1SG Kenneth B. Elwell
United States Army

1SG Kenneth B. Elwell stationed at Ft. Wainwright, AK, with the 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, and a lifelong resident of Holland, prior to his enlistment in the United States Army died heroically in Combat on Sunday, July 17 in the Kandahar Province of Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He was 33.

He was the beloved husband of almost 9 years to Kristen A. Mirabella Elwell and the loving father of Elise and Nickolas.

Born in Philadelphia, PA, he was the dear son of Janice Smith Elwell.

1SG Elwell answered the call of his country back in 1997 when he fulfilled his dream and enlisted in the United States Army, and on July 17th he made the ultimate sacrifice for his Country when his unit came under attack by enemy forces. He faithfully and honorably served 1 Tour of Duty in Bosnia, 1 Tour in South Korea, 2 Tours in Iraq, and 1 Tour in Afghanistan.

Ken was a 1997 graduate of Council Rock High School. He was an accomplished Varsity Soccer Player since the 9th Grade. He was also a member of the Ukrainian Nationals Team, Fox Chase and Northampton Soccer Clubs. He also competed in the Keystone State Games and Inner County Soccer tournaments.

Ken will be sorely missed by everyone who came to know and love him and also by the grateful Nation for which he swore to protect against tyranny and oppression.

In addition to his beloved wife, children and loving mother, Ken is survived by his 3 brothers Michael J Elwell (Eileen) of Croydon, Mahlon D. Elwell of Holland, and Scott A. Elwell (Joanne) of Bensalem, and his sister Susan A. Burkhard (Douglas) of Pineville. He is also survived by his Uncle John Smith, 5 nieces, 2 nephews, 1 great niece, and 2 cousins.

Relatives, friends, members of the Armed Forces and his community are invited to offer their condolences on Sunday, August 7, 2011, from 3:00 PM until his Funeral Service at 6:00PM from the Church of St. Andrew 81 Swamp Rd. Newtown, PA 18940.

Interment with Full Military Honors will be conducted at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA on Wednesday, August 10, 2011 at precisely 11:00AM.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the Kenneth Elwell Family Trust, 3512 Ashville St. Phila., PA 19136.