Wednesday, December 13, 2006

Kenneth Haines laid to rest

"He was here last year for Christmas, so that makes it a little harder knowing he was here a year ago. But we had a fun time that week. That was the last I saw him," said Mike Haines, brother of Army Spec. Kenneth Haines.

For people in the town of Granby, the death of Army Spec. Kenneth Haines is not just another casualty in the Iraq War. For them, they lost Kenny -- a friend, a son, and a brother.

"When he was a little kid, those are the best memories, just being his older brother and doing what older brothers do," said Mike Haines. "Those were probably the best times of my life. They're going to be missed."

Kenneth Haines, 25, was killed in Iraq last week after a roadside bomb explosion. Haines was a member of the 1st Cavalry Division based out of Fort Hood, Texas. The six-year Army veteran was on his second tour in Iraq when he died.

"He did what his country asked him to do, he fought for his country, and he died a hero," said Tim Waldron, a family friend.

Family members were honored by the traditional funeral Haines received. It was a chance to say goodbye to their hero -- something they regret not doing before.

"People just need to get in touch with their loved ones over there because we didn't really talk that much while he was over there. It's probably something that will tear at me a little," said Haines.

From News 10

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Kenneth Haines remembered

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Kenneth W. Haines dies of injuries from I.E.D.