Henry's Web Log

It has been a while since I’ve posted anything. You see, on January 24th, SGT Kyle J. Harrington died at the age of 24 in service of his country. It was a tragic accident, and SGT Harrington is truly a Fallen Hero.
The internal conflict for me recently is that my blog messages are always upbeat and positive about the Army. I do enjoy serving my country, and I’m proud to be here, but the reality of military operations is that we are at war, and people get hurt.
Sergeant Kyle Harrington’s loss was felt across the camp. He was a bright light, and spread his light through a positive attitude even in toughest times. He worked in the maintenance team where I work and our unit here sincerely misses him.
We are grateful for his time with us, and our prayers are with his family. Our memorial service was deeply moving, and there were similar services in Tallil, Iraq where his unit is headquartered, as well as Ft Lewis, Washington and his final resting place in Swansea, MA.


His family printed this obituary in the Massachusetts Herald News:
Sgt. Kyle J. Harrington
Sgt. Kyle J. Harrington, age 24 of Fort Lewis, Washington formerly of Swansea, died January 24, 2009 while serving his country in Iraq. Husband of Faith A. (Ryan) Harrington of Fort Lewis, WA, father of Joshua Dennis Harrington and Kaylee Elizabeth Harrington, son of Kathleen (Blow) (Seligman) Harrington of Fall River and Dennis Harrington and his wife Jodi of Cranston, RI, brother of Elizabeth J. Harrington of Fall River, son-in-law of Debra and Bill Ryan, grandson of Irene J. Harrington of San Andreas, CA., also survived by several aunts, uncles, cousins and three nieces. Grandson of the late Lionel and Hilma Blow and Fred Joseph Harrington.
Kyle was born in Newport, RI. on July 17, 1984. Growing up he spent many years in cub scouts and playing a variety of sports. He was a 2003 graduate of Joseph Case High School. He then joined the Army as a mechanic in pursuit of a better life for his young family. During his 4 and a ½ years in the army he served in Operation Iraqi Freedom for 21 months. He had a passion for rock music and movies of all genres. Kyle attracted others to want to be around him with his charming attributes and he formed many lasting friendships, including those with his brothers in arms. He was a devoted husband and father, spending most of his time with his family. Kyle had a very close relationship with his parents and sister despite moving cross country with his wife and children. Although he had a large family that is scattered, they managed to stay close with reunions and during holidays. His entire family was very important to him. He was a man that any mother would be proud to call her own. He will be terribly missed by all the lives he has touched with his presence.
His funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2009 at 10 AM in the WARING-SULLIVAN HOME OF MEMORIAL TRIBUTE AT BIRCHCREST, 189 Gardners Neck Rd., Swansea. Visiting hours Fri. 4-8 pm. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in his honor to the Kyle Joseph Harrington Memorial Trust Fund, PO Box 82, Swansea, MA 02777