Army Sgt. Adam Kennedy, a rock climbing enthusiast and Norwich University graduate who began his first tour of duty in Iraq last fall, was killed by a blast from an improvised explosive device south of Baghdad.
Kennedy, 25, was killed Sunday when his unit was hit with indirect fire while conducting combat control near Diwaniyah, Iraq,
Kennedy, 25, served in the 4th Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division based in Fort Richardson and was sent to his tour in Iraq.
"His lifelong ambition was to be in the military," his father said. "He really loved the discipline, and the physical conditioning."
Kennedy's unit provided security for an Army colonel, clearing hidden explosives and otherwise ensuring safe passage for convoys. The work frequently put Kennedy's unit in danger - a reality that became clear to his family when he returned for a 10-day leave late last year.
Despite the risks, Kennedy in December made a commitment to remain with the Army for another six years, his father said.
Kennedy, who was single, graduated from Xaverian Brothers High School in Westwood in 2000. He graduated from Norwich University, a private military college in Northfield, Vt., in 2004, majoring in computer science, according to a statement from the university.
At Norwich, he spent time away from his studies rock-climbing in the Green Mountains, and participated in a cold weather rescue team, his parents said.
Although he had little background as a runner, he last year finished a marathon during a break from military training in Alaska.
"He ran a respectable time his first time out," his father said.
Arrangements for a funeral in Norfolk were pending.
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