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Kenneth Irving Pugh

    
Thursday, July 20 2006 @ 04:17 AM MDT
Contributed by: River97
Views: 2,694
Individuals US chron.com -- A 1985 Chevrolet El Camino waits in the garage outside the Pughs' suburban Houston house. Last week Lewis Pugh, 60, washed it in the driveway, preparing the car for his son, Kenneth Irving Pugh, 39, to return from his second yearlong tour in Iraq.

This week a man in a green uniform knocked on the Pughs' door to tell them their son would not return.

Pugh, a staff sergeant, died Monday while on guard in Baghdad, his family said. The cause: a single gunshot wound to the head, the family said. He is the 76th soldier from the 4th Infantry Division at Fort Hood to die in Iraq this year. Military officials said they could not confirm the death until 24 hours after each of Pugh's family members have been contacted.

"My heart bleeds for all of them that passed away," said Earcell Pugh, 64, his mother. "But you never know how it feels until it hits your door."

A Houston native, Pugh graduated from Madison High School, where he played football and ran track. He joined the Army in his early 20s, served in Desert Storm and has been stationed in Germany, Kentucky and, most recently, Fort Hood. His widow, Sharon, who lives in Kempner with Pugh's 13-year-old daughter and her two daughters from another marriage, didn't want to talk publicly about her husband's death.

The military, his family said, was Kenneth's life. He wore his uniform everywhere — even out to dinner while home for visits.

It is things like the El Camino that the Pughs remembered Tuesday, sitting in their darkened living room, passing around baby photos and sharing bites of take-out chicken. Unwatched soap operas played on a wide-screen TV.

Earcell Pugh remembered the boxes of cookies she sent overseas to her son, always a jokester, who teased that she couldn't bake. That didn't stop him from sharing each new batch — peanut butter, chocolate chip, oatmeal — with his friends in the Army, where his family said he was a tank commander.

Jessica Mathew, 24, Kenneth Pugh's sister, remembered what was left unsaid. She got married last Saturday. This week she sent her brother an instant message with the news. The approval of Kenneth, who helped raise her, has always been what mattered most.

"I typed a quick message saying I got married," she said. "Now I know he will never get it."

Just over 6 feet tall, Kenneth, who was called Kip because of his initials — KIP — was a career military man who liked to play the father role with everyone, including his parents.

"He was bossy," Lewis Pugh recalled to laughs from a cousin who'd joined the family in remembering Kenneth at the Pughs' home.

But his bossiness was with the best intentions. Thursday the soldier called his parents to assure them he was still safe, and then checked to make sure they'd taken their medicine. In March he swapped e-mail with Mathew, advising her on the benefits of buying a new home.

Kenneth Pugh hoped to retire from the Army and, although he rarely spoke of his experiences in Iraq, he never expressed hesitancy when called back to serve a second tour in a war zone. Both his mother and sister say they have grown disillusioned with the war.

"I wanted him out," Mathew said. "Every time his re-enlistment came up, I asked him to get out. He said, 'This is what I love doing.' "

While home, Kenneth enjoyed his passions, fishing and fixing up cars.

The El Camino, which he got from his father, was his most recent project. He talked about fixing it up every time he called home, Earcell Pugh said.

That's why his parents were keeping it, nice and clean, in their outdoor garage.

Now Lewis Pugh doesn't know what he will do. Most likely he'll sell it, he said. He doesn't like the idea of keeping that memory around.
 
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Here's what others have to say about 'Kenneth Irving Pugh':

UrbanGrounds » Blog Archive » PGR: In Memory of SFC Kenneth Pugh
Tracked on Monday, July 31 2006 @ 02:41 PM MDT

Kenneth Irving Pugh | 11 comments | Create New Account
The following comments are owned by whomever posted them. This site is not responsible for what they say.
Kenneth Irving Pugh
Authored by: anonymous on Friday, July 21 2006 @ 01:19 AM MDT
To the Pugh family from the Wahl family. We are neighbor's and both lost our love one. Kenneth thank you for serving our country. You are an AMERICAN HERO! you have not died in VAIN! You will never ever be forgotten, not today, tomorrow or ever. You truely, are the elite among AMERICANS! Healing is a very slow process. Be supportive toward one another. You all loved him dearly. Kenneth understood the love with all his heart. An he loved you, you knew that. To serve as asoldier. You have a clling in life. Risking everything for us all. Our heart and prays are with Kenneth and his family. Please checkout www.fallenheroesmemorial.com many organization to help Kenneth family. THOSE READING THE MESSAGE LEFT FOR KENNETH. PLEASE I URGE YOU LEAVE AMESSAGE. ONE IT HONOR'S KENNETH AND HELPS THE FAMILY HEAL. Father of fallen soldier US Army Sgt. Gregory L. Wahl KIA balad, Iraq 05-03-04.
Kenneth Irving Pugh
Authored by: anonymous on Friday, July 21 2006 @ 08:26 AM MDT
To the Pugh family, my husband has had told me many times in the past what a great man Kenneth is and how he wanted to model his NCO carrer after him. My family is deeply saddened by this loss. He was a great man, the greatest Phillip has ever known. Mandi Wiersma, wife of SPC Phillip Wiersma C Co, 3-67 AR
Kenneth Irving Pugh
Authored by: anonymous on Friday, July 21 2006 @ 11:21 AM MDT
To the family of SSG. Pugh, my name is Spc Lance Gieselmann. I was in Drill Sgt Pugh's first cycle in basic at Ft. Knox. I served with him in Iraq when we were deployed together in 2003. He always looked after me in basic and when we went out on patrols. It was an honor to serve with him. He was a great leader and a trusted friend. Rest assured his memory will not be forgotten. Know he is in heaven with the Lord smiling down on you guys right now. He will be missed but never forgotten.
Kenneth Irving Pugh
Authored by: anonymous on Friday, July 21 2006 @ 05:07 PM MDT
To the Pugh Family,
My name is Sgt Sandro X Navarro, I served with Kenneth in OIF I 2003-04. It is with deepest thoughts and Prayers that I send this messege. He was my friend, my brother and a great leader that I would follow anywhere. I've missed him dearly since leaving Ft Hood, and now I will only remember that short fused, time bomb that always made me laugh and had my back as I his. He is in my book of great men, an True AMERICAN HERO. He will be MISSED, BUT NOT EVER FORGOTTEN... For Kenneth, Brother I will see you on the otherside...yours truly GHETTO 33 GULF, PEACE.
Kenneth Irving Pugh
Authored by: anonymous on Friday, July 21 2006 @ 09:42 PM MDT
My name is Bran Plunkett and I had the honor of serving with SSG Pugh in A 3-67 AR - Iraq during OIF 1 2003 - 2004

To his family...my deepest sympathy and thoughts. SSG Pugh was an outstanding person and soldier. He set the example for us all to follow. An American hero that I will always remember when upon bended knee to Almighty God.
Kenneth Irving Pugh
Authored by: anonymous on Monday, July 24 2006 @ 10:58 AM MDT
To the Pugh Family; my deepest regards to each and every one of you. I served with DS Pugh in '03-'04 in A 3-67AR. I am DS Arellano, John and i'm a tank mechanic so Kenneth and I spent all of time together and I remember all the things we have done together. He is truly a respected man and father and I will never forget the times we shared. May God Bless your family and friends. As to you Battle, "This We'll Defend".. DS A
Kenneth Irving Pugh
Authored by: anonymous on Sunday, July 30 2006 @ 10:35 PM MDT
To one of the best person that I have ever known. My name is James McCray and SSG. Pugh served together in Germany. He was the greatest and he was very hard on you but most of all he wanted you to learn. I've never meet a person that was so eager to teach. Thanks again to SSG. Pugh and his family for allowing me to serve with this great person.
Kenneth Irving Pugh
Authored by: anonymous on Wednesday, August 16 2006 @ 03:14 PM MDT
My deepest sympathies to the family of SSG Kenneth Pugh. My name is Jay Miller and I had the pleasure of serving with SSG Pugh during OIF 2003-2004. He was a great NCO and an even better person and I consider myself a better person for knowing him. I and many other soldiers owe their life to this man. He will be sorrily missed.
Kenneth Irving Pugh
Authored by: anonymous on Tuesday, November 14 2006 @ 11:07 PM MST
Kenneth,
I would like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

A grateful citizen
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