Fallen Soldiers and Heroes

Captain Benjamin D. Keating, 27, of Shapleigh, Maine, died Nov. 26, 2006, while serving as executive officer of A Troop, 3-71 Cavalry, Task Force Spartan, 10th Mountain Division in Kamdesh, Afghanistan. Ben attended the University of New Hampshire, graduating Magna Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa with a B.A. degree in 2004. While at UNH he served as the chair of the Young Republicans. He joined the Army ROTC, was a distinguished military graduate, recipient of the Marshall Award, and upon graduation was commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant in the United States Army. He was trained in armor at Ft. Knox, Ky. He then went to Ft. Drum, N.Y. where he served as platoon leader for the 3-71 Cavalry, B Troop, became the executive officer of A Troop last November, was promoted to 1st lieutenant in January and was deployed to Afghanistan in February. He was recently promoted to captain. He was a recipient of the Bronze Star, Combat Action Badge and the Army Commendation Medal with V Device. Ben’s time overseas was spent spreading the love of the Lord to those around him. Ben felt called by the Lord to serve his country, and will never be forgotten. - Meg Kopp, Captain Keating's cousin