Bennett, Kenneth Wade

Kenneth Wade Bennett was a 26-year-old staff sergeant from Glendora, California. He served in the U.S. Army as an explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) specialist, assigned to the 53rd Ordnance Company (EOD), 3rd Ordnance Battalion (EOD), part of the 71st Ordnance Group based at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington.

According to the U.S. Department of Defense, Bennett died on November 10, 2012, in Sperwan Gar, Panjwa'i District, Kandahar Province. He was on a dismounted patrol when an improvised explosive device detonated. The area was a known insurgent stronghold and a frequent site of IED emplacement.

Bennett's death occurred during Operation Enduring Freedom, the U.S.-led military campaign in Afghanistan that began in October 2001. In late 2012, U.S. and coalition forces were engaged in a counterinsurgency effort, with a focus on training Afghan security forces and conducting clearance operations in volatile southern provinces like Kandahar.

Following his death, Bennett was posthumously promoted from sergeant to staff sergeant. His awards reportedly included the Bronze Star Medal and Purple Heart. A memorial service was held at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and he was buried at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Covina Hills, California.

As an EOD specialist, Bennett's role involved the high-risk task of locating, identifying, and disposing of explosive hazards. His unit was responsible for clearing routes and areas to protect other troops and civilians from IEDs, a leading cause of casualties for coalition forces in Afghanistan at the time.

Staff Sergeant Bennett was killed during Operation Enduring Freedom (2001–2014). The conflict concluded in December 2014. See the full roster of those killed in this conflict.

Among those documented in the same conflict: Andrews, Evander Earl, Edmunds, Jonn Joseph, Stonesifer, Kristofor Tif, Davis, Bryant Leroy.

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