Souslin, Kenneth C.

Kenneth C. Souslin

Mansfield, Ohio

Feather Location: Row P, #18

Associated Press

MANSFIELD, Ohio — Friends of a soldier who died December in Iraq remembered him as being very considerate: he once escorted a friend’s dateless sister to her high school dance and would often sprint across a room to hug his mother.

Souslin’s friends, who called him “Kacey,” said he was devoted to his mother. “Any time his mom came to school, Kacey, as soon as he saw her, would sprint across the cafeteria and give her a hug. He loved her so much,” said 21-year-old Sean Davis, who knew Souslin since the fifth grade…

Al Kaminski said his 20-year-old daughter, Trinda, was extremely close to Souslin. “They were confidantes, psychologists and friends to each other,” Kaminski said. “How do you explain that type of kid? He was just awesome.”

Amanda Sposato said Souslin was always looking out for others. When her little sister Amanda didn’t have a date for her senior homecoming dance, Souslin escorted her. “He barely knew her, and he stayed with her all night,” said Sposato, 20…

Sgt. First Class Joel Rhodes, 37, accompanied Souslin’s body from Baghdad to Ohio and said he did not know what happened to Souslin. “He was a fine kid, a good soldier,” Rhodes said. “He never had one complaint. Everyone should be proud.”

Carver:  William Beal carves with the Loraine County Wood Carvers

Wood:  Basswood