddy" for getting to Basic training.
I am now a Blackhawk pilot stationed at Ft. Hood, TX. I am looking forward to my deployment with 1st CAV in May09. Keith has given the ultimate for his country, and for my freedoms for which my family and I enjoy greatly. Keith can rest now, It's my Turn.
WO1 James Ambrose
I'm so sorry to hear of the loss of another soldier. I am the TN Coordinator for the Home of the Brave Quilt Project. Our national organization (representative in almost every state) supplies a FREE quilt to the family of soldiers lost in Iran or Afghanistan. Keith's family will certainly receive a quilt soon. If you know of any other soldiers in TN that have died, please contact me and I'll make sure they receive a quilt. diquilts@comcast.net Diane Lowe
My condolences go out to Keith's family, friends and brothers in arms. There are many people who serve their community and country. Fortunately not too many occupations require the potential sacrifice of one's life for that service. I didn't know Keith, but I'm proud of his desire to willing serve in the United States Army, and regret that he paid the ultimate sacrifice for it. I pray that Keith's loved ones find peace in his passing, knowing that his battles have ended, as he is now with Christ Jesus.
SPC Keith Eric Esaary.........HOOAH!
We all know freedom is not free. We take for granted simple pleasures everyday of things that could be taken away from us so easily. For a person to give up there life so that people he does not even know can have the simplest things is the greatest thing that any human could do. And SPC KEITH ERIC ESSARY did this for me and you, for us all. We could not ask for a better person to call a hero! May God Bless you Miss Anita and your family at this time. And many thanks to your family for giving us such a Great Hero! The heavens above have been graced with his arrival home! HOOAH! RLTW!!!
Our deepest sympathies to Keith's family and friends, I never got the pleasure to know him, but I know his grandma, Martha Hall,to all in Dyersburg with a heavy heart, you have our prayers I'm sure from all of us here in Evansville Indiana
Sally McCallister
All who knew and loved Keith have our heart felt sympathy, I never got the pleasure to know him but I know Martha Hall, his grandmother, so from here in Evansville Indiana to all with a heavy heart in Dyersburg,may God see you through this and even though it may be little comfort tonight, God promises you'll see Keith again. Take comfort in each other and many prayers go out to each of you.
Sally McCallister
My thoughts and prayers to the family. I knew both his parents growing up. I am sadden by their lost.
To many fallen brothers...
Thank you Keith Eric Essary. You gave the ultimate sacrifice for your country. I salute you and send my warmest condolences to his family. Citizens of America, HONOR HIM!
As a current member of the US ARMY, it saddens me every day when I hear of Soldiers giving the ultimate sacrifice to their country. I never new Keith personally, I met him in 2007 at the 4th of July celebration at Fort Hood, he apparently recognized me and my wife from Dyersburg. I would just like to express my sorrow and regret for his families loss during these troubled times.
SPC Raymond Warden
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Essary family. My little brother is a SGT. in the USMC, he is getting ready for his second deployment to Iraq. I thank and appreciate all of our soldiers hard work and selflessness.
i grew up w/ both parents & it breaks my heart for them, no parent should bury their child. please, pray for them & all our troops.
miki bell junior
I was in JROTC with kieth and was actually pretty close to him so when i heard the news of his death i was in shock... it hit all of us really hard...
Keith was one of the greatest friends anyone could ask for and i know if he could talk to us right now he would tell us that he wasnt worth crying over... and that he wasnt a hero ( keith always said he wasnt a hero just another person doing his job..) but Keith will always be my hero...
He gave his life so that everyone else could have a better life... Keith died doing what he loved and my prayers go out to his family...
It has been extremly hard the last few days but i know that he is looking down on us from up above and if he was here he would have that big ole grin on his face and be making us all laugh...
He had such a big heart and would do anything for anyone... Keith man... its not gonna be the same without ya... we love ya and your memory will always be with us... you will always be in our hearts...
My nephew was Keith's platoon leader until Oct. On behalf of a grateful nation, and our family, we thank you for the service of your son, an American hero. We are praying for your peace. (John 14:27)
I went to school with Keith and loved every minute of it..... He was always joking and act crazy just so he could hear you laugh. He drove his motorcycle around our block one time just to find out where I lived so he could look at my mustang....... My prayers go out to his Family and Friends.. Keith you will never be forgotten I'll be telling my children and grandchildren all about you as long as I live. THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart freedom has a price on it. I love you and rest in peace because one day we will see you again!
Kieth was in JROTC with my two daughters and graduated with Rosie. Kieth was a wonderful young man he was always laughing, making jokes brightening everyones day that was around him. He was all heart. When he met you you became a friend. This young man was a blessing to all who new him. Ms. Anita and family my prayers and thoughts are with you. He is a HERO and will not be forgotten.
Keith was a really good friend of mine. I met him my 7th grade year. He was in JROTC with my sister Annie Holland, and then I was in JROTC his senior year. We even came up with nicknames for each other his was Nipples because he was always messing with his, and mine was lil britches. Keith was a really great guy, he never said a negative thing about anyone or anything. He was always joking around about how 1st Sgt would nag at him or the other cadets. He was always making the class laugh no matter what the situation. When we would go out for PT he would motivate us, or say come on you can do this so lets go. But thats just the kind of guy he was. I will be showing my respect for him on Thursday when they being him around the loop at DCHS, and both Friday and Saturday. I will miss him dearly, and I am sorry I wasnt able to say good bye to him when he left to go back over there. Keith, though your probably laughin at me as you always have, I wanted to tell you that I love ya like a brother, and will miss you! You'll always be remembered. Keith and all of his family is and will be in my prayers.
Tabitha Holland
As the mother of another 2-2 Infantry Soldier deployed with Keith to Afghanistan, my heart goes out to Keith's family. Your loved one has paid the ultimate sacrifice for us...
Thank you Keith, for choosing to serve our great nation... thank you to his fanmily for raising a young man that felt the pull to volunteer for all of us. For those of you having to suffer the loss, God bless and keep each of you.
Rest in Peace Corporal Essary... HOOAH!
Sharon Williams Bauer (DHS 1980)
You will never be forgotten....My prayers go out to the Essary family....CPL Essary's brigade was our replacement in Afghanistan
D co. 173rd Airborne Brigade
Vicenza,Italy
US ARMY SGT Dance
May Keith Essary rest in peace.It takes a very special person to be so brave as to give his life for his country.I send my sympathy and prayers to his family.May God bless you.
Keith Eric was my 3rd cousin. I dont think Keith met a stranger. He treated everyone the same whether he had just met you or he had known you his whole life. I feel very grateful that I got to live next door to Keith Eric (and Monty and Anita) for a few years. I would go up and visit with Anita on a regular basis when I lived next to them and there were many times that I listened to her talk about "that Keith". She looved her Keith. She was always so proud of him. Keith was a great guy and is going to be missed by many people. He has touched many lives. Right now my thaughts are with Anita, Monty Glynn, and all of Keiths family and friends that loved him. I know that they are all hurting badly. Please keep all of Keiths family and friends in your prayers. Shannon Stover
Keith was a dear sweet friend of mine and my sisters, she is the one who introduced us. I speak for the both of us when I say we are deeply saddened by the loss of his life. I wasnt able to tell him goodbye when he was home in september. But I was just wanting to let his family know that he will live on through his peers that he had here at DC and the graduates. Keith made an impact on everyones life in some way. He made us all see that there is always a brighter side to everything. Which is one of the many memories that I have of him. I love you Keefus!
Tabitha & Annie Holland (Wright)
Today I was amazed at the out pouring of support form the local community. First off, everyone that lined a road way from airport to funeral home- I see it often, but I am always amazed at the sheer beauty of a community saying "welcome home" and showing the family support. As I rode along in my truck, I choked back many a tear.
Second- I want to thank every single rider local or otherwise who stood with us as one united group. I know it was cold, and especially when that wind kicked out there on our plane side flag line. Impressive and awe inspiring are some of the words used to describe the view we gave the family. As one of them told me later " It was breath taking". Thank you all for the huge outpouring of support, this was part one of a three part mission and PGR will be there all through this and beyond.
For the Ride Captain assigned, Bill Van Zant and all of us core group of Patriot Guard Riders, thank you to the family for inviting us to stand in honor of this soldier. May our presence be a portion of your healing.
Dennis DOC Lee
www.patriotguard.org
R.I.P KEITH ERIC YOU WILL BE MISSED BY SO MANY N ALL OF US..WE WILL KEEP U IN OUR PRAYER N UR FAMILY TOO
We in Dyer and Gibson Counties, today, were witnesses to a wonderful historical event. The massive amount's of people, who were paying their respect to our fallen soldier, was one of the most impressive events in our history. I did not personally know this brave young man, but I have personally known several like him. I took my 5 & 8 year old son's to be witnesses to and educate them on a military procession. "We" in the States, do not really know how fortunate, we as a whole, undivided country are. We do not want for our next meal, our shelter, our basic living needs, or even our luxuries. We do not fear every moment of our day that someone will invade our homes, take away our possessions, our families or our lives. This is only a direct result of our former and present military. I urge you to take the time to talk with one of our veterans or active duty military members, you will become very educated. After having one of those conversations, you will have a much greater appreciation for that first cup of coffee each morning. FREEDOM ISN'T FREE, and TOO MANY AMERICANS TAKE THAT FOR GRANTED!
Thank you to Eric and his family, may GOD be with you every step that you take.
Pam Hooper-Miotti, Humbled Civilian
ONLY BY THE GRACE OF GOD AND THE FOLLOWING PEOPLE:
SPC. Essary
SFC. Edgin
Robert Hooper,deceased Father, USMC, WWII & Korea
Sgt. Jennifer Morgan, Friend, USAF, Iraq
Mst Sgt. Dan Bullock, H.S.Friend, USMC, Iraq
1st Sgt. Mark Hearn, H.S.Friend, USMC, Iraq
Mst Sgt. Kirby Weaver, Friend, USAF, Iraq
Mike Harrington, Brother, Civilian Contractor,
and the list goes on!
Our deepest sympathy goes to the family of SPC Keith Essary. We work with his grandmother LTC Martha Hall who is currently serving with the ARMY. She proudly supported his career and has always displayed his picture in her office. He will be deeply missed by all.
COL Judy Kemper,CBWTU-FL Chief Nurse