Kevin Joseph Smith

West Point, 2002

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Joshua Peyton on December 20, 2005:

I have to say December 8th, 2005 is forever etched in my mind after the loss of my good friend, Kevin Smith. December 8th is also my wife Charlene's birthday, so I remember calling her and wishing her a happy birthday from OCS on that day. The next day, one of my TAC officers there, Angela Lamborn (Irvine) asked me if I remembered Kevin from the prep school. I stared at her in disbelief when she informed me he was killed. The last time I spoke with KJ was right before he left for Iraq. He was pumped up about finally getting his platoon and loved being at Fort Stewart. We reminisced about old times, and he brought me up to speed on this great girl named Dana that he couldn't wait for me to meet someday. We discussed getting together after he got back from Iraq and he even asked me what it was going to be like over there. As most people who've been there know, everyone's experience is different. I do know this, that KJ would rather be doing nothing in the world other than what he knew best: being a soldier. Kevin was a special friend to me. As most people reading this posting know, I unfortunately did not graduate from West Point. I was in the same company with KJ at the prep-school and spent many hours in the cold watching him play soccer at West Point. We both struggled at the Academy, but our friendship was one thing that never faultered. I hadn't talked to him in years when I got an email from him out of the blue. I wanted to post this email in here, sent to me four years after I left the Academy, just so you can get a feel for the type of guy he was. Date: Wednesday, January 26, 2005 3:45 pm Subject: Is this the Peyton that went to USMAPS? IF this is the Josh Peyton that went to West Point, please respond. If NOT, please disregard. Just trying to contact an old friend. Sincerely, LT KEVIN SMITH C 1-39 FA OPS "COLD STEEL" 912-767-6867 And just like that, he went above and beyond to rekindle an old relationship. To me KJ was an inspiration. My ETS date was approaching in early 2006, and I was still undecided whether or not to pursue OCS or to get out all together. I told him I enjoyed being in the 82nd and still wanted to get my commission, but was unsure whether or not I was too old to go for it. After one of KJ's pep talks, who could deny him? I graduate from OCS on 19 January 2006, the day that Kevin was supposed to come home. Even though he's gone, I know he'll find a way to be there for me, just like he's always done for every friend he's ever had. Schrock, out of all the people I know personally, you and KJ were probably the closest. I'm sorry for your loss bro, and if you need anything please let me know. To KJ's family, Cliff & Linda, Ansil & Georgianna, I am equally sorry for your loss. I know this might not mean much, but Kevin meant a great deal to me, and was a huge influence and inspiration in my life. He was one of few people who remained in contact with me through the ups and downs of my life. To truly have an unconditional friend in this world is rare, and I'm honored to have known KJ as a great soldier, but an even greater friend. Thanks for everything bro. I'm gonna miss ya. Respectfully, Josh Peyton 803.467.9680

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