Kenneth Bostic laid to rest

FORT POLK - Sgt. Kenneth Eric Bostic had a love for his family, the United States, baseball and the music group Slipknot. He also had a desire to serve his country in whatever capacity necessary.

Bostic, a member of the 204th Military Police Company, 519th MIlitary Police Battalion, 1st Combat Support Brigade (Provisional), Mission Enhancement gave his life for his country on Monday, Oct. 30 as he along with his fellow Blade Runners were looking for a fellow American Soldier who had disappeared in Iraq.

A memorial service was held at Fort Polk's Main Post Chapel Wednesday to honor the life and unselfish service Bostic displayed during his service as an American soldier.

Maj. Schmick said, “Kenny was a professional patriot and an American soldier. He took pride in being a soldier.”

On Oct. 24, 2006, the Blade Runners were called into action when he along with his fellow soldiers were ordered to seal Baghdad in order to find an American soldier who had disappeared.

The creed that Bostic lived by was “never leave a soldier behind,” and in doing this his life was taken.

“Bostic knew what had to be done. They were ordered to perform checkpoints and garner information that would lead them to find the missing American soldier,” Schmick explained.

It was said that it was pure and clear intent that Bostic lead his life and on Monday, Oct. 30 his mission was to find the missing American.

While performing his mission Bostic approached a vehicle, all the while ordering his fellow soldiers back at a safe distance. Bostic was killed by Iraqi sniper fire while conducting the search.

Remarks were read during the memorial service from his leaders who continue to perform operations in Iraq.

“He was a model American soldier.”

Bostic enlisted in the Army in June 2003 and after Basic Training he was awarded the primary MOS of 31B Military Police Company, 519th Military Police Battalion at Fort Polk where he served as a gunner.

Bostic was deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom to Afghanistan and upon his return from the year-long deployment requested to be deployed with the Blade Runners to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom where he was assigned as a driver with the 2nd Platoon “Roughnecks.”

Throughout the service the same statements were said over and over, “he always had a goofy smile and thought everyone loved Slipknot.”

He was even able to get one of his commanding officers to listen to a Slipknot song and after it had finished playing he told the officer “now you are a well-rounded officer.”

“Bostic had enormous potential to excel in the military. He is a true hero. He never wanted the easy jobs, he was a competitor in everything.”

Master Sgt. St. Clair said that he would always remember Bostic for the dip in his mouth and the fact that he always had a goofy smile on his face.

The Chapel was filled to capacity with friends, soldiers, firemen and local law enforcement agents.

As the final roll call was sounded 1st. Sgt. Richardson said Sgt. Bostic three times, there was no answer.

As the firing of the volleys and the playing of taps commenced sobs of grief filled the chapel as the reality of the loss of this soldier was becoming more and more real.

Bostic leaves behind his mother, Patricia Thyne; father, James Bostic and brother Dwayne.

From the Daily News

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