In the inaugural edition of Lazenby Law Group’s Hometown Heroes, we honor Major Kevin Jenrette.
Preparing to share the memory of Major Jenrette was a welcomed task. His friends and family readily speak fondly of him and the internet was a solid resource. It is crystal clear that Major Jenrette touched many lives before falling on June 4, 2009, in Kapisa, Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. His military accomplishments are the stuff of legend.
He was a graduate of the University of North Georgia’s ROTC program. He commissioned as an Infantry Officer and served with the 25th Infantry Division – Tropic Lightning. He became a Ranger, Ranger Instructor, Master Parachutist, Pathfinder, and Expert Infantryman. Far more important, however, Kevin Jenrette was a husband, a father of three, and a son.
Kevin Jenrette was born September 2, 1971. The son of an Army Colonel, he grew up mostly in Germany, California, and Alabama. He relished the chance to do anything outdoors as an avid hunter and fisherman.
His attraction to service and discipline started early as Kevin attended Southern Preparatory Academy (then Lyman Ward Military Academy) where his father was the Commandant. Upon graduation, while attending the University of North Georgia in Dahlonega (then, North Georgia College) and participating in the ROTC program, Kevin met Shannon Parker. He and Shannon were married July 3, 1999. They have three beautiful children – Corey (20), Brody (17), and Megan (14).
Through the years since 2009, tributes on social media reflecting on Kevin Jenrette’s life are replete with observations of his obvious charisma in leadership:
“Your leadership and authenticity shined through you . . . [p]eople gravitated towards you.”
“He commanded respect, without demanding it. I would’ve tackled hell with a bucket of water for him……”
“. . . as I read what men and women who served with you say about you year after year, I know our country is in good hands.”
When asked to provide a summation of Kevin in the first three words that come to mind, his wife Shannon quickly listed: Selfless, Strong, and Leader.
Clearly, Major Kevin Jenrette left a lasting impression on all he touched.
Kevin’s magnetism extended well beyond the Platoon, Company, and Battalion formations. His beautiful family continues to flourish speaking volumes about the positive influence his legacy has provided. Kevin’s friends told us:
He frequently seemed really serious and many folks took him that way, but when he smiled it was apparent his heart was full of love. In Kevin’s short life he grew from a person we loved to enjoy life with, to a person who lived life in such a way to be an inspiration to us all.
