Military officer. Died in Najaf, Iraq, during a firefight with insurgents. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 37th Armored Regiment, 1st Armored Division, Friedburg, Germany. Son of Karen Meredith, Mountain View and Tom Ballard, Hayward. Fourth generation military on both sides; joined the Army upon graduation from Mountain View High School in 1995; served three years as a tank driver with UN peacekeeping force in Macedonia. Graduated in 2002 from Middle Tennessee State University with a degree in International Relations, with minors in military science and history. He comissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army; became a tank commander; served for 2 years, plus an extension of service, until his death by small arms fire in Najaf, Iraq. Ken's confident and joyous spirit was felt by everyone around him. He was universally respected and loved by his troops and Army colleagues for his dedication, positive attitude and strength of character. His infectious laughter, radiant smile and mischievous sense of humor will be remembered and indescribably missed by all who knew him.
Military officer. Died in Najaf, Iraq, during a firefight with insurgents. He was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 37th Armored Regiment, 1st Armored Division, Friedburg, Germany. Son of Karen Meredith, Mountain View and Tom Ballard, Hayward. Fourth generation military on both sides; joined the Army upon graduation from Mountain View High School in 1995; served three years as a tank driver with UN peacekeeping force in Macedonia. Graduated in 2002 from Middle Tennessee State University with a degree in International Relations, with minors in military science and history. He comissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army; became a tank commander; served for 2 years, plus an extension of service, until his death by small arms fire in Najaf, Iraq. Ken's confident and joyous spirit was felt by everyone around him. He was universally respected and loved by his troops and Army colleagues for his dedication, positive attitude and strength of character. His infectious laughter, radiant smile and mischievous sense of humor will be remembered and indescribably missed by all who knew him.
