Veteran of the Month
Veteran of the Month, December 2024
Retired Sergeant First Class Kenneth Gilmore
Kenneth Gilmore enlisted in the United States Army in Richmond, Virginia, in August 1981 and was assigned to the United States Army Armor School at Fort Knox, Kentucky. There, he completed Basic Combat Training and, then went on to Fort Jackson, South Carolina, to attend Advanced Individual Training as a Weapons Armorer and Unit Supply Specialist.
During his military service, Kenneth served with the 702nd 10TH Mash Medical Clearing Hospital at Ft. Meade Maryland, 524TH Military Intelligence Group Seoul Korea, US ARMY 2nd Recruiting Brigade New Haven Connecticut, 32ND ADCOM, 1/7 Air Defense Artillery (Patriot Missile) Kaiserslautern Germany, to include service in Southwest Asia, Desert Storm, Operation Southern Watch and Operation Determined Resolve. Kenneth also served with the Third U.S. Army at Fort McPherson Georgia with Service in Egypt (Operation Bright Star). Kenneth Served again in Korea with Bravo Company 168th Medical Battalion which was his final overseas assignment before his last assignment with the 3RD Infantry Division Fort Stewart Georgia, HHC DISCOM
Kenneth Gilmore received awards and decorations that include the Meritorious Service Medal (3rd Award), Army Accommodation Medal (4th Oak Leaf), Army Achievement Award (3rd Oak Leaf), Army Superior Unit Award, Good Conduct Medal 7th Award, National Defense Service Medal 2nd Award, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal with 1 Bronze star, Non – Commission Officer Development Ribbon With 3rd Award, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon 3rd award, Kuwait Liberation Medal and Air Assault Badge.
After 22 years of service, Sergeant First Class Gilmore retired while stationed at Fort Stewart Georgia.
Kenneth Gilmore has lived in the City of Jonesboro for 30 years. He now serves as Vice Chairman of the Clayton County Veterans Advisory Board and, is one of the last original members and the longest serving on the board. He is also a current Member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6330 in Jonesboro, Georgia, is active with Neighborhood Watch, participates in a school mentorship program, and is an advocate for homeless and disabled veterans.
Kenneth is married to Josephine Gilmore, his loving wife of 37 years. From this union are four children, Tania, Kenneth, Kiana, and Malik, including Jasmine, their daughter-in-law, and one grandchild Kingston.