Dubliner aids in Afghanistan

By PAUL GAUDETTE
Staff Writer

Healthcare Specialist/ Combat Medic Joe Kennedy’s “Be all you can be” mantra is fittingly reminiscent of the famous U.S. Army campaign.
“Very few people in the United States actually serve,” the Dublin native confessed. “I’m out there with guys that actually chose to serve in a time of war. Being around people that dedicated just makes you want to do better.”
Kennedy’s service began on July 15, 2008 when he began basic combat training at Ft. Leonard-Wood in Mo. After the nine-week course, he was transferred to Ft. Sam Houston and was accredited as a medic after another 16 weeks of training.
He has been stationed in Vicenza, Italy (about 45 minutes from Venice) since then when he’s not on active duty in Afghanistan.
As a medic, Kennedy is attached to a particular unit where the health and well-being of his fellow soldiers is paramount.
“Anytime I’m sick or tired, I still have to care of the guys in my unit,” he related. “It’s a rag-tag job but I love it.”
One of Kennedy’s favorite experiences on the job started with him sitting in a truck in Naragl. The Lieutenant was in a meeting with elders when he got a call on the radio.
“Doc, we need you by the square,” the voice on the radio sputtered.
Having heard no gun fire, Kennedy asked why he was needed. They responded that an 8-year-old boy had been hit by a car. Fearing the worst, he grabbed his equipment and ran 300 yards to the scene.
The boy only suffered three cuts in the accident, but Kennedy noticed the appreciation of the Afghanistan people as he went to the boy’s aid.
“It was great being able to show the locals that we were there to help them,” he stated. “It really showed me we were making a difference. It showed me it was working.”
The next time he saw the boy’s family they gave him a bracelet to show their appreciation. He still wears it today.
Although he’s been in 40-50 firefights, the toughest part of serving in the Army for him is “realizing you’re only as good as your weakest link.” He explains that, just like in school, everybody catches on to things at different times so it becomes vital that everybody helps those falling behind catch up to the same page for the benefit of the unit.
He went on to say that this is also what makes the Army great because it fosters soldiers to watch out for each other and strengthen one another.
“Being away from family is tough too,” he added with a nod. “They say, ‘absence makes the heart grow fonder.’ The time away makes you realize to make the most out of every moment with your loved ones. If you come home and don’t make the most of your time here, you’re missing the point.
“Every time I come home, I appreciate my wife a bit more,” he smiled.
He reports that his decision to serve was hard initially for his friends and family, but it’s brought a deeper respect for the country and those that have served.
“That’s not to say that Mom and Dad (Tammy and Larry Kennedy of Dublin) weren’t patriotic before, but there’s definitely a deeper respect now,” he said.
Through his own insight, he has also gained a deeper respect for the country and its military, especially soldiers from years past.
“It’s amazing. They were out there taking beaches without any of the equipment we have today,” he offered.
Kennedy plans to return in April and submit a packet for physicians’ assistant training in San Antonio.
“I really love helping people,” he confirmed- a fact that showed through in the broad smile he wore as he said it.