Wilhelm, Keiffer P.

Keiffer P. Wilhelm

Plymouth, Ohio

Feather Location: Row O, #15

The Morning Journal  /  Published: Tuesday, August 25, 2009

… Keiffer Wilhelm shipped out for boot camp Dec. 28, 2008.

The family members are used to military service, said Shane Wilhelm, a Navy veteran…

Keiffer Wilhelm appeared happy when the family gathered in May for the wedding of his older brother, Shannon Wilhelm, now a U.S. Air Force staff sergeant stationed in Arizona.

While stationed at Fort Bliss, Texas, Keiffer Wilhelm hoped to buy a car, a new iPhone, travel and help his older brother move into a new house. It did not happen because Keiffer's deployment date was moved up to July 25.

Growing up, Shannon and Keiffer "were typical boys," their father said. "They wrestled around the house, but when they got done they always laughed and hugged each other," Shane Wilhelm said.

"He idolized his older brother," Shane Wilhelm said about Keiffer. "He was his hero." …

Carver:  Dick & Annis Strine of Ashland Ohio.  This couple has been carving since 2003

Wood:  Basswood