Kevin J. Ellenburg

Kevin J. Ellenburg

Company B 1-22 Infantry

4th Infantry Division (Mechanized)

KIA November 1, 2006

Published - November, 9, 2006

Pace grad killed in Iraq

Tom Ninestine
tninestine@pnj.com

Pace High School will honor the memory of Pfc. Kevin Ellenburg, a 2004 graduate, during its annual Veterans Day ceremony Nov. 21.

Ellenburg, 20, of Middleburg, Fla., was killed Nov. 1 in Baghdad, Iraq, when an improvised explosive device detonated near his Bradley Fighting Vehicle.
He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 4th Infantry Division in Ft. Hood, Texas.

Ellenburg was a "very likeable young man and a total gentleman," said Stephanie Jernigan-Watson, who taught Ellenburg during his senior year.

The wide receiver was a good athlete who worked hard, his coach, Mickey Lindsey, recalled Wednesday night.

Lindsey heard about Ellenburg's death last week and said he wasn't surprised the young man gave his life for his country during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

"He was special and unique," Lindsey said.

Lindsey said Ellenburg's death makes him realize that many people take their freedom for granted.

"These young men are giving up their lives to give us the freedoms we have," he said. "We probably don't appreciate it."

Keith Kirchharr, golf coach at Pace High School, also knew Ellenburg. He said Ellenburg was a popular, likable student.

"It's tragic," Kirchharr said. "I've lived in Pace all my life. When it hits home like that, it's tragic."

Pensacola News journal

http://www.pensacolanewsjournal.com

Kevin Ellenburg -- in his Pace High School jersey

Pensacola News journal

http://www.pensacolanewsjournal.com

**********************

BACK