Name: SSG Ken VanGiesen
Branch of Service: Army National Guard
Dates of Service:
2002-2003 Germany
2005-2006 Iraq (volunteered)
2009 Iraq (volunteered)
2011 Afghanistan (volunteered)
DOB-DOD: 8/3/80 – 7/18/11
DOG TAG #: 01-0703-80
History of Service: Ken joined the Pennsylvania National Guard at age 18, right out of high school. He was proud to join the Guard, like his father before him. In his Guard career, he served over 1400 mobilized days in overseas deployment, being one of only 16 Pennsylvania National Guardsmen serving that level of active duty. He was on his 4 th active-duty tour when he and 2 other soldiers with the 131 st Transportation Company were hit with a roadside bomb and killed in action. Post Service Memorials or Causes or Stories: Many organizations have set up memorials in Ken’s name. A few of them are: Military Veterans Outdoors – named over 700 acres in rural PA “Camp VanGiesen” in 2014. It is land set aside for veterans and their families to hunt and fish on. Patriot Award, Kane PA – graduating seniors can apply for this scholarship if they are joining any branch of the military. Kane VFW Post 1132 Bucktail Patriot Riders annual Ken VanGiesen Memorial Dice Run – supports PA Wounded Warriors, Wreaths Across America, Tunnel to Towers, and others in Ken’s memory. Millcreek American Legion Post 773 – annual Ken VanGiesen Memorial Dice Run – supports graduating seniors with a scholarship.